Gong Hyo Jin for Ten Asia - interview & photoshoot

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

Regardless of whether or not she has a small or big role, and looks pretty or not playing that role, Kong Hyo-jin’s ability to become her character and play it realistically is both her talent and weapon. And many of the roles she has played have proven it. Even when she openly expressed her desires, boldly showed her naked face, and spit out curses in film “Boomerang Family” earlier this year, like veteran actress Yoon Yeo-jung said, “It was a role that was perfect for her to the point that I couldn’t have imagined anyone else playing it.” If any other actress her age had played the part, it would have been a surprising and even shocking role to take on. But at the same time, maybe this is the case: her audience has become somewhat immune to seeing Kong being honest and outspoken on the screen. And it has become very natural for her to play the roles successfully although such has been the case only because it was she who played them. Nonetheless, all turned out to be groundless concern. It seems that there is no character she cannot go for, based on how she says there is much more for her to show than she has already shown.

Q. This may disappoint you, but when I told people I’m interviewing you, more women than men got excited.

Kong Hyo-jin: (Laughs as if she already knew and expected it.) I’m not disappointed!



Q. The women around me say you are ‘great’ when we talk about you. And I personally think it’s the best modifier that an actress could hear because people are acknowledging for who you are, regardless of your gender.

Kong: I agree. Whenever I’m asked what sort of actress I want to become, I’ve always said, “Someone that’s great.”



Q. You debuted at a young age so you could’ve wanted to be a pretty or sexy actress too.

Kong: But you can’t always get what you want. And it’s not easy to create a certain image of yourself. On top of that, I’d start to feel sorry for myself once I start paying attention to the pretty girls. And I didn’t want to. That’s the worst feeling. Feeling sorry for myself, or regretting what I’ve done. I also tell myself that I’d like to be able to live life without having to experience the emotions of ‘betrayal’ and ‘regret.’ And luckily, I don’t think I have had to so far in a serious way.



Q. But actors are often put in situations where they have to make choices, whether it’s regarding a project or character. So maybe you haven’t experienced betrayal but it’s surprising that you haven’t experienced regret.

Kong: I think everything happens for a reason. It’s also my way of staying positive but I like to go ahead and decide, ‘This happened because something better is going to happen.’ I am becoming a bit more negative as I become older though, the more I learn about how the world works. I find myself clinging onto things that I wouldn’t have found problematic in the past.



Q. You must’ve become more greedy too, right?

Kong: Probably. When I was young, I think I said, “Whatever” to everything. But there are more things that I now think need or I wish could be in a certain way. But I think I’ve done okay so far. I can deal with my feelings by controlling my mind.




Q. You’ve done several movies on families. What are you like with your family?

Kong: I’m very different as a daughter from in my films versus real life. To start with, I love my family dearly. I’m obsessed with the thought that something will go very wrong if I don’t help with my mom going through menopause and my younger brother’s concerns. For example, I call my younger brother who is a year below me, but he doesn’t answer, then I call again. And if he still doesn’t answer, I get worried that something might have happened to him. Of course he’s fine but I still just worry.



Q. That’s surprising. I thought you’d be bold.

Kong: It’s because I’m blood type A and the oldest daughter. I think people say that blood type A people are timid not because they’re weakhearted, but because they worry about a lot of things. And it makes your life tiring (laughs). I once worried so much that I asked someone studying psychology, “I have these concerns these days. Is it normal?” And I was told I am. But I’m actually really bold when it comes to bigger or serious matters. I tell myself, “What’s the big deal?” “It can happen,” “I can just make the money again!”



Q. I wonder what your definition is of what’s a big or serious matter versus a small and trifling matter. I think that something that you may think is a big deal may not be for other people.

Kong: For example, when there was rumor of me being in a relationship with someone after my breakup? I’m bold when it comes to those things. I’m the one that rather said, “What’s this? I’ll just tell them [the media]. And ask them what they’re talking about. I think that’ll be the easiest.” If I were timid when it comes to those things, I wouldn’t have been able to leave my house and would have said instead, “Ha Jung-woo, I don’t think we should go outside anymore.” But that’s not the case. I don’t agonize over things that are clearly not true because I believe that the truth eventually gets across.



