Gang Dong-won says he aimed to be 'weirdly funny' in K-pop trio leader role

▲ Actor Gang Dong-won speaks at a press conference for the movie "Wild Sing" in Seoul on May 7, 2026. (Yonhap)

▲ Actors Gang Dong-won, Park Ji-hyun and Uhm Tae-goo (from L to R) pose for a photo during a press conference for the movie "Wild Sing" in Seoul on May 7, 2026. (Yonhap)

Korean film-press conference

Gang Dong-won says he aimed to be 'weirdly funny' in K-pop trio leader role

By Lee Minji

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Before the golden days of K-pop megastars BTS and BLACKPINK, first-generation acts like H.O.T. and FIN.K.L ruled the South Korean pop music scene.

In the Korean comedy film "Wild Sing," actors Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun recreate that earlier era of the K-pop scene, through their roles as members of a once-popular K-pop idol group Triangle seeking to make a comeback 20 years later.

Gang, who has largely built his acting career on serious and masculine roles, plays Hyun-woo, the group's leader and main dancer, in what marks a rare appearance in a light-hearted comedy film.

"When I got the script, I just thought how funny it would be for me to do a headspin," Gang said in a press conference in Seoul on Thursday. "I wanted it to be weirdly funny. ... Both bittersweet and humorous."

Gang, who said he previously had almost no understanding of hip-hop, practiced breakdancing moves for about five months -- during which he came to "respect" K-pop idols and their endeavors.

"I realized how tough things are for idol artists, and as filming went on, I came to respect them," the actor said, adding that he hoped to convey their struggles through the movie.

Uhm, who took on the role of Sang-gu, a rapper-turned-insurance salesman, was no exception when it came to hard practice.

The actor, known for being a famous introvert, received rap training almost daily at JYP Entertainment, the real-life agency behind K-pop acts TWICE, Stray Kids and ITZY.

Park, mostly known for her portrayal of calm and nuanced characters, reveals a different side of her acting by playing Do-mi, the trio's sole female member who is tough behind the scenes despite her naive on-stage persona.

The film, directed by Son Jae-gon, also features veteran actors Oh Jung-se and Shin Ha-kyun as Sung-gon, who always ranks second in local music charts, and Yong-gu, the producer behind the group Triangle, respectively.

The music video for Triangle's debut hit "Love Is" is another nostalgic touch that takes viewers back to the early 2000s, featuring the trio dressed in jerseys, chunky necklaces, earrings and goggles. The video has already racked up more than 2 million views on YouTube.

"We've all had moments when we wanted to shine. I hope viewers will enjoy this movie (in that spirit)," Gang said.

"Wild Sing" is set for release June 3.

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