Child actor Go Dong-ha will play the central role of son "Dong-myeong" in the film "Sugar" (director: Choi Sin-chun | distribution: Studio Target Co., Ltd., Sambaeksanghoe Co., Ltd. | production: Horangi Giun, Message Film Co., Ltd.), and together with Choi Ji-woo, who plays the mother, is expected to move audiences to tears in the new year of 2026.
The film "Sugar" is a human true-story drama that depicts the fierce love and growth of the mother "Mira" (played by Choi Ji-woo), who, for her young son diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, crossed legal and regulatory barriers to make a medical device herself. Go Dong-ha plays 12-year-old "Dong-myeong," who receives his mother's devoted love while bearing the burden of a lifelong illness.
Having made his name known to the public by appearing in major hit works such as the drama "The Last Empress," "Missing: The Other Side," "Bossam: Steal the Fate," and "Queen of Tears," Go Dong-ha has drawn industry attention for his presence that captivates even in short appearances and his unusually delicate emotional expression for his age. Through various works he has steadily built his filmography, and with "Sugar" he challenges his first leading role in a feature film, promising depth of performance that transcends the limits of a child actor. According to production staff, from the audition stage Go Dong-ha displayed emotional depth and concentration comparable to adult actors, winning the unanimous approval of the judges.
In particular, the role of "Dong-myeong" that Go Dong-ha plays is a demanding part that must express the complex inner life of an adolescent boy as well as physical pain beyond mere illness. Go Dong-ha conducted thorough research and practice to realistically portray the hypoglycemic shock symptoms (cold sweat, trembling hands, blurred vision, etc.) experienced by actual type 1 diabetes patients, and on set his "method acting" reportedly earned the staff a standing ovation.
Also, to portray a character who is both a baseball team pitcher and batter, he underwent intense baseball training for several months. His dynamic appearance throwing healthy pitches on the mound and his poignant presence in the hospital room alternate to create a contrasting charm that will maximize the film's immersion.
A production official said, "Go Dong-ha is not simply a child actor who acts well; he is an actor who has the power to dominate the emotional tenor of the entire film," adding, "The energy exchanged between him and actor Choi Ji-woo was considerable. Audiences will discover the remarkable actor Go Dong-ha through this film."
The film "Sugar," which depicts the passionate family love and hope of Choi Ji-woo, Min Jin-woong and Go Dong-ha, will open in January 2026.<
[Photo] Provided by "Sugar"
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