Kim Dong-wook Discusses Balancing Real Life and On-Screen Roles in 'The Neighbors Upstairs'

"It's rare for an actor's personal life to align perfectly with their on-screen roles. My current situation or patterns don't make it harder or easier. I don't think it should have a significant impact. If there are aspects where I can draw help, I will, but if not, it doesn't become a hindrance. Haha."

Despite enjoying a blissful newlywed life, Kim Dong-wook portrays a character in a cold marriage in the film 'The Neighbors Upstairs.' The movie, directed by and starring Ha Jung-woo, follows the story of a downstairs couple (Gong Hyo-jin & Kim Dong-wook) with a mundane marriage who dine with their noisy upstairs neighbors (Ha Jung-woo & Lee Ha-nee), known for their loud nocturnal activities. Kim Dong-wook plays Hyun-soo, the distant husband to Im Jung-ah (played by Gong Hyo-jin).

The film delves into explicit discussions about marital intimacy, pushing boundaries beyond the typical 'R-rated' content. Kim Dong-wook recalls, "I didn't know the film would tackle such themes. I only knew it was based on a Spanish original and that Jung-woo was directing and acting in it." The Spanish version's realistic acting made it less provocative, but the adaptation heightened the intensity.

"We often questioned, 'Is this level okay?' We adjusted the script during readings and rehearsals to ensure it wasn't overwhelming for the audience. We had thorough pre-production discussions."

Kim Dong-wook's character, Hyun-soo, is more grounded compared to others. While Kim Sun-sang (Ha Jung-woo) and Soo-kyung (Lee Ha-nee) casually discuss their intimate lives, Hyun-soo struggles with such openness. He often reacts strongly to the upstairs couple's candid conversations, while his wife Jung-ah listens with curiosity. This dynamic leaves Hyun-soo feeling out of place. Kim Dong-wook shared, "I spent a lot of time figuring out the right tone for my character."

"I was concerned that Hyun-soo's realistic reactions might disrupt the film's flow, making him seem overly sensitive or sharp. I discussed extensively with the director on how to portray him."

Coincidentally, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook's co-star, is also enjoying a sweet newlywed life. She remarked, "We talked about what it might be like when a couple becomes too familiar or complacent. Instead of drawing from what we've seen, we discussed what it would truly be like." Kim Dong-wook, working with Gong Hyo-jin for the first time, was impressed by her 'realistic acting.'

"Gong Hyo-jin's greatest strength is making it feel like we've been acting together for months, even though it's our first time. Her performances are so genuine that I initially thought they were mistakes. Watching the monitor, I realized those moments captured raw acting. I understand why she's known for her hyper-realistic performances. She's honest in her expression."

Kim Dong-wook, who married in 2023, is expecting a daughter with his wife, Stella Kim, a former SM Entertainment trainee. "I've heard that when a wife is pregnant, hormonal changes affect the husband too, making the wife appear more beautiful. I don't know if it's true, but I feel it is," he said, laughing. "Thankfully, I don't think our marriage will head towards disaster. We're ready for the parenting battle."

When asked about his aspirations as a father, Kim Dong-wook shared, "I've always envisioned being a dad who communicates frequently with his child, like a friend. I want the same with my wife, though not too casually. Haha."

By Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr