‘BL Water Challenge’ Gongchan says, “It’s like a melodrama”

Gongchan from the group B1A4 took on the challenge of appearing in the BL drama 'Unintentional Love Story'. Gongchan emphasized that although the genre of BL drama may be unfamiliar, people should look at the emotions between people.

On the 16th, a press conference for the TV drama 'Unintentional Love Story' (hereinafter referred to as 'Bi Love Story') was held at Leica Cinema in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul. Director Jang Eui-soon and actors Gong Chan, Won Tae-min, and Do-woo attended.

'Biyeondam' is a heart-pounding romance drama that restores trust and tells the story of two men who fall in love for real after a relationship that started with a lie.

Director Jang said, "I focused on blending into the actors' characters. BL is in some ways a minority genre, so I wondered how it could appeal to people, perhaps through freedom and love." Director Jang, who has experience participating in MBC's 'Coffee Prince', said, "In 'Coffee Prince', I thought the main characters were of the same sex and became close friends, but I later found out that they were not. I think there was a feeling of innocence back then as well. This time, the production company and the people's emotions were related. We talked a lot about it. We did that while preparing for ‘Biyeon.’ We thought we could make it with an original work that has depth and makes the characters sticky.

Gong Chan plays Ji Won-yeong, an employee in the general affairs department of a large company who must win the heart of the chairman's favorite artist, potter Tae-jun Yoon (played by Seo-won Cha), in order to be reinstated. Ji Won-young has a bright nature and likes to help people, so she is a ‘core person’ who always has people around her.

Gongchan introduced the character, saying, "When he goes out for a walk, he seems like a more excited dog than his owner. I tried to express that side." He continued, "There were many scenes that I wanted to match the original as much as possible, such as the way Wonyoung gradually opens up her heart. So, I always tried to carry a comic book with me. I thought about how I could express the delicate emotions expressed in the original."

Regarding his challenge to the BL genre, Gongchan said, "Isn't it still an unfamiliar genre to the public? When I saw the original work, I didn't think of it that way, and people like it, and I was very immersed in expressing honest emotions, so I devoted myself to it at once. When filming, I was obsessed with the character. "As we interacted with each other as Crank members, we met often and exchanged emotions before becoming cranks, so we naturally became close friends, so there were no emotional problems when acting. We felt comfortable with each other," he said.

Gongchan said, "It was BL, but it felt like a melodrama. I read it comfortably, and I thought other people would also find it comfortable. It was beautiful to have a relationship where we could heal each other's pain by sharing secrets and wounds that we could share with others. I was the healer, the healer. “I felt like I was receiving it,” he said, explaining the reason for his appearance.

Gongchan, who referenced popular BL works such as 'Semantic Error', pointed out what differentiates 'Biyeondam'. He said, "I thought that (other BL dramas) were no different from romantic comedies and melodramas. I felt like they were a couple in love rather than a man-woman couple. I think I was immersed in it because it was fun. The difference is that the four characters are diverse, so it's different to be immersed in each character. “I think I’m confident that I won’t miss a single moment.”

Gongchan's co-star, Cha Seo-won, is currently serving in the military. Cha Seo-won plays the role of Yoon Tae-jun, a genius potter who disappeared as if erased from the world. Taejun Yoon is a man of few words and appears harsh at first glance, but deep inside he is kind.

Gongchan said, "I couldn't go to the meeting. My brother said he could visit me, so I plan to go to the meeting with the actors and director when the time is right." He continued, "Nowadays, I can use a cell phone, so my brother supports me and cares about me. It may be difficult, but he did a good job promoting it and said he was sorry, saying, 'I should have been there.' I'm grateful that my brother contacted me like this. He also said that we should come out and promote together." He said.

Cha Seo-won delivered her greetings through video. Cha Seo-won explained the character of Yoon Tae-jun, "He looks cold, but is a warm person. Through Ji Won-young, a person with deep wounds changes into a bright and warm person." Regarding the reason for his appearance, he said, "I thought it was a perfect composition and story. Secondly, I thought it was the result of acting that I can excel at." He then expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was possible because my partner Gongchan helped me a lot.” When asked to choose a famous scene, he replied, "A scene like 'Love and Soul'. The second is Ji Won-young and her first kiss. I am sure that the color and temperature of the space and atmosphere will be a famous scene. And the long-awaited ending scene was filmed beautifully."

Cha Seo-won left a message to her fellow actors, saying, "I'm sorry that my brother, Chan, is leaving a lot of burden on you. I feel like even Do-woo and Taemin will do their part, so I'm leaving with peace of mind." Regarding the meaning of this work, he said, "It is a work that will give me the greatest memories before I go to the military, and will remain a happy work for the next 5 to 10 years of my life."

Do-woo appears as Kim Dong-hee, the owner of a handsome cafe. Kim Dong-hee reunites with her long-time first love, who was her childhood friend, and shows off their fiery chemistry. Do-woo said, "I first received the synopsis and read the original webtoon. It was an unfamiliar genre, but it was fun, so I watched it all that day. I went to the audition and talked to the director. I thought it was something I would definitely like to try as an actor. I got good results, so I decided to give it a try." “I was able to do it. It was a work that allowed me to grow to the next level,” he said.

Regarding the BL genre, Do-woo said, "There are many other emotions besides love. In the play, I bicker with Ho-tae (played by Won Tae-min), and there are situations where I can't love because various situations are intertwined. There is friendship and a family-like feeling. It's all about joys and sorrows. “I didn’t practice focusing only on the emotion of love. I practiced and filmed emotions that can appear in various situations,” he said.

Won Tae-min played the role of Go Ho-tae, Kim Dong-hee's childhood friend. Won Tae-min said, "This is my second BL. The production company contacted me. I read all the works and I found Ho-tae attractive. He had similar and different aspects to me. It was a work I really wanted to do, so I had more fun and enjoyed filming it." reported.

Won Tae-min said, "I thought fans of the original webtoon would want a high synchronization rate, so I paid attention to that part. Although Ho-tae has tattoos and is rough, he is a man who is more pure and straightforward than anyone else. I tried to express that side."

Won Tae-min said, "I'm unfamiliar with the BL genre, but LOVE is the same. I tried to do it without hesitation as much as possible. We all met at Seo-won's brother's house, drank together, and became close friends. We became close even before filming. While filming, I didn't think about that much and just loved it. “I had fun filming while thinking about my emotions,” he said.

Director Jang said, "Unlike today's dramas, there are not many provocative incidents. Please watch a pure romance where people like other people." Gongchan hoped, “I hope it becomes a work that you can introduce to your friends.” Won Tae-min said, “I hope it becomes a work that my mother and father can also enjoy watching.” Do-woo expressed his will, saying, "I was active in acting, but I took on the challenge of this work with the mindset of a fresh start after returning from military service. I want to use this work as an opportunity to show you more works."

‘Biyeondam’ will be released for the first time at 12 noon on the 17th.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr