"Always leave them laughing," as the classic George M. Cohan quote and Hollywood truism goes.

South Korean actor Kwon Sang Woo explained why he goes all out to achieve that goal, in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar.

"I′m happiest when my audience laughs as they watch whatever I′m in," Kwon said. "I want to be remembered as a cheerful actor."

Best known for his role in the 2003 film "My Tudor Friend" and the high-rated TV program "Stairway To Heaven," Kwon's newest project is the hospital drama "Medical Top Team," which premieres on October 8.

It is the first time the 37-year-old actor has attempted to play a character in the medical profession.

Although it may not give him the chance to flex his comedy muscles, Kwon called the new role a welcome change of pace.

"I never imagined I would be taking up a role like this, but I'll be wearing a doctor′s gown in my next drama," he said.

"I want to hear praise that Kwon Sang Woo is great in realistic roles, and not just roles like rich boys or princes."

Kwon, who worked as a model in the 1990s, began his acting career, with the 2001 television drama "Delicious Proposal."

Although he found success on both film and television within the first few years, Kwon experienced a career slump in the late 2000s, when several of his television projects met with low ratings and his films failed to see adequate box office returns.

Yet the actor found success once again as a high school student in the 2010 film, "71: Into the Fire," depicting The Korean War.

Later that year, the actor was forced to pay $5,900 after he crashed into a police car and a parked car in Seoul, according to the Korea Times.

Although he fled the scene, the actor reportedly turned himself into local authorities two days later.

Looking back at a decade in film and television that has had its share of ups and downs, Kwon said he's always valued his individuality.

"Sometimes I come to think of myself as an outsider compared to other actors," he said.

"I don′t want to have an image that's like any other actor's. I want to hear from others that 'Kwon Sang Woo looks like he's going he′s own way, but he′s still doing fine.'"