[Interview②] Kim Dong-wan "Shinhwa's Third Married Member? If Not Me, Then Andy, I Don't Want to Be Last"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Kim Dong-wan predicted that he would become the third married man in Shinhwa, following Jun Jin.

On the 25th, Kim Dong-wan shared various stories about the film Sorikkun (Director Jo Jeong-rae) during an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Sorikkun is a musical film set in the Joseon Dynasty, portraying the sorrow and humor of the low-class sorikkun (traditional Korean singers) through the beautiful landscapes of the eight provinces of Joseon and the enchanting melodies of folk music. It reinterprets traditional Korean music and reconstructs it using a modern music system. It is the new work of director Jo Jeong-rae, who moved 3.58 million viewers with Gwi-hyang (2016). Renowned traditional musician Lee Bong-geun plays the protagonist Hak-gyu, and Lee Yu-ri plays Hak-gyu’s kidnapped wife, Gatnan.

In the film, Kim Dong-wan plays a fallen nobleman who, despite dressing as a yangban (aristocrat), is penniless and sets out to find his wife, joining Hak-gyu on a journey across the eight provinces. Challenging his first historical drama since debut, he said, “I have liked historical dramas since I was young. I really enjoyed watching Gungye. Because it is a genre with strong theatrical elements, the entry barrier is not high. I was eager to work with seniors and juniors together.”

He added, “After watching the film, I wanted to return to the set again. I remember having fun filming with the hyungs (older brothers). The music was lively and exciting. I thought the singing was amazing,” expressing his satisfaction.

“While preparing for the film, I rewatched Seopyeonje (1993). I was moved by how they beautifully captured long takes and the singing back then. Many historical films have been made since. I looked into them quite a bit and felt the emotion that historical dramas give again. I resolved not to prepare carelessly.”

Kim Dong-wan debuted in 1998 as a member of the group Shinhwa and was active as a first-generation idol before challenging acting. After leaving a strong impression as Lee Yuk-sa in MBC’s Jeoljeong (2011), he appeared in numerous works including Roundhouse Kick (2014), Yeongasi (2012), Someone’s Dream (2015), Delusional People (2015), Glory Day (2016), and Between the Eyes (2016).

Earlier, Park Cheol-min joked at the Sorikkun press screening, “Dong-wan said, ‘Hyung, I’m Shinhwa,’ and confidently claimed it would attract 200,000 to 300,000 viewers,” adding, “I hope that’s true,” which made everyone laugh. Kim Dong-wan explained, “I said that when I was very drunk, and I didn’t think he would remember it all. I hope many people watch it.” The phrase that especially became a hot topic was his cute message to Shinhwa Changjo (Shinhwa’s fan club). Kim Dong-wan shouted, “To all Shinhwa Changjo across the country, if you become directors and screenwriters soon and call me, I am always ready. Please contact me,” drawing attention.

When asked about this, Kim Dong-wan replied humorously, “Actually, Shinhwa Changjo members are everywhere, so it helps me make money. I meet them again as broadcast writers and PDs, and I’m doing a commercial model now where the person handling it is also from Shinhwa Changjo. I once said something strange like ‘We (Shinhwa) don’t take responsibility for your lives,’ but now the fans are taking responsibility for my life.”

With the film’s release approaching, one might wonder if being mentioned as part of Shinhwa is burdensome. Kim Dong-wan smiled heartily and said, “Not at all, it’s good.” He added, “In the past, people said that to become an actor, you had to shed your singer image, but no one says that now. That kind of talk sounds like you have to abandon your origins, but I think you should never forget where you come from.” He continued confidently, “I didn’t do a sloppy job to the point that people would have prejudice against me as a singer-turned-actor.”

Earlier, Shinhwa member Jun Jin announced he would marry his flight attendant girlfriend in October. This makes him the second married man in Shinhwa, following Eric in 2017. Who will be the third to carry on the pink baton and announce marriage? Kim Dong-wan laughed, “I don’t want to be last.” He added, “The third will probably be either Andy or me.” When asked why, he joked, “Isn’t Andy really cute? He’s charming.”

Meanwhile, Sorikkun is set to be released on July 1.

Photo=Office DH