Rising Star Yoon Gai Transitions from SNL Korea to Promising Acting Career

Yoon Gai, who gained recognition through Coupang Play's 'SNL Korea' (SNL), has successfully transitioned into a serious acting career. Known as one of the biggest beneficiaries of SNL, Yoon strategically exited the show to avoid being typecast and to expand his potential as an actor. His upcoming projects have already captured public interest.

During his two-year stint from SNL Season 4 to Season 5, Yoon Gai showcased a variety of parodies and comedic performances. He notably gained significant recognition by parodying the character Young-sook from the ENA and SBS Plus variety show 'I Am SOLO'. However, he did not appear in SNL Season 6, a decision seen as a move to prevent typecasting.

An industry insider commented, "Yoon Gai's timely departure from SNL was a wise decision for a sustainable acting career. His absence during the early controversies of SNL Season 6, involving parodies of writer Han Kang and foreigner Hani, also helped maintain his value."

Post-SNL, Yoon Gai accelerated his career as a serious actor. He recently appeared in the SBS drama 'My Perfect Secretary', starring Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk, where he played a deputy at People’s, adding vitality to the series. The drama achieved double-digit ratings within just three episodes, highlighting Yoon's acting skills and presence.

Immediately after 'My Perfect Secretary', Yoon Gai joined the cast of MBC's 'Undercover High School', a highly anticipated drama marking Seo Kang-joon's return from military service. In this series, Yoon plays a competent National Intelligence Service agent who assists Seo Kang-joon's character with document forgery and hacking.

Yoon Gai's career continues to soar as he has been cast in the new project 'No Choice' directed by world-renowned director Park Chan-wook. He is also confirmed to appear in the drama 'Asura Balbalta'. These successive castings indicate high expectations from both viewers and industry experts.

A top scholarship recipient from the Acting Department at Seoul Institute of the Arts, Yoon Gai shared in an exclusive interview with TenAsia, "I aspire to be an actor with a wide spectrum who can adapt to any role. When I felt the need for a change, I received an audition offer from SNL and decided to take on the challenge." His upcoming roles and collaboration with director Park Chan-wook are eagerly anticipated to see how they will impact his career.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr