Song Il-gook "Thanks to Yoo Dong-geun, I started acting and parenting programs... The person who gave me a second chance"

On the 21st, actor Song Il-guk expressed his gratitude to senior actor Yoo Dong-geun on MBC Every1's entertainment program 'Video Star.' Photo by MBC Every1 'Video Star' broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Actor Song Il-guk expressed his gratitude to senior actor Yoo Dong-geun.

On the 21st, the MBC Every1 variety show 'Video Star' featured Song Il-guk, Jeon Soo-kyung, Choi Jung-won, Jung Young-joo, and Hong Ji-min.

During the broadcast, host Park So-hyun said to Song Il-guk, "You won the acting award for 'Jumong.' You made a shocking confession. You said at that time you didn’t know whether your acting was good or bad."

In response, Song Il-guk said, "There are many unfair aspects. Many people think I became a star overnight, thanks to my mother’s influence." He added, "In a drama called 'Advocate,' I had only one line, but I was told, 'Why do you look so kind, get out.' My co-star In-sang looked tough, but he was a Korean-American. His pronunciation was strange, so I repeated the line. The next scene was a ski chase scene, and since I had a ski license, I suddenly gained the director’s favor and became a regular."

He continued, "Until the filming of 'Jumong,' I really didn’t know. I was reborn as an actor while doing my first play, which was well received."

He then said, "If I may express it here, I want to thank senior Yoo Dong-geun. In my twenties, I was constantly wandering. Since there was nothing special to do, when my mother was filming 'Tears of the Dragon,' I drove and went to the set with her." He added, "Senior Yoo Dong-geun said, 'If it’s your character, you should become an actor.' After hearing that, I took the audition and passed."

He also said, "I had many worries before doing the children’s parenting program." He added, "Senior gave me two chances, saying, 'You can show your strengths, so do it.'"

Through a video letter to Yoo Dong-geun, Song Il-guk said, "I think I have never properly thanked you. I’m sorry, and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude, albeit late." He continued, "Because I became an actor, I met a wonderful wife and even had triplets. Thank you for giving me the chance to film an unforgettable program with my children."

Meanwhile, a video letter from Yoo Dong-geun to Song Il-guk was also revealed.

Yoo Dong-geun said, "I received your feelings well. Thank you. Since Il-guk was young, he was there when I and Jeon In-hwa were dating, and I saw everything." He added, "Then Il-guk also became an actor. I was there at the beginning."

He continued, "I liked seeing you challenge musicals before that. I was a bit envious. Take a little rest and then do movies." He added, "I hope to see the charm of actor Song Il-guk on the big screen."