Unlike the mean appearance shown in the drama 'Paper Moon', actor Jeong Gong-hwan, wearing a navy shirt and black slacks, greeted reporters with a gentle smile.
On the morning of the 15th, Jeong Gong-hwan conducted an interview commemorating the end of the Genie TV original drama 'Paper Moon' at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. He answered with a hearty smile throughout the interview, making you wonder how he would play 'Paper Moon' Choi Ki-hyun, who had a cold look toward his wife and didn't hesitate to say dismissive things.
Jeong Gong-hwan played the role of Kim Seo-hyung's husband Choi Ki-hyeon in the play. Fame and social success are her goals in life, and Yui-hwa is a character with a sense of entitlement. He drew the ire of viewers for his rude behavior, such as discarding the baby items that his wife, who desperately wanted to get pregnant, had collected, and recording the money he spent on his father-in-law.
The harsh words that disrespect Kim Seo-hyung cannot be left out. Jeong Gong-hwan also said, "I was surprised" from the script reading, and "Ki-hyun's lines were respectful from beginning to end. Even though he has been married for over 10 years, he has no children, and he ignores his wife and says everything in a respectful manner."
He continued, "I kept clashing emotionally, but it was funny because he kept using respectful language. I thought those parts would be difficult, so I coordinated with the director and writer and changed it to 'anti-respectful'." “It seems like it is,” he said.
'Paper Moon' was so popular that it ranked high since its first broadcast and was even invited to the Rendezvous section of the non-competitive section of the 6th Cannes Drama Festival. On the other hand, the viewership ratings were weak. Regarding this, Jeong Gong-hwan said, "Of course, I would have been happy and happy if the viewer ratings had been better," and added, "I think it is meaningful because it is a hot topic."
He also said, "Senior Kim Seo-hyung's energy and acting skills that led the play were amazing. In addition, I think he gained popularity because the staff supported the camera angles and colors well." He added, "In the case of Choi Ki-hyun, although he received a lot of criticism, the device elements were “Because it was a strong character, the response was as much as I had planned. In short, I received as much criticism as I had planned. The staff and Kim Seo-hyung’s contribution is greater than mine,” he explained.
When you think of Jeong Gong-hwan, 'an actor specializing in villain roles' naturally comes to mind. When asked if he had any regrets about his image becoming a villain, Gong Gong-hwan said, "I don't feel any pressure," and added, "I played a villain, so I have to play a good character in my next work. It's not like that. I tend to think it would be good to change little by little while continuing to act. In the end, “Even if they are the same villain, aren’t they all different?”
At the same time, he expressed regret, saying, “I want to do comedy, but the scripts aren’t coming in,” and “most of the scripts that are coming in are for villains.”
Jeong Gong-hwan, who debuted as a model in 1994, has continued his career as an actor in the 2006 drama 'Soul Mate'. 'Designated Survivor 60 Days', 'Member of Society', 'New Officer Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryeong', 'Halo', 'Special Agent', 'Hansan: Appearance of the Dragon', etc., from historical dramas to contemporary dramas, and from dramas to the big screen, supporting roles, leading roles, He has performed passionately in various works, including special appearances.
"I do everything because they need me. If you call me, almost everyone responds. Where is the call? I have decided to do 100 works by the age of 70. I plan to do 4 works a year without stopping. Works. "I feel like I'm going to die when I'm not there. I don't try to rest if I can. Even if I rest for more than a month, it becomes difficult."
Jeong Gong-hwan, who is expected to appear in a historical drama in the future, said, "I am really grateful for the high level of interest in 'Paper Moon'. I think you must have had a lot of fun criticizing Choi Ki-hyun." He added, "He is neither handsome nor lacking in character, and seems very bad, but has a good side." "I think I've been able to work consistently because I have the right amount of charm. I hope you enjoy watching my next work as well," he said.
Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr