Korean actor-interview
 |
| ▲ Actor Gang Dong-won is shown in this photo provided by AA Group on Oct. 23, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
 |
| ▲ A still from "Uprising" is shown in this photo provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
 |
| ▲ This still from "Uprising," provided by Netflix, shows Cheon-yeong riding a horse. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Korean actor-interview
From cautious youth to seasoned actor: 'Uprising' star Gang Dong-won on 2 decades of acting
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Actor Gang Dong-won felt "grateful" for having his work selected as the opening title at this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia's largest. It has been 14 years since one of his films last headlined the prestigious event.
"This time, I feel more grateful than I did back then. When I was younger, I didn't really enjoy being in crowded events. But now, I feel truly honored," the 43-year-old said during an interview with local reporters in Seoul on Wednesday.
He described his younger self as "somewhat unstable" and in the process of discovering who he truly was. "I was more cautious, even in what I said publicly, worrying about slipping up. But now, I have a better understanding of myself and know I am not someone who says nonsensical things in public."
In the period action epic "Uprising," set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Gang plays Cheon-yeong, a slave who forges an unlikely bond with his master Jong-ryo (Park Jeong-min). As they grow up together, Cheon-yeong secretly teaches him military skills at night, deepening their friendship. However, the two are separated by war and social upheaval, only to reunite later as enemies. Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook, known for films such as "Old Boy" (2003) and "Decision to Leave" (2022), contributed to the film as both a producer and scriptwriter.
The film made history as the first over-the-top production to open BIFF. Rated unsuitable for viewers under 19 due to its violent content and graphic bloodshed, it also marked Gang's first film with this rating.
Released on Oct. 11, it secured the No. 3 spot on Netflix's non-English films chart for the second consecutive week, accumulating over 15 million views worldwide.
Reflecting on his initial impression of the film's over 100-page script, he described it as "unconventional" for a movie script due to its heavy emphasis on individual character narratives.
"Although I thought the focus on so many characters could be a double-edged sword, I personally liked the vivid descriptions," he said.
Gang showcased his sword-fighting skills with such grace that it resembled traditional Korean sword dancing, his long arms and legs adding to the fluidity of his movements.
In fact, he is no stranger to sword-fighting sequences, having honed his skills and built physical strength through numerous roles in period epics like "Duelist" (2005) and "Kundo: Age of the Rampant" (2014). For "Duelist" he trained from nine to six for nearly eight months, dedicating himself to mastering the action scenes. As part of his preparation, he would begin his regimen with 1,000 sit-ups as a basic exercise.
More than two decades have passed since his debut in the early 2000s with an MBC TV series, and the actor now feels much more at ease on set.
"Acting hasn't become any easier, but it has become more comfortable," he said. "This doesn't mean I became a better actor. It just feels more natural now."
However, he sometimes recognizes the disparity between his self-perception and how audiences actually perceive his work.
"I always think, 'I'm doing this much,' but in reality, it's never enough. I need to focus on closing that gap."
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
