Jang Ki Yong Shares His Experience in The Atypical Family and His Aspirations in the Acting World
Jang Ki Yong, the popular South Korean actor known for his roles in Come and Hug Me, Search: WWW, Now, We Are Breaking Up, and My Roommate Is a Gumiho, has recently completed his mandatory military service. His first project post-discharge, The Atypical Family, has garnered significant attention. In an exclusive interview, Jang Ki Yong opened up about his character, his experiences on set, and his admiration for Bollywood. Here’s a detailed look into his insights and revelations.
How Did Jang Ki Yong Feel About His Role in The Atypical Family?
Jang Ki Yong took on the challenging role of Bok Gwi Ju, a father to a middle schooler, in The Atypical Family. This role was a significant departure from his previous characters, and he admitted that initially, he was worried about his performance. He said, “At first, I was worried about whether I could do it well, but I focused more on the character. I thought that fatherhood is one of the many colors that Gwi Ju has.”
To embody the character, Jang Ki Yong avoided referring to other roles and instead found elements within himself to bring Gwi Ju to life. He explained, “Rather than referring to a different character, I tried to find a part of Gwi Ju that I could bring out from inside of me, thinking, ‘If it were me, what would I do?’”
What Was It Like Working with Park So I and Chun Woo Hee?
Jang Ki Yong shared a special bond with Park So I, who played his daughter in the drama. He mentioned that their relationship grew so close that she felt like his real daughter by the end of the shoot. He also expressed his appreciation by giving her a birthday gift after the last shoot. Jang Ki Yong recalled, “It was not advice, but we were asked to describe each other in five words, and I remember laughing because I said ‘The gift of my life’ and she said ‘Handsome dad.’”
When it came to working with Chun Woo Hee, Jang Ki Yong had nothing but praise. He had always admired her work and was thrilled to finally collaborate with her. He noted, “We had a lot of similarities, so while working on this piece, our acting chemistry was good and worked well together as we relied on each other. I was grateful that she was someone I could learn a lot from.”
Jang Ki Yong on His Favorite Roles and Future Aspirations
Which Role Does Jang Ki Yong Cherish the Most?
Reflecting on his diverse roles, Jang Ki Yong expressed a special fondness for Na Moo in Come and Hug Me. This role marked his first lead performance and left a lasting impact on him. He said, “I have affection for all my roles, but I can’t forget Na Moo in Come and Hug Me, which was my first lead role. It was my first starring role, and even though it’s been six years since I finished the series, the afterglow of it still lives in me, so I feel I loved it a lot.”
Does Jang Ki Yong Plan to Return to Musicals or Modeling?
Jang Ki Yong has a background in both musicals and modeling, and he expressed interest in returning to these fields if given the opportunity. “Anytime. I’d love to do them again if I had the chance,” he said, showing his versatility and passion for different forms of performance.
What Are Jang Ki Yong’s Thoughts on Bollywood?
In an exciting revelation, Jang Ki Yong expressed his admiration for Bollywood and his desire to work in the Indian film industry. He praised Bollywood for its vibrant and captivating elements, saying, “I like Bollywood work, [it’s] full of eye-catching elements. I would like to be a part of it anytime I get the chance.” He also thanked his Indian fans for their support, indicating a deep appreciation for his global audience.
Jang Ki Yong’s Approach to Acting and Script Selection
How Does Jang Ki Yong Choose His Scripts?
Jang Ki Yong’s approach to selecting scripts is intuitive and driven by his passion for storytelling. He shared that he is drawn to scripts that leave a lasting impression and enjoys imagining himself in different characters. “Sometimes when I read a script, there is a moment when I am just drawn into it. Then I try to imagine, ‘What if I were to play this character?’ and I get interested when I can’t even imagine it,” he explained.
What Message Does Jang Ki Yong Have for His Characters and Co-Stars?
In a heartfelt gesture, Jang Ki Yong shared messages he would give to his own and his co-stars’ characters:
- For Gwi Ju: “I’m rooting for your happiness.”
- For Da Hae: “Thank you for saving me.”
- For I Na: “The time I am with I-na is the best time of my life.”
- For Dong Hee: “Sis, thank you so much, and I lo… like you.”
Jang Ki Yong’s journey as an actor continues to evolve, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every role he takes on. His enthusiasm for exploring new genres and characters, along with his admiration for global cinema like Bollywood, highlights his versatility and ambition. As he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, fans eagerly await his next projects and the unique characters he will bring to life.