Sohu.com Korean Entertainment No. 2 – Cutting Edge Personalities

Sohu.com Korean Entertainment No. 2 – Cutting Edge Personalities
Weekly Magazine  2008/ 01

Topics On the Cover
Gong Yoo
The Departure of the Coffee Prince
Pusan Man King of Fighters Super Strong Male Hormones
I’m not the classic pretty boy type but I possess an actor’s face
Friendly, Likes to play jokes but a little small-minded
Yoon Eun Hye : Gong Yoo is a very warm man
On “Gay Love” Gong Yoo : All kinds of love have value
Looking forward to GY’s return after two years

Page 1

Editorial Note: This Magazine is a new series featuring the hottest personalities in Korean Entertainment Field.

Page 2
Why Choose Gong Yoo?
Gong Yoo (孔侑) whose previous name was translated as “公侑” is like the persons in the Korean “X Files”, he seems to always to be found wanting that last 2%. Not by any means without charm, but it just feels that there is something lacking. However, his appearance in CP has changed this situation.
In 2007, who is the Korean actor with the fastest rising popularity gaining the attention of everyone ? Gong Yoo. We should have published a special issue on him earlier as he most definitely deserves the title of “Korean Entertainment’s Cutting Edge Personality”.
On January 14, 2008, that is today, is the day for GY to enlist for his MS. Sohu.com Korean Entertainment specially issues an edition to help all of us get to know actually what kind of prince is this “Coffee Prince”. In doing so, we shall carry this memory while waiting for his re-appearance in two years’ time.
What is most disappointing is, we have not met GY face to face to feel his charm, so we had to rely on Korean Press reports, to get the best possible outline of his background.

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“King of Fighters” Gong Yoo: At that time, I never thought of wanting to become an actor
When a butterfly was still a caterpillar, what kind of life does he(she) live ? Is it like us, each day searching hard for the path to our dreams ?
Gong Yoo, real name “Gong Ji-Cheol, screen name gong yoo, actually the authentic Chinese characters of his screen name is “Gong Liew” (“孔刘”) – father’s surname is Gong , mother’s surname is Liew, to make his screen name Gong Liew. But as this name sounds a bit strange (in Chinese) people have become used to calling him Gong Yoo.
What a coincidence, the subject of our first issue – Lee Jun Ki, like Gong Yoo is from Pusan. The special characteristic of Pusan men as Lee Jun Ki previously told us, is being called in Korea as “Men like Fire” – just look at GY’s masculine hormone oozing body and you’ll understand this point.
“Certainly did not like fights as a student, but as a boy this cannot be avoided. The most unforgettable experience involving fighting was in my second year of first middle school, the assistant monitor at that time, I fought with a classmate in the toilet, we fought until my school jacket and shirt were stained with blood, and I ran home like that. Afterwards, he apologized to me, and the two of us became friends, and to this day, we still keep in touch. During my mid-high school days, my fighting rank is mid-upper level. Because I do not have much experience of being beaten, I was worried about my acting in “Same Age Family Education” (NB:Literal Translation of Name of Film/Drama?).
Never Thought of Becoming an Actor
Unlike many actors who dreamed of becoming an actor since their childhood, GY at that time never had an idea to become an actor. “Up to high school, my grades were very good, so there were no worries about the future (smiling), my grades in mid-High school started to fall, so I had to start thinking what ability I can rely on for my meal ticket.”
“When I made the choice, my parents opposed it, not to be an actor, but a profession in film-making, which involves directing and producing films as a career, and I never felt that if I cannot be a director, then the advertising and similar fields would do. But I never thought at that time to be an actor, and I even determinedly explained to my parents that becoming an actor was not my objective.”
“At that time, I really wanted to work in an advertisement company, and it would have been enough if I signed an advertisement contract . I did not yet have any thought of becoming an actor at that time. My parents told me not to go into acting. In the Kyung Hee University examinations for Performing Arts in Film, the literacy test accounted for a greater proportion than performance skill test. One month before the examinations, I was all along practicing more to improve myself for the performance skill test, for instance imitating and so on. Afterwards, my result was not superior, it was just enough to pass and enroll at the University. “
Gong Ji Chul in the eyes of a Teacher
Junior Middle School Home Room teacher’s appraisal of GY: He was a very quiet student, if he is having any trouble, he would manage it himself, a model student. He was very strong and excelled in sports. Other teachers were envious of me, especially the female teachers, so jealous that they did not like me.
High School Teacher’s appraisal of GY : He now looks like he has a great body, but at that time he was tall but his head was small, that’s why he had the nickname “small head”.

