우재연
| 2025-03-24 16:37:17
actor-interview
Park Bo-gum reflects on beloved 'Gwan-sik' in Netflix series, his blossoming career
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- Even for Park Bo-gum, widely beloved for his wholesome and upright image, his character Gwan-sik in Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerines" feels like a "golden" role.
"Gwan-sik is an amazing man. He takes good care of those close to him and treats everyone with deep respect, while also possessing a strong will and clear values," the actor said of his character in an interview with local reporters Monday.
"Through this role, I found myself wanting to grow and become more mature, learning to embody his strong inner resolve beneath a gentle exterior," he said.
The actor plays the young Gwan-sik in the 16-episode series, directed by Kim Won-suk, acclaimed for "My Mister," "Misaeng" and "Signal," and written by Im Sang-choon, known for "Fight for My Way" and "When the Camellia Blooms."
Set on the southern island of Jeju, the nostalgic series spans over 60 years in the lives of its main couple: Ae-sun, a spirited rebel played by IU and Moon So-ri, and the steadfast Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon, with the latter actors portraying their older selves.
Premiering on March 7, the series has drawn tears, laughs and glowing reviews by telling a heartwarming story of a lead couple who demonstrate incredible resilience in the face of life's setbacks and hardships.
The actor expressed his gratitude over being part of a series he feels proud of.
"More than anything, I am truly grateful to have been part of a project that I can wholeheartedly recommend to others. I hope it becomes a timeless work that many will remember for years to come," he said.
In response to some comments that Gwan-sik seems too good to be true, the actor said he believed there must be many "Gwan-siks" out there.
"There are many people who care deeply for those around them and have kind hearts but are just not good at expressing it," he said.
Park described his character as a happy and fulfilled man, despite the endless sacrifices he seems to make for his family.
"I've never felt sorry for him. Gwan-sik takes charge in his life, making his own choices. His happiness is always fully charged as he finds fulfillment in providing his family with what they need," he said.
The 31-year-old actor made his debut in the thriller movie "Blind" in 2011. His breakout role came in the hit 2015 TV series "Reply 1988," which earned him the nickname of the country's "Little Brother."
For him, being discharged from the military in 2022 marked a turning point in his professional career, with "When Life Gives You Tangerines" being his first major project since his discharge.
"I feel like it's spring for me now, with this series planting the seeds that will soon blossom in the new chapter of my acting career," he said.
"I am happy because I get to work, and just the fact that I can say 'I am happy' makes me feel even more fulfilled," he said, exuding a positive attitude and vibe reminiscent of his character, Gwan-sik.
"I am excited to show you my performances, role by role, and I am looking forward to my next challenge," he said.
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