'Donggung' Kwak Dong-yeon abandons active reserve duty to secure 'Park Bo-gum'..'A once-in-a-lifetime choice' [★FULL Interview]

Este contenido ha sido traducido por IA.

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

Actor Kwak Dong-yeon released Netflix's original series 'Donggung' as his final work before enlisting in the army. In fact, he was selected for active reserve duty 10 years ago but ended up serving in the active ranks this year, a decade later, because he was cast in the KBS 2TV drama 'Moon Embracing the Sun' (hereinafter 'Moon') at that time.

"Still, I have no regrets." Kwak Dong-yeon considers 'Moon', which became 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 Soo-bin, and will also present a 10th-anniversary commemorative travel broadcast.

'Donggung' tells the story of Gu Cheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who has the ability to cross between the world of spirits and the human world, and palace maid Saeng-gang (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who keeps a secret. 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, known for 'Entourage', 'The Guest', and 'Bulgasal', and directed by Choi Jung-kyu, known for 'Red Moon, Blue Sun' and 'Judge Lee Jun-young'.

'Donggung' recorded 4.9 million views (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. 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, 'Donggung' 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 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 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 Embracing the Sun', 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'Revenge of Others', 'Vincenzo', and 'Queen of Tears'. Last 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 increasingly 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, the production company, there was trust.

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

▶There are three directors at Showrunners, but working with Director Choi Jung-kyu felt like breaking 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 simply enjoyable. It was the first and last time I met my senior actor that day.

-What were the difficulties with the special makeup?

▶The scene where his 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 acting-wise. 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 bloody makeup 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 that 'the true protagonist of Donggung is the Crown Prince'.

▶I haven't heard that. (Laughs) Since I could potentially be the mastermind behind the incident, it seems I did play 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 co-star male actors. 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 talk about very private matters, 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 the action sequence, 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 set, she would approach me first. She seemed to have great stamina by showing that she wouldn't give up until the end.

-It is reported that KBS 2TV drama 'Moon Embracing the Sun', 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 Soo-bin?

▶There is a more important duty (military enlistment), but I want to participate as much as possible in the Banco de Corea participation.

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

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

-You are scheduled to enlist in the active ranks of 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, I am half-worried and half-excited about leaving my boundaries and living a completely different life. Many people have given me advice, but actually, I don't want to hear anything. (Laughs)

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

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

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

▶I understand that actor Ko Kyung-pyo is joining. Since his personality is so round and friendly, I think it turned out very well. I believe he will be a perfect fit with Park Bo-gum and Sang-i. Both Park 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 am worried about falling too far behind the times. I think the times are moving 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 seem to have lost some morning sleepiness and wake up well in the morning. My eyes open around 5 or 6 o'clock.

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

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

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

▶I only watch things like boxing and travel. I know about Youngkrunk and Lysine. (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 also knew actor Lee Jong-won well. Seeing two close actors together made me think 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 I remember things in fragments. From now on, I think I should live straight so that I can remember every moment well as I go through life. I feel like I have lived hard, but now it is time to finish one chapter. In the upcoming 30s, I hope to live while savoring life well.

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Este contenido ha sido traducido por IA.