'Gentleman' Kim Seon-ho: "Focused on the Madman Who Enjoys the Chase" (Comprehensive)

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"Removed Sadness from Early 'Seulpeun Yeoltai' Script"

(From left) Director Park Hoon-jung, Kim Seon-ho
[Photo by NEW]

This summer, a refreshing entertainment movie will hit the theaters. Actor Kim Seon-ho makes his screen debut by teaming up with director Park Hoon-jung, who created the films 'New World' (2012) and 'The Witch' 1 & 2 (2018?2022). Will the movie 'Guigongja' receive special attention in theaters this June?

At the press screening of the film 'Guigongja' (directed by Park Hoon-jung) held on the afternoon of the 8th at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Kim Seon-ho expressed, "It is an honor to see myself on the screen," adding, "I am happy."

He said about the work, "I had many conversations with Director Park, and as an actor, I always listened attentively. I worked with a mindset of dedication. Communication went well." He continued, "I have great respect for him," and said, "If I am offered another project, I would run to it immediately."

Opening on the 21st, 'Guigongja' tells the story of Marco (played by Kang Tae-joo), a boxer who drifts through illegal fight venues in the Philippines, and the appearance of various factions with different motives, including the mysterious man Guigongja (played by Kim Seon-ho), who engage in a frenzied chase.

Director Park described the film as "a story about discriminated people." He added, "I have long wanted to depict the Kopino (second-generation children born between Koreans and Filipinos). I wanted to tell a story where the discriminated strike back at those who discriminate."

Kim Seon-ho plays Guigongja, a man who suddenly appears before Marco and introduces himself as a friend. He is a ruthless figure who circles around Marco and wreaks havoc. Marco cannot tell if he is an enemy or a friend.

He said, "While reading the script, I wondered, 'Why does he keep following?' I focused on the image of a crazy person purely enjoying the chase."

Kim Seon-ho [Photo by NEW]

When asked about the responsibility of playing the title role, Kim Seon-ho replied, "The title suddenly changed to 'Guigongja,' but initially it was called 'Sad Tropics.' The amount of screen time was originally similar. I just did my best as an actor participating in the project."

He added with a smile, "Everyone is a Guigongja. A Guigongja suddenly appears, the real Guigongja appears, and my character's name is Guigongja." Then he said, "At first, I thought I didn't need to feel burdened, but later when I heard the title had changed, my shoulders felt heavy."

Director Park Hoon-jung revealed, "Originally, the script placed more emphasis on sadness, but during revisions, the sadness disappeared." He said, "In the end, I thought the character who set the stage (Guigongja) should be more highlighted, so I renamed the title."

During production, Director Park showed firm trust by not changing the casting despite controversies surrounding Kim Seon-ho's private life. When asked why, the director answered, "We were about to start filming, and Kim Seon-ho was the only alternative for the character." He added, "We had to choose either to halt the film or go forward with Kim Seon-ho. I had no intention of stopping the film. There was no alternative."

Kim Seon-ho said, "I was nervous when I received the offer to appear in 'Guigongja' from Director Park. I am a fan of his work. The Guigongja action in 'The Witch' was impressive. I felt it was a truly fresh action style in Korean cinema, so I was happy to be part of it."

When asked if his Guigongja character is related to the Guigongja role played by Choi Woo-shik in 'The Witch,' he drew a clear line, saying, "There is no connection." He added, "I like the character of a neat crazy person. That's why I borrowed the name Guigongja again."

(From left) Kang Tae-joo, Go Ah-ra, Kim Seon-ho, Kim Kang-woo [Photo by NEW]

The film features various action sequences such as car chases, gunfights, and hand-to-hand combat. Regarding the action design, Director Park said, "I wanted to create action that starts and ends with the body." He continued, "I designed the car chase scenes with a feel like tanks or armor. There are many gun action scenes because they fit well with Guigongja's clean image."

Rookie Kang Tae-joo, who was selected for the role of boxer Marco after beating out 1,980 competitors, said, "I am happy to act and grateful to the director." Marco is a character who came from the Philippines to Korea to raise money for his sick mother's surgery. He said, "I did various shoots including wire work, action chase scenes, and emotional acting. It was a valuable experience that is hard for a rookie actor. I want to use this as a stepping stone to move forward."