Q. Well, you may not actually be as bold as we thought you were, but I think viewers have become somewhat immune to you being outspoken and honest in the movies or dramas you take on. It seems that roles that would have been a big deal for other actresses to play, aren’t really when you play them. Don’t you sometimes feel that this is unfair?

Kong: I think it’s both a strength and weakness I have. Because in a way, it means viewers trust in me. But it could also mean, “Why even bother talking about it.” But like you say, if I keep repeating what I do, people might start saying, “There’s not much to look forward to because she’s predictable.” So I need to try various roles. And I’m sure there’s something that’ll work for me. Something that’s different from what others do, and in a different way. Or maybe I’ll just go for a role where I’m extremely pure and innocent. Or dying (laughs).



Q. I actually thought of that too (laugh). I thought that it would rather be a change for you if you took on a pure and fragile character in an old-school melodrama. But haven’t you avoided taking on such roles?

Kong: Hmm… I think I’ve put off on playing them. I think it won’t be too late to play such characters after making my mark in the industry with my own style.



Q. Well, it must also be tiring for you because the public’s taste changes so easily. They may like you one moment, saying that you’re refreshing, but the next moment, they could become sick of you.

Kong: That’s right. But I think this job is too much fun for me to become disappointed by such things. I feel a huge amount of pleasure when there’s chemistry among the actors in particular. You know, sort of a thrill when the chemistry is great. And I felt it often while shooting “Boomerang Family” as well. There were all sorts of sparks that went off while I shot the scene where I fought with my second oldest brother (Park Hae-il).



Q. I often hear that you’re an actress that goes with your instincts for your acting.

Kong: I think I’m the type that gets my scene partners a bit flustered. And I realized it when I did drama “The Greatest Love.” We use completely different methods for acting, but actor Cha Seung-won is the type that familiarizes himself with the script for an entire episode perfectly before going into shoot. And I’m the type that figures things out along the way. It’s sort of like how women act differently when they’re wearing a skirt versus heels versus pants. In the same way, I just suddenly know what to do when I enter the space I’ll do my scene with my make-up on, and exchange lines with my scene partner. So my acting changes with every take. I might say, “I guess you did?” in a cynical way for one take, but then say, “Really?” in a clueless way for the take after that. There are also times when I just want to make the other person flustered because I get curious to how that actor will react. I sometimes wonder whether I’m helping them or not, but I believe that I’m acting in a way that opens up several paths [for them].



Q. That’s true. Because you’re drawing out new sides to them. In a way, you’re directing them.

Kong: Yes. I’m stimulating them. Because it ends up producing new patterns of acting. And then you may be surprised by how the drama turns out after it also goes through editing. I think Lee Sun-kyun for drama “Pasta” was the actor I had good chemistry in that way. He seemed flustered at first but ended up reacting adequately, and it worked perfectly with me. Of course, I do think that may way of acting may not be suitable for all actors. For example, I may have started shooting a scene thinking that I’m going to be calm in it. But while filming it, I may decide that it’s actually a very sad scene and I would then decide to tear up for it. In that case, if my scene partner shot his scene before I did, he’ll end up looking heartless for shooting the scene calmly.

Q. At one point, the image that people had of you was someone that is rebellious — far from being mainstream. But from a certain point onward, you succeeded at gaining popularity with the public while not damaging that image either. And now, you switch back and forth very freely between the two.

Kong: Well, there is definite mainstream territory versus non mainstream territory. One is movies, and the other is dramas and commercials. I also have the title as a fashionista, which is a bonus. So while I may do unique, non mainstream movies, I’ve always done ‘showing’ as a fashionista, and did dramas as well where I’ve played really great women. I’ve also almost never played characters that were only into love. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to control these two that are very different.



