Actress Kim Go-eun, who rose to fame with the film 'The Burial' and won the Grand Prize at the Blue Dragon Series Awards for the OTT series 'Yoon Jung and Sang Yeon,' met with audiences in Busan. Celebrating her 14th year in the industry, she shared her insights on character development and her flexible approach to acting, engaging deeply with the audience.
On October 8, the 31st Busan International Film Festival hosted the Actors House event at the Shinsegae Centum City Cultural Hall in Haeundae, Busan.
Actors House is a special talk program where contemporary Korean actors discuss their acting philosophies and works.
During the event, Kim Go-eun expressed her excitement, saying, "This is my first time at 'Actors House,' and I was thrilled to meet you all. I really love the city of Busan; it’s a city of passion. Every time I come here, I feel a positive energy. I am looking forward to experiencing various films at the Busan International Film Festival."
She revealed her admiration for author Park Sang-young's novel 'The Love Law of Big Cities,' stating that she was eager to participate in the film adaptation once it was announced. Kim shared her deep affection for the work and her initial impressions of her character, Jae-hee.
Kim Go-eun described Jae-hee as "a character that feels like a 'live fish, flopping around.' She is just entering her twenties and shows defensive traits from her experiences. I felt a strong desire to guide her as a good older sister, which made me want to bring this character to life."
She also reflected on her own tumultuous twenties, aiming to share the universal feelings of confusion that many experience at that age. "Everyone in their twenties feels like they are adrift in a vast ocean, experiencing complex anxieties. I deeply empathized with Jae-hee while portraying her," she explained.
Kim also discussed her role in the blockbuster film 'The Burial,' where she played the charismatic 'MZ shaman' Lee Hwa-rim. She attributed the character's depth to her strong sense of professionalism.
"Hwa-rim is a character with a strong work ethic. She is very professional while working, but when she is off the clock, she lives entirely for herself, which is likely why she is called an 'MZ shaman,'" Kim interpreted.
She emphasized her commitment to avoiding any amateurishness in her performance, stating, "I was obsessed with ensuring that no hint of amateurism came through. The difference between an amateur and a professional lies in the 'subtlety.' I focused on every small gesture, believing that these subtleties create the character."
Behind her solid character-building process lies intense self-pressure and stress. However, Kim revealed that once she steps in front of the camera, she empties herself and radiates positive energy. She has trained herself to find calmness for the sake of her fellow staff and director.
"I put myself through a lot of stress right up until filming begins, but once on set, I allow myself to relax and joke around. A relaxed actor helps the set run smoothly and allows for flexibility in accepting the director's directions," she asserted.
After 14 years in the industry, Kim Go-eun has not only strengthened her acting skills but also matured in how she handles her emotions and stress. She admitted that in the past, she would ignore her struggles and push herself too hard, but now she has learned to face and acknowledge her pain.
"If I try to convince myself that I'm not struggling, it eventually erupts in unexpected ways. Now, I acknowledge my difficulties and give myself time to process them," she said.
Kim also expressed her fondness for the series 'Yumi's Cells,' which opened a new chapter in her thirties. This project provided her with healing and a sense of refuge amidst the intense filming environment.
Reflecting on the production of Season 3, she said, "I initially opposed it for the sake of a perfect ending, but after doing it, I felt the work was complete. The set, where I could communicate with the director and staff after five years, was healing for me."
Regarding her collaboration with esteemed seniors like Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Hye-soo, and Jeon Do-yeon, she shared, "In the beginning, I observed and listened to my seniors, and once I felt their hearts open, I approached them warmly rather than cautiously. Now that I am in a senior position myself, I find it refreshing to have juniors who mix respect with playfulness rather than just being overly cautious."
In closing, Kim Go-eun expressed her desire to explore musical films or musicals in the future, stating, "While the stage might be challenging, I would love to try a musical film if given the chance. I want to take a moment to commend myself for being able to share my past works with the audience. I promise to continue greeting you with meaningful projects that resonate with the heart."
Following Kim Go-eun, the Actors House will feature a diverse lineup of guests. At 6 p.m. on October 8, Kim Min-ha will take the stage, followed by Ryu Seung-ryong at 2 p.m. and Ju Ji-hoon at 4 p.m. on October 9, and Shin Min-a at 4:30 p.m. on October 10, all reflecting on their filmographies and acting careers.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run until October 15 at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations around Busan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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