People who know a few Korean words may be puzzled when they see the question, “Have you eaten?” shown in English subtitles as, “How are you?” in numerous Korean films and drama series.

The question regarding whether or not you’ve eaten became widely used as a greeting around the Korean War (1950-53) period, when food was scarce and a full stomach was a symbol of well-being. This context is well understood after watching Disney+’s upcoming period drama original series “Uncle Samsik.”

The show revolves around post-war Korea in the 1960s, where the ultimate dream is to build Korea into an industrialized nation where no one goes hungry and everyone can have three proper meals every day. The show stars Cannes Award-winning actor Song Kang-ho as the titular character, a shady fixer who forms a bromance with the brainy young elite Kim San, played by Byun Yo-han, as they team up to achieve this goal.

“Uncle Samsik” is Song’s small screen debut, despite already having a decorated 34-year acting career. The show also stars actors Lee Kyoo-hyung, Jin Ki-joo, Seo Hyun-woo, Oh Seung-hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Tiffany Young and Joo Jin-mo.

Uncle Samsik, whose nickname literally translates to “three meals,” has a reputation of making sure those around him eat their three squares a day, even in trying times. He understands and communicates with the world through eating, which is what makes him a genuine and wholesome character, showrunner Shin Yeon-shick said during a press conference for the show at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas hotel in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Tuesday.

The show couldn’t represent the Korean sentiment any better than this, Song said, calling the title “very Korean.”

“To have it set in a time of poverty also makes us project ourselves into these fictional characters and think about the past,” he said.

The world knows Song best for starring in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” (2019), but his filmography goes far beyond this, filled with domestic hits like “Joint Security Area” (2000), “The Host” (2006), “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” (2008) and “Snowpiercer” (2013) to name a few.

Even the rest of the cast of “Uncle Samsik” agreed that they took on their respective roles because they wanted to work with the legendary Song.

“I was honored to be able to join in on the historic moment of Song starring in his first television series,” Seo said.

But for Song, it was a challenge because he felt that the intensity of acting in films and series are different. He had to continuously ask his co-stars for advice, which was ironic, given his veteran status.

“He would keep asking me if his acting was okay in some scenes, but honestly, what was I supposed to say to that?" Jin joked. The actor plays Choo Yeo-jin, San’s reporter girlfriend.

Showrunner Shin sees “Uncle Samsik” as more of a romance than a period drama or noir piece. The 1960s were crucial in shaping Korea into the country we know today, and it helped society become aware of its potential.

“You’ll be mulling over the show in your head while watching it, but in the end, you’ll be keeping it in your heart,” Song said.

“Uncle Samsik” premieres with its first five episodes on May 15 on Disney+.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]