Q. And I believe you’ll continue to do so?

Kong: Maybe. But I am interested in doing a more commercial movie. It’s something that’s very hard for me to do but I think I may need to show the general image I have in dramas in movies now because people might start thinking, “The movies Kong Hyo-jin appears in are so unique.” (laughs)



Q. Ah, yes, including your role in “Love Fiction”! (laugh)

Kong: That was the most commercial choice I made. I filmed it thinking that it was an extremely commercial movie. But it wasn’t (laughs).



Q. Well, what I wonder is whether there’s a role you can’t play.

Kong: There isn’t! (laughs) Hmm. I don’t know if I’d be good at action movies. I’m so clumsy with my body. When I did film “Volcano High School,” the martial arts director told me, “Hyo-jin, never do action movies again. So rarely do I see people that are as clumsy as you are with your body.” (laughs) So I asked, “Really? Do I really have no hope?” And he answered, “None!” So that’s when I found out that what I have to give up on is action and dancing.



Q. What do you think you would’ve been like if you were ten centimeters shorter?

Kong: I probably wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing right now. Having long arms and legs, being tall, and being skinny, is a huge advantage for me. I don’t think I would’ve been able to become an actress if it weren’t for that.



Q. Your life as a fashionista that you described as being a bonus earlier on, how is that? Do you enjoy it a lot?

Kong: I totally try to enjoy it. it’s not like I made an effort to be like that from the very beginning. It just somehow happened, but I realized just a few years ago that it’s a gift that’s been given to me. But it does make me more cautious too because for actors in particular, people can criticize you by saying things like, “Why is her make-up so strong when she’s in a period-set drama?” or “How come she’s carrying a bag from a luxury brand when she’s playing a poor character?” They think such things mar the story. But I think viewers focus on those things too much as well. They’re just bags and yet, they are so aware of how much they are and raise issue with it. But I guess you can’t help it. It’s pop culture. Reality is that you can’t ignore the public’s eyes and I think you need to go with it.



Q. Being somebody’s wannabe must make you happy but it also requires responsibility.

Kong: Yes. That’s why I try to be careful about not trying to prompt spending. I also need to guide teenagers (laughs). I do want to present new looks though. That’s why I think about it a lot and am thankful for the added value I have. I sometimes think to myself, ‘Until when will cameras shutters go off and articles be written about me when I appear?’ I’m grateful for my current situation so I get worried as well. I think I need to try all the time.


Q. It seems that many people see you as being cool and fancy. But based on what you wrote in your environmental book, it seems that you’re someone that also needs lone time.

Kong: I’ve come to realize with age that it’s great to live life being considerate of the organisms that surround me, whether they’re animals or plants. And I’d slowly like to make this known to people. You know how when you see Hollywood stars strut the streets with disposable cups, as if they’re fashion items as well, that people think they’re extremely busy women with jobs? I too used to be drawn to such fanciness. What is it that you call it? ‘Grande’ size? How it seemed like you must drink coffee from cups that size (laughs). But that’s not the case. People who use lip balm until they see the bottom and are careful with using pressed foundation that has broken to pieces seems more sensible now. And by seeing and feeling such things, I too wanted to become an example for someone. I actually am that sort of person anyway. I’m a very flexible and easygoing person but when I was young, I deluded myself into thinking that I’d look cool by living life the way I want.



Q. By releasing a book on the environment, you’re also showing the world what kind of thoughts you have. So hasn’t it made you become more cautious of how you act?

Kong: I don’t think I’ve changed much (laughs). That’s why I say, “There are situations that I can’t do aything about because I’m human,” “Don’t criticize me,” and “You won’t be criticized either.” But this is what it is for me: for example, you can reduce the number of times you use disposable cups from ten to three. And I want to support and applaud that effort, and tell them that I do the same as well. I also just want to feel proud from helping at least a bit with the world because that’s where I get my energy from and how I know I’m living my life in the right way.



