[Interview] Yoon Doojoon "Founding Around Us, Happy Because We're Together"

'There Is No Goo Pil-soo' Entrepreneur Role
Bromance with Kwak Do-won
"Miss the Passion from Trainee Days"
"Acting and Singing Are Blessings"

Yoon Doojoon / Photo by Around Us

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Yoon Doojoon debuted in 2009 as a member of the idol group Beast (now Highlight) and quickly rose to stardom. Songs echoed through the streets, and his face appeared on TV screens. Those experiences became nourishment for him. Now an actor at 33, Yoon Doojoon has steadily persevered without letting up. After enlisting following the 2018 drama "Let's Eat 3," he returned after four years with the ENA·Seezn drama "No Goo Pil-soo." With earnest eyes, he said, "I missed advice," and added, "I want to continue working as long as I have the energy."

On the morning of the 24th, Yoon Doojoon met with Asia Economy at a cafe in Seocho-gu, Seoul, recalling, "It had been a while since I appeared in a drama and stood on stage, so I couldn't remember how I used to do it," and said, "I realized that new experiences are important. I want to challenge myself diligently in both acting and music."

In "No Goo Pil-soo," which was released on May 4 and concluded on the 23rd, Yoon Doojoon played Jung Seok, a young entrepreneur who has the idea but lacks the funds to start a business. The drama portrayed his confident pursuit of dreams despite the gap between ideals and reality. He delivered cheerful and positive energy while bickering with chicken restaurant owner Goo Pil-soo (played by Kwak Do-won).

He said, "It was hard to empathize with the hardships of startup CEOs because there was no one to ask for advice. Since it’s a human drama, empathy was important. We revised parts that seemed unrealistic on set during filming."

Yoon Doojoon recalled the time when he and his group members established the agency Around Us Entertainment when portraying Jung Seok, who starts over after becoming penniless. He said, "When we started the company with my friends, I had vague fears about what would happen if we couldn’t continue our activities. The emotions I felt then helped me express Jung Seok’s character."

"I think the point where viewers can interestingly understand the story is the 'bromance.' Although they started a new company, they face difficulties, and through listening to and observing the actions of an old-fashioned man, they gradually realize things. The focus was on growing by paying attention to the people around them."

Photo by KT Studio Genie

Photo by Around Us

Even after 13 years, Yoon Doojoon is still growing. He said, "I learned a lot during this shoot. I balanced Highlight’s group activities with drama filming and realized that nothing can be taken lightly and that details are important."

"I also felt that I might have been too comfortable until now. Watching the actors I worked with during the drama and member Lee Gikwang, I realized they had such passion. My mindset toward everything has changed."

When asked about the time he felt he grew the most, Yoon Doojoon recalled his trainee days before debut. "When I left home and first lived in a dorm, I realized I had to handle life on my own. I started with the mindset of 'I can do it.' I was ready to face challenges. I also wondered what I would do if I didn’t debut. On the other hand, I sometimes miss those days."

Yoon Doojoon and his members established the agency Around Us Entertainment on December 9, 2016. Reflecting on that time, he admitted, "It wasn’t easy." He continued, "The company needs a direction. If the group is together, we have to unite tightly, and above all, meeting good people is important. Fortunately, we met good people. It’s a blessing," adding, "I’m happy just to be able to work together."

"I remember when Highlight’s first album came out. The group’s name and everything?looking back now, it was a precious foundation that both fans and we could smile about. I’m grateful."

Yoon Doojoon said, "It’s a blessing to be able to do both acting and singing." He added, "I don’t want to give up either. I want to protect both." He also said, "Balancing activities this time was physically tough. I regret not being able to give 100% effort. Next time, I want to build up my stamina and give my all."