[Interview] Go Ah-sung: "'Badatgil Seonbaldae' Unique Proposal, Willingly Joined My First Variety Show"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actress Go Ah-sung revealed that she did not hesitate to appear on her first fixed variety show, "Badatgil Seonbaldae" (Sea Route Pioneer Squad).

Go Ah-sung recently shared various stories about her work during an interview held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the film "Samjin Group English TOEIC Class" (directed by Lee Jong-pil).

"Samjin Group English TOEIC Class" is about three friends who have been working for eight years since joining the company in 1995. Although they are veterans in their work abilities, they are always at the bottom of the hierarchy. Together, they uncover corruption committed by their company while attending the company's TOEIC class.

In the film, Lee Ja-young (played by Go Ah-sung) is an eighth-year employee from a commercial high school background, a veteran whose practical skills surpass those of college graduate assistants, capable of writing reports with ease. Although in reality she is tasked with coffee errands, she always proceeds cheerfully and without solemnity, following her own path.

Following "A Resistance: The Story of Yu Gwan-sun" (2019), Go Ah-sung has consecutively led films portraying women's stories with "Samjin Group TOEIC Class." Especially since these films depict female narratives, her mindset toward the roles was particularly special.

"I started as a child actor, but I felt a certain unresolved frustration. At that time, the teenagers in the scripts were merely how adults viewed them. The lives and worries we experience were not reflected, which was regrettable. I expected that frustration to be resolved once I became an adult, but it was not. I never felt that the female characters portrayed in works were real people. Over the past two to three years, many people have worked hard. I believe my role is to create well-made works and show them to many people. This film is no different."

Production management department employee Ja-young (Go Ah-sung), marketing department's Yuna (Lee Som), and accounting department's Boram (Park Hye-su), all eighth-year junior employees, accidentally witness the company's wastewater discharge site and bravely confront the massive barrier that is the company.

Go Ah-sung said, "Just being with Lee Som and Park Hye-su made the set feel secure and happy. During the filming of 'A Resistance,' I worked with about 20 to 30 female actors, and everyone felt a heavy heart. There was also a sense of duty in portraying historical figures. This time, working together on set gave me a feeling of security and energy."

Go Ah-sung debuted as a commercial model at age four and worked as a child actor, and now she shines as the lead star. "I love acting and enjoy it. When I couldn't work, I was equally upset. I decided to continue acting and am thinking about how to improve. Honestly, when I was young, I had no certainty because it was not a job I chose. But now, I also feel a sense of responsibility."

Additionally, Go Ah-sung made her first fixed variety show appearance on tvN's "Badatgil Seonbaldae," which premiered on the 18th. She said, "We prepared from the end of August and set sail in mid-September. We finished filming after 12 days and returned."

She added, "Recently, due to the impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection), scheduled projects were delayed, and I spent a stagnant time. Staying at home was lonely, but then the offer for 'Badatgil Seonbaldae' came. It was a unique proposal I had never experienced before, so I jumped in without much hesitation."

Go Ah-sung also asked the audience planning to watch "Samjin Group English TOEIC Class" to be attentive and hopeful. "As an audience member who frequently visits theaters, I also felt frustrated. It was upsetting not to be able to go to the cinema, but since this is a first-time experience, I don't know the answer," she said. "Although everyone is going through a difficult time, I hope the film can convey positive energy."

"Samjin Group English TOEIC Class" will be released on October 21.

Photo = Lotte Entertainment