[Interview①] Gong Yoo "Walled-off Romance? I Only Star in Works I Agree With the Theme"

Gong Yoo/Photo by Netflix

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Gong Yoo (Gong Ji-cheol) said he agreed with the humanistic themes embraced by "The Silent Sea" and faced ambivalent emotions.

Gong Yoo stated in a video interview held on the 30th, "'The Silent Sea' was approached as a humanistic work."

"The Silent Sea" is a Netflix series released on the 24th that depicts the story of elite members sent to a research base abandoned on the moon under a special mission, set in the near future Earth devastated by the depletion of essential resources.

The series is based on the short film of the same name directed by Choi Hang-yong, which received high praise at the 13th Mise-en-sc?ne Short Film Festival in 2014, with actor Jung Woo-sung serving as producer.

Alongside Gong Yoo, actors Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon, Kim Sun-young, Lee Moo-saeng, and Lee Sung-wook portray elite members volunteering for a life-risking mission to the moon in search of clues for human survival.

On this day, Gong Yoo shared, "Although it is a science fiction (SF) genre, I liked that it tells a humanistic story. The setting is a near-future devastated Earth, and it was interesting to deal with humanity suffering from a shortage of drinking water."

He added, "It was also attractive that an ironic development unfolds as humanity leaves for the moon to find alternative resources."

How similar or different is he from his role? Playing Han Yoon-jae, the youngest exploration captain of the Space Agency, Gong Yoo smiled brightly, saying, "Steadfastness, righteousness, and responsibility resemble my real self."

The process of filming while wearing a spacesuit and equipment was not easy. He recalled, "When I first wore the spacesuit, it was quite heavy and took time to get used to it," adding, "Actors with claustrophobia could not wear the helmet for long at first. We gradually increased the wearing time and found comfort."

Since its release, "The Silent Sea" has received mixed reactions, with some welcoming the challenge of Korean-style SF as fresh, while others found the calm and slow direction disappointing. Domestic evaluations seem more favorable than overseas responses.

Regarding this, Gong Yoo said, "We anticipated such reactions when starting the project," adding, "The work itself was not disappointing, but I expected this in terms of the genre."

He continued, "I understand some negative views. We believe we made wise choices within the given format. It's not to say we did perfectly, but it is meaningful in that it opened up possibilities for development." He emphasized, "'The Silent Sea' will serve as a cornerstone, gaining know-how and becoming an opportunity for progress," calling it "definitely a meaningful first step."

Previously consumed as a lead in romance genres, Gong Yoo shifted his focus to works with strong thematic consciousness after "Goblin." Following "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982" and "Seobok," he appeared in commercial films carrying heavy messages, including "The Silent Sea."

Gong Yoo said, "I did not deliberately avoid romance, but at some point, the importance shifted from the role's share to what story the work tells," adding, "Maybe I want to tell something. I naturally appeared in works whose themes I agree with, without discriminating or avoiding genres."

"It is also a desire to fill my shortcomings. Although the work is fictional and the setting is made up, the character's actions remain with me. Through the created role, I want to think and fill myself."

Gong Yoo also said, "Watching 'The Silent Sea' evoked ambivalent feelings. Is it acceptable for humanity to take somewhat unethical actions for survival? If so, how far is it possible? Isn't this a point we must keep pondering?"

He added, "The most important thing is that individuals live with at least minimal philosophy and conviction," emphasizing, "We should not blindly follow what an unspecified majority points out as right, but rather talk about each person's beliefs without being intimidated."