Q. Does the actress Kong Hyo-jin and average person Kong Hyo-jin clash often?

Kong: I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t happen. Because I feel that the environment is precious yet I’m also a commercial model that encourages consumption (laughs). But I haven’t gotten far yet. There are people like Lee Hyori who try really hard. They declare “I’m going to change my lifestyle” so they get both attacked and supported. But I’m still far from becoming like them. And I’m a Christian that doesn’t even go to church that regularly. Sometimes I’ll depend on my religion a lot, but other times, I’ll say, “I feel lazy. Maybe I’ll pass [on going to church] just today?” So nothing’s absolute. I think the first step to making changes is to do as much as you can and to the extent that you’ll enjoy it, but trying to take the step after that is what’s hard to do. And in a way, I think it’s because of my job. I need to move on to the next chapter, but it’s not easy.



Q. Well, I don’t think you need to feel compelled to. Like you’ve done so far, I think a change will come to you naturally.

Kong: Yes, it will, right? Whether it’s marriage, or me becoming a parent, I think something will prompt me to move onto the next chapter. I’m waiting for it, preparing for it, and making an effort not to let go of it.










source: 10asia 1, 2, 3, 4


idk guys if you are watching master's sun but i like that drama a lot so far ^^

Comments

[nrafx.livejournal.com]

I really like her, I should probably start watching Master's Sun soon. I also never got around to watching Love Fiction, does anyone know if it's any good?

[crystalheng.livejournal.com]

While everyone else loved the drama, I stopped after ep 3. I couldn't stand CSW and GHJ's acting. Master's Sun on the other hand is great so far.

[keithfan-sra.livejournal.com]

She's so cute and yet really pretty at the same time. I am really enjoying Master's Sun so far. I read somewhere that last year time-traveling seemed to be the theme for dramas and this year it's ghosts.

[ohlookshiny.livejournal.com]

ugh i love her. her acting is so natural. she never overplays it.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

I love her.
One of the very few well-loved korean celebs.

Master's sun is kind of amazing.
I hate ghosts but SJS and GHJ's interactions makes it worthwhile.
As long as i dont watch the drama alone at night.

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

Read it all ♥ LOVE her.
I like Master's Sun when Joong Won isn't manhandling her or pulling her hair.

[love-allure.livejournal.com]

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that fucker is such a buzzkill in the drama. so as usual, i'm rooting for the second lead male knowing it ain't gonna happen. lol :|

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

But the 2nd male lead is sketchy as fuck right now. So for now i'm not rooting for anyone. Gong Sil is annoying me too tbh, I'm just like Stop being so damn submissive!

[love-allure.livejournal.com]

my eyes are blind to his sneakiness. i'm guessing it all ties in together with the dead ex-girlfriend and stuff. :o

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

Seo in guk's character just called So Jisub's character's dad, dad right? So are they supposed to be siblings?

[bleuvelvet.livejournal.com]

ilh and master's sun is rly good so far.

[oliwon.livejournal.com]

I just can't help it but think of the word "CHEF" everytime I see her ;_;
loving her on master's sun.. she's adorable

[ebenetwo.livejournal.com]

ugh she's the best, like some of her characters are written in a way that would be really annoying if it wasn't played by her

they're gonna need to write JW better so SJS has more to work with

[nandexdame.livejournal.com]

right now his character is dokko jin part 2

[ebenetwo.livejournal.com]

i don't really see Dokko Jin. maybe the delivery? he was just whacky tho fun since CSW really commited to it haha

i see every stereotypical chaebol written in history being tossed up in an unfresh salad. add some spice to him Hong sisters, GHJ can't carry it by herself (tho lbr she totally can)

[juhli.livejournal.com]

She has so much presence on screen.

[flumes.livejournal.com]

she is so incredible and i love her so much. just cool and charming and cute and pretty. i really like tms actually but i get all the complaints haha

[vermicelli-rice.livejournal.com]

She seems really down to earth and that's very appealing

[sakuragirl24.livejournal.com]

ahhh she's one of my favorite k-actresses she's great. And she's really cute and pretty too I just love watching her
Master's sun is really nice so far!

[burningleaf.livejournal.com]

Hyojin Unni is forever flawless ♥