Kim Eun-hee (KE): The character of Ashin came about during the early to mid-stages of working on the second season, and when I was looking into what part of the story to bring to life for the latter part of the season. The resurrection plant has certain cold properties, so I naturally looked to the northern areas of Joseon. I came across a marginalised group of people of the time, and I took an interest in that aspect. During that process, the character was crystallised.

The story behind Ashin is very long and complex. Because it is such an overarching story with a long timeline, in terms of the chronological aspect, I felt it would be more audience-friendly and conducive to higher quality content if we condensed it into a special episode,  rather than incorporating it into a third season.

GJ: I play Ashin, who was born and raised near the Amnok River, and is part of the marginalised group of people living within these boundaries. They didn’t belong to any particular clan and were looked down upon and not welcomed anywhere.

In terms of the physique or stamina that the character required, I was ready before I started playing the role of Ashin. I tried to focus mostly on how to interpret the character’s anguish, hurt, and emotions into wanting to avenge the land of Joseon.

GJ: No, not at all. Before we even started filming, one of the things I was most excited about was coming face to face with the actors dressed as zombies. When I got on set, I realised how much trouble all of the actors had to go through to present themselves as convincing zombies. I was also able to take pictures with them to brag to my friends and family.

PB: I had experience working with the zombies in season two. We would have these scenes in the forest, and sometimes I got startled by the actors in their costumes having a meal in the dark woods at night. I didn’t get startled this time around, but I would see them in their full makeup and costumes while on the phone and having everyday conversations with their family. Seeing all of that made me realise the fine line between life and death. It got me thinking about what the undead really are, and it was a new and familiar experience in that way.

Gianna Jun: There was a significant level of pressure for me, since I participated at a later date, and in a series I loved so much. My personality is one that does well under pressure, so I deliberately tried to feel the (positive) pressure in order to do better. I didn’t want to make it look like I was enjoying the ride and joining what’s already propelled into being a great show. So I really focused on bringing everything I had into the series.

PB: Rather than being daunted, I tried to focus on what I had to do. It’s a positive type of pressure because that’s exactly what helps actors be better performers and drives better performances. I think that it’s the role of an actor to interpret the kind of energy that goes into a great performance.