"If you're not cute, die." Kang Dong-won to Eom Tae-gu, pouring passion into 'Wild Thing' [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kang Dong-won dances, and Eom Tae-gu raps. 'Wild Thing' promises laughter in theaters with an unexpected combination.

On the 7th, the production report for the film 'Wild Thing' (directed by Son Jae-gon) was held at Lotte Cinema in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Director Son Jae-gon, along with actors Kang Dong-won, Park Ji-hyun, Eom Tae-gu, and Oh Jung-se, attended the event.

'Wild Thing' is a comedy film about the three-member mixed dance group 'Triangle,' which once dominated the music industry but disbanded overnight due to an unexpected incident, as they make a reckless challenge to seize a chance for redemption after 20 years.

Director Son Jae-gon explained, "During the production process, we looked into many singers from the 1990s to the 2000s. However, we did not borrow any specific incidents; everything was decided within the setting."

Kang Dong-won, Eom Tae-gu, and Park Ji-hyun, who possess all three qualities of visuals, acting skills, and trendiness, are transforming into the 2000s mixed dance group 'Triangle,' drawing attention. Director Son stated, "Casting is inevitably subjective. I thought, 'Wouldn't it be fun if these actors did it?' so I proposed it. Mr. Kang Dong-won had been sending me the script repeatedly before, and it's not easy for an actor like him to choose a comedy film. Rather than me choosing him, he chose to take on the role."

He continued, "In the case of Mr. Eom Tae-gu, as everyone can feel, the very thought of 'What if that person became a rapper?' would be extremely fun." He added, "Ms. Park Ji-hyun was the most eye-catching new image among the cast at the time of casting, so I wanted to work with her."

Kang Dong-won returns as the leader of 'Triangle' and the dance machine 'Hyun-woo.' He is expected to portray the character's transformation in a three-dimensional manner, blending the image of a breakdancing idol who perfectly executed headspins and turn-of-the-century styling with the bleak daily life of a survival-type broadcaster.

He said, "While preparing for 'Wild Thing,' I always thought idols were amazing, but now I respect them even more." Regarding his reason for choosing 'Wild Thing,' he stated, "My favorite genre has always been comedy."

He further added, "The script was also too fun. It was packed with comedy, and the best part was the tightly closed ending. The story of the four characters heading toward the ending was so fun that I wanted to do it."

Kang Dong-won mentioned that he practiced headspins for about five months, saying, "At first, my understanding of hip-hop was zero. I didn't listen to hip-hop much, and I didn't know much about it. After receiving this script, I thought, 'How funny would it be if I did a headspin?' My wish was for the audience to feel touched and laugh."

He continued, "I really worked hard. I didn't know the genre of breakdancing at all; my feet barely touched the ground. It's almost a dance that defies gravity. It was confusing whether it was dance or gymnastics." He revealed, "Once I decided to do it, it's no exaggeration to say it was the hardest thing I've ever learned. I usually practice a lot before filming, but this time I felt it wasn't enough. I thought, 'If I had more time to practice, I could have spun at least half a turn more.'"

Eom Tae-gu takes on the role of 'Sang-gu,' an overly passionate storm rapper, undergoing a dramatic transformation. He dreams of being a genuine hip-hop warrior full of swagger but plays a role living as an insurance agent after his solo album fails.

He said he put in great effort for five months to act as an idol, stating, "There was a teacher at JYP, so I went there whenever I had a chance to practice." He further explained, "The script for 'Wild Thing' was too fun, and the director was also great. Also, since (Kang Dong-won) senior was already confirmed to play the role of 'Hyun-woo,' that also had a big influence on my decision to join."

He added, "The moments I regretted joining were when my acting came out lacking or when I couldn't make people laugh enough, and my heart felt a bit heavy. I approached this with the mindset of 'If you're not cute, die.' Watching senior practice gave me a lot of inspiration."

Park Ji-hyun, who plays 'Domi,' the center and absolute charm of 'Triangle,' said, "I was a fan of Director Son Jae-gon even before I read the script. I enjoyed his previous work, 'The Villain of the Second Floor,' and when I read the script, I wanted to express the dual-natured character of 'Domi.' I had a strong craving for comedy, and I felt I finally found a work that could satisfy that."

She continued, "When the script came to me, Kang Dong-won and Eom Tae-gu seniors were already cast. As I read it, it became too fun. I couldn't imagine Kang Dong-won senior doing headspins and breaking dance, and it seemed so fun that Eom Tae-gu senior would rap, so I decided to join."

Additionally, Oh Jung-se takes on the role of 'Choi Seong-gon,' the original ear-piercing boyfriend and the tragic ballad prince, adding vitality to the film.

Oh Jung-se said, "The script was fun, and I wanted to work with the director. I also had expectations about how the director would shape this story with his unique style. Not only me, but many people will have questions about Kang Dong-won's dancing, Eom Tae-gu's rapping, and me as a ballad singer. I think those questions will instead spark curiosity, anticipation, and interest."

Finally, Kang Dong-won expressed his wish that "the audience, after watching this film, would recall a time when they shone," while Oh Jung-se stated, "We did our best to make this a fun, warm, and pleasant film. I hope that wish is conveyed."

Meanwhile, 'Wild Thing' will be available in theaters on June 3.

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*This content was translated by AI.