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Super Strong Male Hormones
GY’s body , is probably the most special amongst Korean male stars. There are a lot of Korean stars with great bodies, but you don’t often see a body like GY’s which is a “western (Caucasian) type of body”, the most typical of which is his broad shoulders, some people sigh and say “His shoulders, I only live to be able to hug them.”
Gong Yoo, his whole body gives off a strong manly appeal, this sort of super strong male hormones, not every movie star can have.
A very warm-hearted man
On the one side a face with masculine sex appeal, and on the other side a friendly face, his image on nthe screen often comes across as being an ordinary guy which he says he also is in real life. “I don’t like to stand out and to be picky, just carry on harmoniously with my friends, I am more into sports, watching movies, my interests are much like those of other guys of the same age.”
When GY was mentioned, YEH said “When we were filming together, I felt that he is a warm-hearted man, if we did not work together, I could probably not be able to act out even one half of the character of Eun Chan.“
Friendly, Likes to play jokes
“I frequently play jokes on others, but I do watch out not to overstep beyond the limits of other people. Frequently being told off : I don’t like you anymore.”

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[Star Quotes] Gong Yoo: I’m not the classic pretty boy type but I possess an actor’s face
I like the strong creative aspect of being an actor. I am not a classic pretty boy type, but I have a good actor’s face. No matter what role is given to me, I have the confidence that I can quickly get into character, at least gain from the audience’s vision approval of my outward appearance.
I really want to try doing an anti-hero role, try the sort of role where outwardly the character has a sunny disposition but deep inside he is sinister. I have never included myself in the idol level as a star.
My position in the movie world is a little bit high Although it’s not pleasant to hear , it’s actually speaking from the heart. Compared to newcomers, my acting skill is more mature, but compared to highly skilled actors , my acting is immature. There are times in my performance when I cannot completely grasp the character. If the image in the silver screen I give to everyone is the same all the time, I don’t think that is also very good.

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[Star’s Special Traits] On “Gay Love” Gong Yoo: All kinds of love have value
In CP, what attracted most people is the question of friendship between two people of the same sex. In Kang Dong Won’s interview, KDW clarified his relationship with GY – relatives by marriage, that is why they are close. Then how does GY look at “Gay Love”?
“Having filmed CP, only then can I comprehend, ‘Gay Love’. I respect the love between two gay persons, because love is something which cannot be explained, it can happen anytime, any place, and can occur to any person, it should be understood, and should be tolerated.”
“I neither support nor am against gay love, I just feel that all kinds of love have value. But for myself, there is no possibility of me falling in love with someone of the same gender, because I am not GAY (laughs). In the drama , it was not really a Gay love relationship, so there is nothing to worry about. “

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[Star’s View on Love] Gong Yoo : Very Conservative and moreover, very resolute
In fact my view of love is very conservative and very firm. My character is not one who quickly falls deeply into love, and loves so extravagantly. For me, to start a love relationship, time is a difficult matter. But once it has started, I will treat it with extreme care, and be very persistent, because of this, each relationship lasts for a long time.
I am friendly with girls who are older than me. My own feeling is that, age is not crucial, I feel that girls older than me are more mature whether in disposition or psychologically. Actually, I do not have any special strict age limit requirements. I prefer those types of mature women who stay beside a man whenever he feels tired, even if at times when I am very impolite very mischievous. I am waiting in anticipation (for her).

