'Donggung' Kwak Dong-yeon Gives Up Reserve Duty to Land 'Park Bo-gum' Role.. 'A Choice of a Lifetime' [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I told fans, 'Please wait a little while during the intermission.' I think it's time to check the second act and calm our breathing to show even better scenes. I want to show you an even better side after returning from the military."

Actor Kwak Dong-yeon released Netflix Original series 'Donggung' as his final work before enlisting in the military. In fact, he was selected for active reserve duty 10 years ago but ended up serving as an active-duty soldier this year, a decade later, because he was cast in KBS 2TV drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' (hereinafter 'Moon Lovers') at the time.

"Still, I have no regrets." Kwak Dong-yeon considers 'Moon Lovers', which was a massive hit with a viewership rating of 23.3%, his representative work. He formed precious bonds with Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Jin Young, and Chae Soobin, and will also present a 10th-anniversary commemorative travel broadcast.

'Donggung' is a story about Gucheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who has the ability to cross between the world of spirits, and palace maid Saenggang (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who keeps a secret, as they answer the king's (played by Jo Seung-woo) summons and uncover the curse residing in Donggung. The script was written by Kwon So-ra, Seo Jae-won, known for 'Entourage', 'The Guest', and 'Bulgasal: Immortal Souls', and directed by Choi Jung-gyu, known for 'Red Moon, Blue Sun' and 'Judge Lee Do-hyun'.

'Donggung' recorded 4.9 million viewers (calculated by dividing total viewing time by the show's total runtime) within three days of its release on July 17, ranking second among global top 10 non-English shows. It consistently held the number one spot on 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea' since its immediate release 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. 'Donggung' also 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.

Kwak Dong-yeon played the role of Crown Prince, placed at the center of a royal tragedy in the drama. The Crown Prince stands at the starting point of bizarre events that 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 face of the Crown Prince with the chilling aura of an evil spirit, three-dimensionally completing the character's complex emotions. In particular, his reappearance at the end of episode 4, transformed 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 Others', 'Vincenzo', and 'Queen of Tears'. In April, he signed an exclusive contract with Double Black Label.

-What are your impressions now that 'Donggung' has been released?

▶From the very beginning of filming, the character itself could be a spoiler, so I became more careful as the release date approached. Still photos were released the day before the premiere. I was bewildered. (Laughs) Fans asked me what I was doing during filming, but I couldn't tell them, which was frustrating.

-How did you feel when you first received the offer to appear?

▶I couldn't imagine what form it would take within a historical drama, but since I have a close relationship with the director from Showrunners production company, there was trust.

-Wasn't the 'Donggung' character the most difficult and challenging to act?

▶There are three directors at Showrunners production company, but working with Director Choi Jung-gyu felt like breaking through a seal. I was curious about working with him. The director explained things very well, which sparked my sense of challenge.

-There were positive reviews that you and Jo Seung-woo performed an 'acting magic show' in the drama.

▶Actually, I only acted with a normal face in that one scene. (Laughs) That day of filming was just enjoyable. It was the first and last time I met my senior on that day.

-What were the difficulties with the special makeup?

▶The scene where my hair turned white was the most difficult. Everything was made of rubber. Wearing lenses meant I couldn't see well, so it felt like my hands and feet were tied when trying to express things through acting. I got used to it somewhat during filming, and since there are large action sequences, I thought I should use my body well if I can't use my face.

-The makeup with blood splatter also seemed not easy.

▶What was truly amazing about the 'Donggung' makeup team was that they prepared various tastes of blood. Basically, it had a sweet taste like coffee mix, and they even added Earl Grey flavor.

-The director also said, 'The true protagonist of Donggung is the Crown Prince.'

▶I haven't heard that. (Laughs) Since I could potentially be the mastermind behind the events, I think it was indeed an important role.

-Is there any reaction from those around you that stands out?

▶I thought there were no scary scenes in 'Donggung', but some acquaintances said they found it scary. I realized such reactions could happen.

-You are famous for having good luck with male co-stars. What kind of luck did you enjoy in 'Donggung'?

▶I met a wonderful senior again this time. Since the filming set was tight, we couldn't have very private conversations, but I had a mission in my heart. I heard an acquaintance is a fan of Nam Joo-hyuk, so I tried to get his autograph and eventually succeeded. There was a scene where he fought me with a very long sword during action sequences, and the martial arts team executed the desired moves perfectly.

-How was your acting chemistry with actress Noh Yoon-seo?

▶I filmed as much with actress Noh Yoon-seo as I did with Nam Joo-hyuk. I could see her giving her all in every single take, and she showed a lot of consideration for her co-star. Sometimes when I would feel awkward arriving at the filming set, she would approach me first. She showed that she wouldn't give up until the end, and I think her stamina was also incredible.

-It is reported that KBS 2TV drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo', a successful work of actor Kwak Dong-yeon, is preparing for a 10th-anniversary special broadcast. With actor Kwak Dong-yeon about to enlist soon, will he be able to appear alongside lead actors Kim Yoo-jung, Park Bo-gum, Jin Young, and Chae Soobin?

▶I have a more important duty (military enlistment), but I want to participate as much as possible.

-How did the 'Moon Lovers 10th Anniversary Reunion' come about?

▶It was an idea proposed by Park Bo-gum. The conversation went, 'Since it's our 10th anniversary of Moon Lovers, we should leave something behind.' We five actors, the director, and the staff are very close-knit.

-You are scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier in the Army on August 25. What is your state of mind?

▶Since everyone is going, I don't want to complain, but after living for over a decade with just one goal since my debut, stepping out of my boundary to live a completely different life brings half worry and half expectation. Many people give me advice, but actually, I don't want to hear anything. (Laughs)

-If there is something you personally most want to do before enlisting?

▶If possible, I would like to visit places in Korea that I was curious about.

-Actor Ko Kyung-pyo has joined the spot of actor Kwak Dong-yeon in 'Bo-gum Magic Cul' Season 2.

▶I understand that actor Ko Kyung-pyo is joining. Since his personality is so round and friendly, I think it worked out very well. I believe he will be a perfect fit with Bo-gum and Sang-i. Bo-gum and Sang-i eat a lot, so Kyung-pyo might have to cook more than expected. It was such a fun program.

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

▶I'm worried about falling too far behind the times. I think the times are moving too fast even now. When I return, I'll 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've lost some morning sleepiness and wake up well in the morning. My eyes open around 5 or 6 AM.

-You started acting as a child actor; when did you start feeling, 'I'm becoming a senior now'?

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

-It seems you're not familiar with digital; do you not watch things like reels?

▶I only watch boxing and travel content. I know of Yeongkeukeu and Liseune. (Laughs)

-Was Park Bo-gum's friendship a big influence on your move to Double Black Label?

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

-It's been over 14 years since your acting debut.

▶I think my heart was also anxious. There were periods where memories are fragmented. From now on, I think I need to live straight so that I can remember every moment well as I go through life. I feel like I've lived hard, but now it's time to wrap up this chapter. In the upcoming 30s, I hope to live while savoring life well.

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*This content was translated by AI.