Gong Yoo returns with Netflix series ‘Trunk’
“I don’t act based on the public’s immediate reaction.”
“An actor, not a businessman… “It’s vital to touch the heart.”
“I know there’s a fantasy about me, but it’s just an image.”
“I am an actor, not a businessman.”
Actor Gong Yoo (45) said, “I don’t pursue a specific genre. “What kind of story it is is important, and the direction of that story is important,” he said. He said, “I try not to chase the public’s immediate reaction.”
We often remember Gong yoo as ‘kim Shin’ from the drama ‘Goblin’ (2016). Slightly older fans may recall ‘Choi Han-gyeol’ from ‘The 1st shop of Coffee Prince’ (2007). The fantasy created by those romantic dramas made Gong Yoo into a man who was often close to her ideal type. If you don’t know exactly what Gong Yoo has been doing for the past 20 years, defining himself as “an actor, not a businessman” may sound a bit odd. It may be absurd to say that celebrities or actors who live off their image “do not pursue the public’s immediate reaction.”
However, when you look back on the path that Gong Yoo has taken, you realize that there is nothing strange about what he said. His filmography often includes striking choices. After being discharged from the military in 2009, the movie he chose was ‘The Crucible’ (2011).It was a film that our society absolutely needed, but there was no reason for a star like Gong Yoo to choose it. Immediately after enjoying explosive popularity with ‘Goblin’, the movie he chose was ‘Kim Ji-young, Born 1982’ (2019). In the entertainment industry, where it is considered best not to get caught up in any controversy, appearing in this talkative work is not an easy move to understand.
“I guess I’m just that kind of person. It is a personal desire, and I also feel a sense of accomplishment from it. Something needs to touch me. I may have to be curious. Although ‘Man and Woman’ had disastrous results, it is my favorite work in my filmography. I think it’s becoming a bit similar to the picture I had of being an actor when I was young. “I want to continue to fill out my list of works like this.”
That’s why I chose the Netflix series ‘Trunk’, which was released at the end of last month. A dark, uncomfortable and not easy story. A gloomy character. But it touched Gong Yoo’s heart. This work’s viewpoint on the world was similar to Gong Yoo’s perspective on the world, and the subject matter it dealt with was close to gong Yoo’s interests. “I look at the whole world from a dystopian perspective. So I like that kind of work. That’s what I did with ‘Sea of Silence’. “I’ve been thinking about marriage and children lately, and I think ‘Trunk’ resonated with me in that respect.”
simply put, Gong Yoo doesn’t seem to want to be left with a certain image. He said, “I think I can explain it this way. “I want to reduce the gap between actor Gong Yoo and human Gong Ji-cheol (real name) as much as possible,” he said. At the same time, Gong Yoo described himself as “just a really insignificant person” and seemed to be trying to throw away the very image that many people consider their ideal type. “You probably have fantasies about me. I am not afraid to reveal myself as much as possible. Watch ‘Excuse Go’. I’m just that kind of person. I’m so insignificant. Of course, there will be times when I get hurt. It’s okay though. “I think I’ll just live like this.”
Actor for 23 years. He said that no matter how much experience you gain and how hard you become, you still get hurt and have tough times. “That’s life. It shakes constantly. “It will continue to be that way.” he said that it was a very cliché answer, but that I could calm my mind because I had fans who recognized my choice. “Whether there are many or few fans like that, if there is such a person, I can continue acting. “It allows me to breathe.”
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How has Gong Yoo’s approach to acting evolved over his 23-year career?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Gong Yoo
Editor: Welcome, Gong Yoo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your return in the Netflix series Trunk has captivated the audience. Can you tell us what drew you to this project?
Gong Yoo: Thank you for having me! I was drawn to Trunk because of its unique outlook on life and its darker themes. I frequently enough look at the world through a dystopian lens, much like the characters in this series. It resonates with my current thoughts on life—I’ve been reflecting on marriage and family, so it felt deeply personal.
Editor: That’s interesting. you mentioned that you don’t act based on public reaction. Can you elaborate on that concept?
Gong Yoo: Absolutely. I beleive that as an actor, my primary focus should be on the story and its direction. I try not to chase immediate popularity or public opinion. Rather, I seek roles that touch my heart and inspire genuine curiosity within me. It’s vital for me to feel a connection to the character.
Editor: Your filmography shows a pattern of making brave choices. As a notable example, after your immense popularity with Goblin, you selected films like Kim Ji-young, Born 1982, which sparked conversation in society. What drives you to take such risks?
Gong Yoo: It might sound cliché, but it’s my personal desire to create meaningful work. I find a sense of accomplishment in tackling roles that are complex and controversial. While Man and Woman may not have performed well commercially, it remains one of my favorites because of its unique storytelling.
Editor: You mentioned wanting to bridge the gap between ”actor Gong Yoo” and “human Gong Ji-cheol.” Why is that vital to you?
Gong Yoo: I think it’s crucial to be authentic. I want people to see me as I am, not just the ideal image they have of me. I believe that every actor is a multifaceted person, and I don’t want to be defined solely by my roles. I want to strip away that fantasy and show my true self, imperfections included.
Editor: That’s a refreshing take in an industry often focused on image. How do you feel about the emotional aspect of being an actor? You’ve mentioned that even after 23 years, you still feel hurt and face tough times.
Gong Yoo: yes, no matter how much experience you gain, that emotional vulnerability remains part of life. It’s a common experience—life shakes us constantly. Though, knowing that there are fans out there who understand my choices gives me the strength to continue. Whether they are many or few, every bit of support allows me to breathe as an actor.
Editor: Looking ahead, what kind of stories do you hope to explore in the future?
Gong Yoo: I want to continue exploring narratives that challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Stories that reflect real human experiences and emotions resonate with me.It’s about creating dialog and perhaps, inspiring change.
Editor: Thank you, Gong yoo, for sharing your thoughts with us today. Your dedication to your craft and authenticity is truly admirable. We look forward to seeing you in Trunk and your future projects!
Gong Yoo: Thank you! I appreciate the prospect to share my journey. I hope my work continues to touch the hearts of many.