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[Star Secret] Easily frightened, Small Minded Gong Yoo
Secret 1: He can’t help but close his eyes when watching horror movies, so will never watch horror movies with his girlfriend.
Secret 2: On the emotional side, the type who remains calm even when he is excited. He and his ex-girlfriend were both Blood type A, both were rather small minded, and had many disagreements when they were together, and the one who usually ends up losing control and exploding is the girl.
Secret 3: The most terrible thing in the world – High School Gangs (mafia?)
Secret 4: Guess what ? GY’s and KDW’s grandfathers were very good friends of many years, because of this they became relatives by marriage of their children, so that two of Korea’s top level pretty boys, GY and KDW became relatives by marriage.

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In the eyes of other people] YEH: GY is a very warm-hearted man
YEH:  When we were filming together, I felt that he is a warm-hearted man, if we did not work together, I could probably not be able to act out even one half of the character of Eun Chan. I am really, extremely thankful for his help and care.
Eon (“Min Yeop”): He really is like Han Kyeul, actually I knew him since the days of “School 4”, after so many years, he is still the same outgoing and warm person.
Kim Dong Wook (“Ha Rim”) : He is a very humane sunbae (senior), filled with passion when working, I have learned many things from him. Also a joker whom you cannot find repugnant
Kim Ja Ok (Han Kyeul’s Mother): He is a person with depth, and responsible.
Make-up Artist: Our heights have a great disparity, so putting on make-up for him has to have a time limit, as my arm will get tired from lifting it up too much. After he discovered this, he would adjust to my height by bending his waist or his knees, this little things he does shows his thoughtfulness and empathy with others
Hair Stylist: Although we have specially prepared a separate Hair styling area, he does not want to go there and has his hair done together with other regular customers. Very kind, accommodation all requests for autographs making him popular with our customers.

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[Star Work] “Coffee Prince No. 1 Shop”
Photo Caption : “CP” has made GY rise to the most popular star level after so many years
What did you think when you accepted “CP”?
Recently modern love romance dramas have not been very successful, so when I first accepted to work on “CP” I did not have very high expectations. Compared to me, my Agent Company was more positive.
Actually, I am someone who has to think a lot before doing something, at 29 this year, having been around for 6 years, the first time to have a meeting specifically to discuss my work (smiles). During that time I was full of worries about the future, I keep thinking about how I can continue to be an actor.
In the end I decided to accept this script, one half of the reason is because I had confidence in the director, but my heart was quite restless. After the filming of the drama was completed, it was only during an interview that I found out that the director was initially feeling very restless about actors like me. (laughs).
Did the Director tell you the similarities between yourself and Han Kyeul?
Actually, on the question why I was chosen to play Han Kyeul, the director all along never gave me an official reply, whenever I asked her about acting, she always wants me to think about it myself, to speak truthfully, there are times I felt it was troublesome (laughs), as my previous thinking/approach was “ more hands-on directions (from the director), should help make the performance smoother”. Afterwards, I understood that the director wanted to give me the opportunity to experience the pain of growing, making me feel embarrassed about my complaints before.
About the strong kiss
This is not my first kiss, nor is it my first screen kiss, but it is my first time to kiss a “male character”, ha ha. This is also my first strong kiss, I always acted very gentlemanly during the time when I was in love before. During the time when I filmed this scene with the strong kiss with YEH, because I had to act out the feeling of kissing a person of the same sex, I was very nervous, feeling excited and not natural.
On “Strongman” Eun Hye
At the time, I had to lie prone on her back, I felt very sorry. Her small thin body had to carry my 184cm frame, and I had to pretend to be drunk, completely relying on her shoulder. But Eun Hye never said a thing, she just carried me that way and walked, which made me admire her very much.

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[Star Work] Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy, One Fine Day, S-Diary
Biscuit Teacher Star Candy
This is probably the drama that made more people know GY. A cool High School student, and his acting was not bad. The GY now is more mature, and the young cool boy then is now a full grown man.
BTSC placed an average teacher with dreams of becoming the best teacher together with an outstanding but destructive boy, going through their development dealing with young people’s problems, growing pains, and not simply a story about two people.
One Fine Day
If I said this drama wasted GY, I don’t know if you would agree or not? GY’s role in the first half is a very individualistic character, but towards the end, I can only remember GY wearing sports pants standing dazed in front of the aquarium and pestered by Sung Yu ri —- if the writer wrote the character more fully, it would be so much better!
Gong Yoo’s Filmography
Movies:
　　2003 《同龄家教》My Tutor Friend
　　2004 《间谍女孩》Spy Girl
　　2004 《S日记》S Diary
　　2004 《Mr. Gam`s Victory》
　　2005 《校园卧底》She’s On Duty
　　2007 《与龙一起》Like a Dragon
Dramas:
　　2001 KBS《学校4》School 4
　　2001 KBS《总是忐忑不安》Whenever
　　2002 KBS《挡不住的爱》Hard Love
　　2003 SBS《20岁》20 years
　　2003 网络连续剧《你房我房》Internet Drama – Your Room My Room
　　2003 SBS 《梦想的荧幕》Screen
　　2005 SBS 《饼干老师星星糖》BTSC
　　2006 MBC 《美好的一天》OFD
　　2007 MBC 《咖啡王子1号店》CP

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[Conclusion] Anticipating Gong Yoo’s Return in Two year’s time
I still feel a bit of regret, because I was not able to interview GY face to face, I was not able to form a definite and bright impression.
Two years time, speaking for fans, missing him starts from today. Then, let’s wait together in anticipation of the return of the Coffee Prince in two years’ time.

 

Gong Yoo “Wicked Boy” Book of Confessions

Article from Chinese magazine [2008-01-04]孔侑“恶童“自白书

Gong Yoo “Wicked Boy” Book of Confessions

Talking Incessantly About Nothing

Unlike the “cold prince” type he portrays in TV dramas, the real GY is actually quite talkative. In this regard, both Kim Sun Ah and Nam Sang Mi who worked with him before, feel the same. During the filming of S Diary, GY would unload all his recent gripes to KSA which would sometimes last for over two hours, making KSA suspect that there must be a woman living inside GY’s body. Unnie KSA also said that it was only every time they finished talking, that she would realize that all GY talked about was nonsense, the kind of things that she would not have any recollection whatsoever. But GY treats women differently, based on whether he is close to them or not, he would talk incessantly beside those women who are close to him, but would not have anything to say to women who are not close to him.

Doesn’t care about bad image

Most people in the entertainment field take extreme care of their image, they must maintain the most perfect appearance and always look like “the prince in the mirror”, but GY in this regard can be said to be thoroughly the “rough” type.

He not only would not bring a mirror everywhere, but he would not have any regard for the basic image that an actor should project , making all his friends around him jokingly refer to him as “not having any movie star consciousness” in him.

Other actors would refuse to have their photographs taken without fixing their appearance beforehand, but GY doesn’t care, and would have his pictures taken any time even when his face has not been fixed by the make-up artist and he is not properly dressed. He feels that even if he is an actor, he should still live like a man and it’s not necessary to be like women who worry about trivial matters like whether their hair is properly arranged and whether the dress they are wearing is appropriate.

No Regard for Age

Behind the scenes, GY is wickedly mischievous towards his leading ladies no matter what their age. In CP, the hot tandem of GY and YEH did not have any scandal because the way they treat each other is really too “MAN(LY)”. Whenever GY and YEH meet in the drama, naughty GY would use his hand to knock on YEH’s head as a form of greeting. Not before long, YEH also followed this gesture, and they ended up greeting each other in this manner hitting each other on the head continuously not satisfied until the other one cries out in pain. How can people think of them as being sweet together? GY and KSA in S Diary acted as a pair of lovers in the movie and as required by the script GY would call KSA “My Baby, My dear, etc…”. But after filming has ended, GY still called KSA, who is several years older than him, “My baby, my dear” and did not use the formal style of speaking with KSA (as per Korean custom when speaking with elders) making KSA grit her teeth as there is nothing she could do about this “disrespectful” younger brother.

Actually He is also very Manly

Although he is not considered to be handsome but he has a strong manly appearance, first rate superb body, and have an exceptional bond with women, GY being like this as he is, constantly gives off dangerous signals to the women around him. One time, when he was asked once again when he had the experience of his first love, GY’s reply surprised everyone, he said that “Although it may sound like a joke, for me my first love is my last love. The girl I finally marry with whom I have a family together, that girl is my first love. I believe that the relationship must have that result for it to become my first love. If somebody asks me who my first love is, I will say that my first love is my wife. The one I love who is beside me now is the most precious one; compared to remembering the past, treasuring the present is more important.”

*** Credit iluvyoo2 for posting and ariesw@YOOhouse for translation ***

Gong Yoo: “Coffee Prince Shop No.1 is an unforgettable project in my life”

 [Interview Translation] Gong Yoo: “Coffee Prince Shop No.1 is an unforgettable project in my life”
The original article and pictures were re-arranged and published on: GongYoo @PTTHttp://blog.sina.com.tw/gongyooptt/
Translated from Japanese website Cinema.cafe.net
http://www.cinemacafe.net/news/cgi/interview/2008/04/3730/

When Coffee Prince Shop No. 1 was aired in Korea in 2007, it became popular and received lots of support from viewers. This drama is about Eun Chan who was being mistaken as a man, was accepted to work in a Coffee House which was restricted to handsome looking crews. Subsequently, Eun Chan developed a sweet but heart-breaking relationship with the manager of the coffee house, Han Kyul. Gong Yoo who acted in School 4 and One Fine Day took up the role of this manager who was attracted to Eun Chan whom he saw as a man, and got himself into dilemma.
When Gong Yoo was offered this role, he was uncertain whether to accept it.
“This is a typical youth modern drama. When I received the scripts, I was worried that this project does not have much content. However, the director has taken in lots of factors into considerations to make this drama realistic. As a result, this project turned out to be an excellent production, and to me it is also an unforgettable project in my life.”
This drama hit the highest viewers’ record at 32% when it was aired. This was how Gong Yoo analyzed the popularity.
“Yes, this is a youthful modern drama. The director paid attention to every single minor detail and make detailed arrangements. I believe the viewers must have felt the same, that’s why, this drama was able to catch their attention. Other than that, this project was well structured, the acting skills of the actors are excellent. With these three important factors, it is hard not get to gain popularity right?”
From the start of the interview, Gong Yoo kept mentioning the words “Director” and “Directing”. Is “Director” the basis of his decision for choosing a project?
“Yes. However, the co-stars, the role I am taking up and the storyline are also very important. As for the role of Han Kyul in Coffee Prince Shop No. 1, I was also concerned whether I can add life to this character and whether I am equipped with the right acting skills to bring out the realistic feel of his character. These factors are also important”
Other than that, Gong Yoo also said “Communication is very important.”
“Interaction with the director and the co-stars is just like dating (Laugh). It is important to build rapport with the co-stars, communicate with them and open our heart to them. This process is important as we progress in our filming. This drama achieves all the mentioned. If the process is carried out properly, we may be able to deliver the messages of the drama to the viewers. Through this drama, I have the practical experience in thi”
Han Kyul was in dilemma when he fell in love with Eun Chan, whom he thought is a guy. Because this will not happen in real life, it became enjoyable.
“Yes, normally such situation will not happen. However, when we were filming, the feeling became so real gradually. For example, the scene of Han Kyul blowing his top at Eun Chan. At first, I thought it was unnecessary to display violent anger. However, after discussing it with the director and writer, that should be the expected reaction from Han Kyul. After going through many of such similar discussions, the feeling of Gong Yoo and Han Kyul seems to blended together. Of course, such situation is impossible in real life but ‘Love’ explains everything. Looking at this from a rational angle, you have to do this and that. However, when you really fall in love, you may act against your principles, isn’t this very common?
Unable to act according own wish and being tied down by rationality is something I think will also likely to happen if love exists. “

“I hope to take up a role as villain or someone with mental problem. I am very keen on those roles that can express my emotion to the fullest.” Gong Yoo said, denying the idol image that the public has fixed for him. He is currently serving his military service. Eagerly waiting for two years later, when he can come back to Korean entertainment world to bring us his new projects.
(photo：Toshiyuki Sasho)