Doh Kyung-soo, also known as lead singer D.O. of K-pop band EXO, described his upcoming romance movie "Secret: Untold Melody," as one that evokes a gentle softness, promising that the film would warm the hearts of audiences.

"I think this film has a gentle softness that isn't overly stimulating. Since it's a romance film, I think it would be great for those who want to feel warmth, and since the original film is excellent, those who know the original will be curious about how it was remade in the Korean version,” Doh told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday.

"Secret: Untold Melody," a remake of the beloved 2007 Taiwanese film "Secret," tells the enchanting love story of Yoo-joon (Doh) and Jeong-ah (Won Jin-a), whose paths cross in a university music room that holds a secret beyond time.

Sharing his thoughts on the film and his motivations as a performer, the lead actor expressed a deep connection to the emotional core of the story.

"The film's exploration of love, fate and the power of music resonated with me deeply. I was drawn to the opportunity to portray a character who experiences such profound emotions,” he said.

He revealed that a significant factor in his decision to take on the role was the desire to embrace new challenges as an actor.

"There was a purpose in challenging myself to become someone who can play the piano," Doh said. "Because I loved the original so much, there was also the challenge of figuring out how to express it differently. These are some of the reasons why I continue to act. I think the greatest joy is experiencing things I don't normally get to do, so those were the biggest purposes.

While Doh appeared in films like "My Annoying Brother" (2016) and the "Along with the Gods" franchise, "Secret: Untold Melody" marks his first foray into the romance genre, which presented a new challenge.

"I think choosing a romance (film) was also a challenge," he said. "While working on projects, I find it fun to express conflict between characters, even if it's not a romance. I want to continue acting because I find it fun to experience those parts."

When asked about the original Taiwanese version, he said he first watched it during his school days and revisited it as he prepared for the Korean adaptation, adding that he felt the same emotions he experienced as a teenager.

"I first saw the original during my school days. I remember it as a very enjoyable film, and when I watched it again, I realized that the feelings I had back then were accurate," he said.

"When I watched it again, I noticed many technical aspects that I hadn't noticed before, like the way it was filmed from certain angles. I also saw the emotional lines of the actors in more detail, which I hadn't noticed at the time."

Beyond his acting career, Doh is celebrated as a member of the globally successful K-pop group EXO. Addressing the balance between his musical and acting pursuits, Doh emphasized the complementary nature of both art forms in his life.

"I don't think there's a big difference between singing and acting. I think I take on challenges in both acting and music,” he said.

He also offered a glimpse into his personal life, highlighting his passion for cooking. "I have a dream of running a restaurant someday, and I even obtained a cooking license to prepare for it." He further added that he served as a cook in the military, showing his dedication to his culinary aspirations.

“Secret: Untold Melody” will be released in theaters on Jan 27. (Baek Byung-yeul/The Korea Times)