Actor Hong Kyung's portrayal of Seo Go-myung is indeed 'Good News'.
On the 17th, Netflix released the film 'Good News'. Set in the 1970s, the movie depicts a suspicious operation by a group determined to land a hijacked plane by any means necessary. It was previously screened at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival and the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
With the film already garnering critical attention, expectations were high. 'Good News' finally unveiled itself and soared freely, meeting those expectations. Particularly, Hong Kyung's mesmerizing performance as elite Air Force Lieutenant Seo Go-myung was overwhelming.
Having previously been noted for his nuanced portrayals of youth, Hong Kyung unveiled a new facet through Seo Go-myung. As a soldier with ambitions for success, he intricately depicted the complex inner conflict between ambition and conviction, breathing life into the character.
Amidst the unpredictable plot that constantly oscillates between truth and lies, Hong Kyung was always at the center of the tense emotional standoffs between characters. He skillfully navigated the rapidly changing emotions of confusion, conflict, and fear, enriching the character's depth with his trademark detailed acting.
Hong Kyung's intense masculinity was also prominent. He solidly constructed Seo Go-myung with a rugged and firm exterior befitting a soldier, complemented by charisma, coldness, and wit through variations in gaze, expression, and breath. At the same time, he revealed the ideals and struggles of a human being, maintaining the film's tension.
'Good News' is filled with Hong Kyung's deep effort and affection. His portrayal of a trilingual character fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese received praise. Beyond mere dialogue delivery, his natural foreign language acting added dimension to the character, fully immersing viewers in the film.
Hong Kyung confidently presented a well-prepared and ambitious result, once again surprising the audience. The new facets of Hong Kyung discovered in 'Good News' left a deep impression and lasting impact, making it inevitable to look forward to his future endeavors.
The film 'Good News', showcasing Hong Kyung's standout performance, is currently streaming on Netflix.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr