The newly released Korean disaster film “Yeongasi” is the talk of the
town, as it attracted more than 1.1 million viewers during its first box
office weekend between July 6 and 8, topping even Hollywood blockbuster
“The Amazing Spider-Man.”
The success of the film wasn’t always so certain, especially when Kim Dong-wan, 33, a member of Shinhwa but an inexperienced actor, joined the cast. Even fellow cast member Kim Myung-min, 40, voiced concerns about his colleague, who he feared might have trouble on the big screen.
But as shooting began, Kim Dong-wan worked hard to prove himself, assiduously studying his character to earn the approval of his colleagues, and later, audiences.
In the film, Kim stars as Jae-pil, a detective agonized with guilt for squandering the wealth of his brother Jae-Hyeok, played by Kim Myung-min, through a bad stock recommendation. But in a bizarre twist, a parasite epidemic gives the two a chance to bond. Together, they look for the source of the bug, which drives infected insects to the water so that it can breed, but leads to suicide when humans are infected.
The JoongAng Ilbo sat down with Kim Dong-wan recently to discuss his big break in the movie business as well as his thoughts on the unconventional horror-adventure film into which he put so much effort. The interview also touched on his roles as a TV host and K-pop idol.
The success of the film wasn’t always so certain, especially when Kim Dong-wan, 33, a member of Shinhwa but an inexperienced actor, joined the cast. Even fellow cast member Kim Myung-min, 40, voiced concerns about his colleague, who he feared might have trouble on the big screen.
But as shooting began, Kim Dong-wan worked hard to prove himself, assiduously studying his character to earn the approval of his colleagues, and later, audiences.
In the film, Kim stars as Jae-pil, a detective agonized with guilt for squandering the wealth of his brother Jae-Hyeok, played by Kim Myung-min, through a bad stock recommendation. But in a bizarre twist, a parasite epidemic gives the two a chance to bond. Together, they look for the source of the bug, which drives infected insects to the water so that it can breed, but leads to suicide when humans are infected.
The JoongAng Ilbo sat down with Kim Dong-wan recently to discuss his big break in the movie business as well as his thoughts on the unconventional horror-adventure film into which he put so much effort. The interview also touched on his roles as a TV host and K-pop idol.
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