Disney+ Unveils 'Goldland': A Tale of Desire and Dilemma Starring Park Bo-young

Park Bo-young, known for her lovable and cute image, finds herself entangled in a web of desire after stumbling upon gold bars worth 2.5 trillion won. This is the premise of the Disney+ series 'Goldland'. Park Bo-young has promised to showcase a different side of herself in this project. Director Kim Sung-hoon highlighted the human dilemma as a key point of interest.

On the 13th, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific (APAC) held the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. This event offered a sneak peek at upcoming APAC and global original content set to be released on Disney+. The lineup included APAC originals from countries like Korea and Japan, with top stars and creative partners in attendance.

Among the Korean content introduced at the event was 'Goldland', a story about Hee-joo (played by Park Bo-young), who accidentally comes into possession of gold bars from a smuggling organization and becomes consumed by the desire to keep them. Director Kim Sung-hoon stated, "I wanted to delve into people's desires. I wanted to discuss how we can navigate through them, which led to this story."

Park Bo-young plays the role of Kim Hee-joo, who fights to protect the gold bars. She explained, "This role is quite different from what I've shown before. I run a lot and get quite dirty." She added, "Unintentionally, the gold bars fall into my hands, and as a human, desire arises. I start to think, 'Maybe I can keep this gold,' and I portray that transformation."

Kim Sung-cheol takes on the role of Jang Wook, a low-level member of a loan shark organization known as 'Woogi'. He shared, "I was drawn to the various survival situations Woogi faces while running with the gold. I wondered if I, too, have a desire to protect the gold, which led me to take on this challenge."

Lee Hyun-wook plays Lee Do-kyung, an airline co-pilot and Hee-joo's lover, who gets entangled in the illegal gold smuggling incident. He said, "I was intrigued by what kind of desire Do-kyung would show in front of the gold. It's a character that showcases basic human desires. Viewers might wonder, 'What would I do if I suddenly had so much gold?'"

When asked what they would do if they were given 2.5 trillion won like in the drama, Park Bo-young said, "It's such an unimaginable number that it's hard to picture. If I think of it as winning the lottery, I might keep it a secret and work with a bit more leisure." Kim Sung-cheol added, "I'm wary of free things. If 2.5 trillion won came to me for free, I'd probably use it for good causes, as I wouldn't consider it mine." Park Bo-young laughed and asked, "All of it?" to which Kim Sung-cheol replied, "10% for me... the rest," eliciting laughter. Lee Hyun-wook said, "I'd probably use it little by little without drawing attention, starting with small things and then buildings."

Director Kim Sung-hoon mentioned, "Because of the project, the actors couldn't eat properly while maintaining their appearance. I feel like treating them to something delicious." When Kim Sung-cheol asked, "Can't you treat us now?" Director Kim replied, "Not now, but after the project ends. We need to maintain it for now," bringing laughter.

As a point of interest, Director Kim Sung-hoon suggested, "Instead of dividing characters into villains and good people, it would be interesting to look at the dilemmas within people. This story follows what happens if 2.5 trillion won suddenly appears. Instead of dividing into villains and good people, it would be interesting to look at the dilemmas within us." Park Bo-young also noted, "Hee-joo gradually starts to think, 'Maybe I can keep it,' and it would be good to focus on that."

When asked if they discovered any unknown charms of their fellow actors while working together, Lee Hyun-wook said, "When I first saw Park Bo-young, I thought she was a lovely and cute actress. But she turned out to be more mature and serious than I expected. She has a more grown-up side than her image suggests, which surprised me." Kim Sung-cheol added, "Seeing Hee-joo through Woogi's eyes, I felt like the Hee-joo I saw in the text was real, which was a fun experience. Sometimes, when we talk, she feels like Hee-joo." Park Bo-young praised her colleagues, saying, "I met both of them for the first time through this project. As we work together, I see them synchronizing with their characters. Now, they feel like Do-kyung and Woogi. I feel like I've discovered their charms twice over."

Regarding the strength of Korean content, Director Kim Sung-hoon said, "The reason it can be loved globally is due to the intense efforts of our predecessors and the young actors here today." He emphasized, "I believe the current members need to work hard to make that charm long-lasting and significant."

'Goldland' is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Hong Kong=Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr