[Interview] Kim Sungkyu "I Want to Do Everyday Works Like Melodrama"

Movie 'Hansan: Yongui Chulhyeon' Junsa role Kim Sung-kyu
Hangwae soldier fighting for Joseon
"Questions about righteousness and unrighteousness, and death in the midst of war"

Sungkyu Kim / Photo by Lotte Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Remember Yang Tae from 'The Outlaws' (2017), the ruthless killer Kyungho from 'The Villainess,' and Yeongsin who flew around in 'Kingdom' (2019). Actor Kim Sung-kyu (36) has recently been receiving warm love calls from renowned directors. Behind this is his stable acting ability that allows him to be trusted with any role.

Meeting Kim Sung-kyu recently at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, he said, "Every project is burdensome and scary, but I think people appreciate my sense of responsibility to somehow fulfill the given role," adding, "Director Kim Han-min also trusted me because of my serious attitude toward the work."

In the film 'Hansan: Rising Dragon' (directed by Kim Han-min), released on the 27th, Kim Sung-kyu shines as Jun-sa, a Japanese soldier who became a traitor to the Japanese army after witnessing Admiral Yi Sun-sin's conviction and wanting to change his fate. He risks his life to secretly steal critical information and strategies from the Japanese army to deliver to Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

The film depicting the Battle of Hansan started from curiosity about the early war days of the hero Yi Sun-sin who emerged during a national crisis. Director Kim Han-min had been working on a project portraying Yi Sun-sin's grand narrative since filming 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' (2014), which attracted 17.61 million viewers. 'Hansan: Rising Dragon' is the second work in this project.

Jun-sa is a character with a thematic consciousness. He is a figure who asks Admiral Yi Sun-sin, "What is this war?" and is known as a traitor to the Japanese army, with only brief historical records existing. Kim Sung-kyu said, "When I received the script, I felt it wouldn't be easy," explaining, "He is a character carrying a message and a soldier recorded in history as a traitor."

"As a person in wartime, Jun-sa must have naturally had his own struggles. Because it is an immeasurable era and history, I pondered deeply. I think the audience will naturally follow our concerns while watching the film. What does death in wartime mean? I tried to act with the thought that Admiral Yi Sun-sin's thoughts and convictions about this are important."

He added, "Jun-sa represents many people who betrayed their country in history. Ultimately, it was a choice to protect peace, so I saw it as emotionally very plausible."

Kim Sung-kyu even shaved his head to portray Jun-sa's Japanese-style topknot hairstyle as a Japanese soldier. He said, "I didn't worry much about changing my appearance." He added, "Rather, I thought if I was going to shave it, I should do it quickly. I believed it would help me feel the weight and mindset of participating in battle more. In the Battle of Ungchi, the corporal's mindset changes, and his appearance changes accordingly."

"My hobby is cycling, and while riding my bike, the top of my head got a bit sunburned. (laughs) I wanted to focus as much as possible to produce good results because if it looked sloppy, it could be funny."

When asked if the scene about the meaning of war was difficult, Kim Sung-kyu replied, "Samurai in wartime must have witnessed many deaths. I saw righteousness (義) and unrighteousness (不義) as questions ultimately related to death."

In May, Kim Sung-kyu spent a month in Santiago to organize his thoughts. It was a precious break before the promotional schedule for 'Hansan: Rising Dragon.' He booked a plane ticket in just three days and hurriedly packed. Approaching his forties, it became a valuable nourishment.

"Soon, I will enter my forties, and I wanted to naturally praise myself for doing well. While walking, I thought I needed to accept that I'm nothing special. I want to approach my attitude toward works differently. Previously, I emphasized meaning and responsibility, but now I want to enjoy it a bit more. (laughs) I laugh because I wonder if I can truly enjoy it."

Kim Sung-kyu, who usually uses public transportation, said with a smile, "I still move around comfortably. I go to a local gym, and most people don't recognize me. But sometimes, I feel like people sense some kind of energy and glance at me."

At a time when he has many dreams and wants to do many projects, Kim Sung-kyu said, "So far, I have mainly played strong, sharp, or anxious roles in genre works, but I want to try melodrama acting. Roles where I like someone and ask if they have eaten." He added, "I have hardly ever acted in scenes where I sit down and eat with someone. I like works that blend everyday drama, so I definitely want to try that."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.