Tracing back farther are the paths of acting idols such as Jang Nara, S.E.S. Yujin and Girls' Generation Yoona, miss A Suzy, IU, and Girls' Day Hyeri. Nana — Kwon Nayeon, the leader of the group WOOAH and an actress — seeks to carry on that legacy.
In her fifth year since debut, Nana is showing the archetype of a versatile idol by pursuing both singing and acting. Ahead of the final episode release of U+mobile TV's "The future of the future," in which she delivered a successful lead performance, she proved a solid craft and fiery passion as an actress distinct from her dazzling stage presence.
In a recent meeting with OSEN, Nana spoke throughout the interview in a crisp manner and with her characteristic bright energy. Her path of growing by throwing herself into sets without taking formal acting lessons was filled with more than the word "self-taught" — it was full of "momentum" and "effort."
▲ acting training? the set itself is my school
One surprising point in Nana's filmography is that from her first work No-ppakku Romance to When I Fell for the Bully, Mimikus, The World You Fell Into, and now The future of the future, she has played lead roles almost every year despite never having taken separate acting training.
I didn't prepare separately. I learn a lot on set by sensing and observing, and that method suits me better. If something is unclear, I ask the director until I get a clear answer, or I find the answer by working with the co-actor on set.
Her diction and vocalization, so precise it is hard to believe she is self-taught, earned Nana the nickname "Nana announcer." But that, too, was less the result of practice than an innate talent shaped by a childhood habit of needing to convey things clearly. Nana said, humble yet resolute, "Rather than thinking I'm naturally talented, the compulsion not to appear clumsy seems to drive me harder."
▲ "singer Nana vs. actress Kwon Nayeon, two selves that fill each other"
For Nana, who has pursued acting from her debut, the two activities are inseparable and mutually complementary. "Singer Nana," who must pour all her charms into a three-minute stage, uses the subtle expressions learned from acting, while "actress Kwon Nayeon" breathes life into characters using the expressive skills honed on stage.
When I record as a singer, I perform facial expressions to convey the emotions in the lyrics. The experience of acting out delicate emotions I don't usually show helps a lot on stage. The two activities fit into their respective selves, so rather than feeling burdensome, every moment is enjoyable.
▲ "a rookie who trembled now grabs lead roles with sheer momentum"
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The position of lead in every work came with a heavy responsibility as well as gratitude. Nana confessed, "At first, I couldn't overcome the pressure and my hands trembled during script readings." What raised her up were seniors' advice and the "momentum" of believing in herself.
I decided that rather than hesitating and failing, I'd throw myself into the character and push through with momentum. For this "The future of the future," I ran and ran with a carefree stride under the blazing sun to show Gong Mirae's reckless personality. Even when sweat drenched me and my makeup washed off, I felt relieved thinking that that passion itself was the future's image.
Nana, whose actual personality tends to internalize rather than outwardly show anger, experienced vicarious satisfaction and growth while playing Gong Mirae, who confidently exacts revenge on an unfaithful ex. About the ending she asked audiences to anticipate, saying, "A cute twist awaits that isn't predictable, like getting smacked."
▲ "i want to be remembered as someone who gives energy… the future is brighter"
Nana's eyes shone with a desire for what comes next as she said she wants to challenge villain roles and even professional-genre works like police and doctor roles. This clever artist, who can convert the compulsion to be perfect into a driving force for growth, emphasized that the only way to repay the infinite love from fans is through "better work."
I hope that for as long as people watch me they gain energy and feel that it's "fun." Looking back on five years, I feel proud to have worked hard, and I cheer for my future self who will grow further.
Nana looks at the world with youthful audacity and fun. Trusting herself and moving forward with momentum, her future is filled with brilliant light, just like the title The future of the future.
[OSEN]