Kwak Dong-yeon: "Selected for reserve duty 10 years ago, but 'Gurmi' filming... No regrets after enlisting as active-duty soldier" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Kwak Dong-yeon shared his thoughts ahead of his military enlistment.

On the morning of the 24th, Kwak Dong-yeon met with StarNews at a café on Hak-dong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for an interview related to the Netflix original series "Tale of the Nine Tailed: 1938."

"Tale of the Nine Tailed: 1938" tells the story of Goo Cheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who has the ability to cross between the human and spirit worlds, and palace maid Saeng-gang (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who holds a secret. They answer the king's (played by Jo Seung-woo) summons and uncover the curse residing in the Eastern Palace. The script was written by Seo Jae-won, known for "Entourage," "Guest House Daughters," and "The Uncanny Counter," while direction was handled by Choi Jung-kyu, known for "Red Moon, Blue Sun" and "Judge."

"Tale of the Nine Tailed: 1938" recorded 4.9 million viewers (calculated as total viewing time divided by the show's total runtime) within three days of its release on the 17th, ranking second among global top 10 non-English shows. Since its release, it has consistently held the number one spot in "Today's Top 10 Series in Korea," and further rose to the top 10 lists in a total of 27 countries including Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, and India, emerging as a global hit. Additionally, "Tale of the Nine Tailed: 1938" topped the TV/OTT drama buzz index for the third week of July released by Good Data Corporation's official platform FUNdex, with lead actor Nam Joo-hyuk securing the number one spot in actor buzz rankings.

Kwak Dong-yeon played the role of Crown Prince, placed at the center of a royal tragedy in the series. The Crown Prince stands at the starting point of bizarre events that have engulfed the palace. Having officially reopened the door to tragedies that shook the royal family for a long time, he became the starting point of a mystery that shook the entire palace upon his appearance. Kwak Dong-yeon organically connected the gentle demeanor of the Crown Prince with the chilling aura of an evil spirit, three-dimensionally completing the character's complex emotions. In particular, his reappearance in the final scene of episode 4, transforming into an evil spirit harboring deep resentment, shocked many viewers.

Kwak Dong-yeon debuted in 2012 with KBS 2TV's "You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly" and has since appeared in "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," "My ID is Gangnam Beauty," "Revenge of the Bitch," "Vincenzo," and "Queen of Tears." In April, he signed an exclusive contract with Double Black Label.

-You are scheduled to enlist as active-duty army personnel on August 25. How do you feel?

▶I don't want to complain since everyone is going, but after pursuing a single goal for over ten years since my debut and living outside my boundaries to live a completely different life, I have mixed feelings of worry and anticipation. Many people around me offer advice, but honestly, I don't want to hear anything. (Laughs)

-If there is one thing you most want to do personally before enlistment?

▶I would like to visit places in Korea that I have been curious about, if possible.

-In "Magic Sword: The Magic Collection" Season 2, actor Ko Kyung-pyo has joined Kwak Dong-yeon's role.

▶I understand that actor Ko Kyung-pyo is joining. I think it turned out very well because his personality is so round and warm. I believe he will be a perfect fit with Hyung Bo-gyeom and Hyung Sang-i. Since Hyung Bo-gyeom and Hyung Sang-i eat so much, Hyung Kyung-pyo might have to cook more than expected. It was such an enjoyable program.

-"Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" seems to be a significant work for actor Kwak Dong-yeon.

▶Actually, before filming "Gurmi," I was randomly selected for reserve duty, but then I got to film "Gurmi." I have no regrets.

-What kind of person do you want to be after your discharge?

▶I worry about falling too far behind the times. I think time is passing too fast even now. When I return, I will be 31 or 32 years old, so I hope I won't look too old. (Laughs)

-How has the age of thirty approached you?

▶I think I have lost some morning sleepiness and wake up well in the morning. My eyes open around 5 or 6 o'clock.

-You started as a child actor; when did you start feeling like 'I've become a senior on LINE'?

▶Sometimes the youngest staff members on set call me 'Senior.' They told me they are 21 years old.

-It seems you are not familiar with digital; do you not watch Reels either?

▶I only watch things like boxing and travel. I know about Youngkuk and Liseune. (Laughs)

-Was Park Bo-gum's personal connection a big factor in your move to Double Black Label?

▶I knew that I liked seeing how actor Park Bo-gum works, but I was also well acquainted with actor Lee Jong-won. Seeing two close actors together, I thought there would be synergy.

-It has been over 14 years since your acting debut.

▶I think my heart was too anxious. There were periods where my memories are fragmented. From now on, I think I need to live straight so that I can remember every moment of life well. I feel like I have lived hard, but now it is time to wrap up this chapter. In the coming 30s, I hope to live while savoring life properly.

-A message to your fans ahead of military enlistment.

▶I told my fans, 'It's an intermission, so please wait a little.' I think it is time to check the second act and calm our breathing to show better scenes. I want to show you an even better side after returning from the army. Please stay happy.

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*This content was translated by AI.