[Interview] Young Yeojin-gu, Waiting for a Romantic Love

Actor Yeo Jin-gu Who Played a 1995 University Student in the Movie 'Donggam'

Actor Yeo Jin-gu. Photo by Gogostudio

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] We all become small in front of love. When we think of that person, the world becomes heaven, and a single careless word can quickly break us down. Love in your twenties is difficult. It is a series of pains. Excited passion paralyzes reason. Not knowing how to express it, emotions dance like reeds. That is why youthful love is even more poignant.

Actor Yeo Jin-goo (25) debuted at the age of 9 with the film 'Sad Movie' (2005) and has walked the path of an actor for 17 years. For an actor who lives off the popularity of people recognizing him anytime and anywhere, dating is a burden. He had been telling himself that it was not the time to love, but after filming 'Donggam' (Sympathy), he said he began to wait for passionate love. The line "Don't give up on love. It's a lonely thing" touched his heart.

On the afternoon of the 9th, at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Yeo Jin-goo confessed, "It was not easy to pay attention to my heart because I was focused on acting. I didn't have much time or leisure to devote to meetings, so I felt sorry to meet someone." His thoughts changed. He said, "I sometimes wonder if I missed connections because I felt a great responsibility, and I think I didn't see love as an emotion but accepted it differently."

At an age when one is very interested in dating and emotions often dominate over reason, Yeo Jin-goo could not afford that. Having started social life early, he quickly realized the weight of work. He felt that he could not do everything he wanted. Dating was a luxury. 'Donggam' changed him. He said, "My values changed. The line 'I hope love becomes a romantic reality that everyone can carry lightly' moved me to tears."

'Donggam' (director Seo Eun-young), opening on the 16th, is a youth romance depicting the story of Yong (played by Yeo Jin-goo) in 1999 and Mu-ni (played by Jo Yi-hyun) in 2022, who accidentally communicate through an old walkie-talkie. The story of the two young people represents the youth living in different eras. Yong, a mechanical engineering student from the class of '95 living in 1999, helps Mu-ni with her assignment in exchange for dating advice. Encouraged by Mu-ni's advice, Yong awkwardly tries to confess his feelings to Han-sol, a freshman he fell in love with at first sight.

Yeo Jin-goo spoke about love among peers. "After becoming a twenty-something, I learn a lot from my friends. Friends with more dating experience accumulate experience year by year. Many friends around me are giving up love to focus on work. They say it's not the time to love when work is going well and they start earning money. I agreed but realized it was a wrong thought. Isn't it that we grow by loving, breaking up, and healing?"

Yeo Jin-goo said he wants to experience passionate love. He said, "I heard that when someone loves, they change and sometimes surprise themselves. As time passes, moments become memories. I was curious about what longing feels like after a breakup, and I think I miss the self who loved deeply while meeting that person." Then he added with a smile, "I wondered what Yong's feelings were in the film and what that moment meant. It was a difficult emotion that cannot be expressed in words. I am waiting to have a passionate love like Yong before my twenties end." Known for being the type to 'go straight' to the person he likes, he said, "When I like someone, I tend to express my feelings honestly. I can't hide it."

Throughout the interview, Yeo Jin-goo was mature but said he enjoys joking around with a bright smile. His ideal type is a cheerful person. He said, "I want to meet someone who likes to joke and do role plays like me. Someone who laughs well, is bright, and makes me happy when we are together." Famous for liking cooking, he also named someone who eats well as his ideal type. "I like people who don't have picky eating habits. It's like a basic value. I hope our tastes match well. I like people who are sincere about food and enjoy seasonal foods. I want to enjoy delicious food, but it’s disappointing and upsetting if I can’t share it with someone."

Movie still from 'Donggam'. Photo by Gogostudio

While filming in the provinces, Yeo Jin-goo explored famous restaurants all over the country. He laughed, saying, "Eating is a great pleasure." "Following seniors to eat famous foods naturally made me enjoy it. I love food and also love alcohol. I don't drink a lot but enjoy it." He then recommended, "Recently, yellowtail, large shrimp, and octopus are in season."

What is Yeo Jin-goo like as a person? He laughed heartily, saying, "I live without much thought." Then he added, "I don't worry much. I sleep well, eat well, joke around, and live happily. In the past, I hesitated to reveal my inner thoughts. I worried about what if my stories were heard elsewhere, but these days I tend to share my thoughts a lot. I have conversations, give advice, and receive comfort. Such daily life is precious and I am grateful."

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