'Wild Sing' Gang Dong-won mentioned his debut days, which were no less than the protagonist in the film.
On the morning of the 19th at a cafe on Samcheong-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul, an interview with Gang Dong-won, the lead actor of the film "Wild Sing," was held.
'Wild Sing' (director Son Jae-gon, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by About Film) depicts the story of a three-member mixed dance group "Triangle," which once swept the music scene but disbanded overnight after being embroiled in an unexpected incident, as they undertake a reckless challenge to seize a chance for a comeback after 20 years. It is a work in which About Film, the production company of the 2019 comedy 'Extreme Job,' which drew 16.26 million viewers, and director Son Jae-gon, who has built a distinctive comedy world with 'Hit the Top' (literally "I don't bite") joined forces.
Starting as one of Korea's representative pretty boys and having conquered every genre, Gang Dong-won plays Hyun Woo, the Triangle leader and dance machine who boasts a unique aura and picture-perfect visuals, leading the team. Um Tae-goo, an actor with a powerful presence, plays the youngest Triangle member and storm rapper Sang-gu, who shows off unrestrained swag, and Park Ji-hyun, who is active across films and series, plays Domi, the Triangle center who emits refreshing energy and absolute charm. The unpredictable chemistry of the new actors meeting as idol members Triangle is the biggest draw. In addition, Oh Jung-se plays the self-proclaimed earphone boyfriend and unfortunate ballad singer Choi Seong-gon, who has been second place for 39 consecutive weeks, and injects the film with a distinctive comedy that brings lively energy to the story.
Gang Dong-won, a prolific actor who works in the film industry like an ox, has released one work each year in recent years, including 'Broker' (2022), 'Cheonbaksar exorcism research institute' (2023), 'The Architect' (2024), and 'Jeon, Ran' (2024). Last year, he returned to drama for the first time in 21 years since SBS 'Magic' through Disney+ 'Tempest' with Jun Ji-hyun.
Gang Dong-won, who performed both headspin and windmill in the film, said, "I really wanted to do the headspin. I insisted I had to do it. (laughs) The headspin can be shot in close-up, but they said the windmill couldn't, so they told me, 'Then do both.' While doing the windmill, I injured my ribs, so I focused entirely on the headspin and it took three to four months. I collapsed from exhaustion while filming," he said.
Although Gang Dong-won filmed with a b-boy double, he practiced for four hours every day. He had a stiff body with no dance DNA, but after harsh practice he reached the point where he was able to catch the rhythm even after filming wrapped.
Gang Dong-won, who also sang Triangle's songs in the film, boasts a beautiful high voice and said, "I used to sing a bit. I even participated in solo singing contests when I was young. If my condition is good, I think I could do live as well," and during the interview he even sang live, drawing cheers. He said he also received vocal training for the character.
Triangle evokes idols from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. They operate according to the concepts set by their agency and suffer privately because they received no payments due to exploitative management, and ultimately disbanded at the height of their fame amid controversy—bringing to mind many past groups. Their costumes and hairstyles faithfully reproduce the past 100%. Hyun Woo, played by Gang Dong-won, closely resembles the styles of Eric of Shinhwa and Moon Heejun of H.O.T.
Gang Dong-won said he himself had audition experience when he debuted, like Triangle's Hyun Woo, and confessed that he experienced unfair treatment.
He said, "At that time, not receiving settlements and things like that were common in the entertainment industry. There were so many people like that," and added, "When I debuted, industrialization hadn't taken hold yet. There were a lot of strange agencies, and it was really common to not receive settlements. I also stood in fashion shows and wasn't paid. (More than money) I was told to consider it an honor," he added.
He said that thanks to the music video released ahead of the film's opening, new fans have flowed in, but he also mentioned feeling worried. "My career has been long, so my fans are people who often come to see me. But yesterday at a film-related event I saw people I hadn't seen before. It seems they came after seeing that music video," and he added, "I'm worried how long it will last. There is no next stage," he said, prompting laughter.
Meanwhile, 'Wild Sing' opens on June 3.
[Photo] Provided by AA Group
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