"That Era's Vibe is Charming": Lee Dong-wook Embodies Retro in 'Good Guy' (Press Conference)

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"It's not a gangster genre show. It's a story about people living grounded lives." (Lee Dong-wook)

When one thinks of "gangsters," the immediate keyword is often fighting. Typically, it involves bloody power struggles or exhilarating action scenes with stylish fistfights.

'Good Guy' (script by Kim Woon-kyung, Kim Hyo-seok; directed by Song Hae-sung, Park Hong-soo) is different. It shines a light on the arduous lives of gangsters who aren't making it big. The key point is their almost pathetic lameness, making you wonder, 'Why on earth would they live such a life?'

Director Song Hae-sung defined this drama as "Pyeongyang Naengmyeon" (cold noodles). It lacks flashy, eye-catching trendy elements. Nevertheless, it evokes nostalgia and keeps you thinking about it.

A Human-Centered Narrative

JTBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Good Guy' held a production presentation today, July 14th, at The Link Seoul Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Song, along with Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyoung, Park Hoon, Oh Na-ra, and Ryu Hye-young, were in attendance.

'Good Guy' is an emotional noir drama. It tells the story of Park Seok-cheol (played by Lee Dong-wook), the eldest grandson of a gangster family, and Kang Mi-young (played by Lee Sung-kyoung), an aspiring singer, as they share a warm love. They grow as individuals, overcoming harsh realities to pursue their respective dreams.

Lee Dong-wook plays Park Seok-cheol. Though Seok-cheol dreamed of being a poet as a child, he ended up becoming a gangster, following the family's third-generation business. He possesses a surprising charm: a rough exterior but impeccable manners. He's a pure-hearted man who dedicates his life to his first love.

Lee Dong-wook explained his choice of project: "For about 4 to 5 years, I primarily did genre shows or fantasy. I was getting tired of those genres. So, I was drawn to this work which depicts the lives of ordinary people."

Seok-cheol is a humane gangster. Lee Dong-wook noted, "I didn't want to romanticize the profession of a gangster. I didn't try to make him look cool. Instead, I tried to express the hardships of life." He even infused aspects of his own human side into the character. "I didn't do any special preparation for the acting. Instead, I naturally found my rhythm by conversing with the actors on set," he recalled.

Lee Sung-kyoung takes on the role of Kang Mi-young. Mi-young is an aspiring singer and Seok-cheol's first love. They developed their love in their school days. Upon reuniting with him, she gains more courage to chase her dreams.

Lee Sung-kyoung is returning to the small screen two years after SBS-TV's 'Dr. Romantic 3.' She revealed, "I wanted to work with actors I admire and a director I respect. I chose this project without much hesitation."

As Mi-young is an aspiring singer, scenes of her singing occupy a large portion of the drama. Lee Sung-kyoung stated, "I put a lot of effort into practicing the piano playing and singing scenes." She fully utilized her accumulated singing skills, saying, "I truly acted as if I were a singer. This was also my first time attempting to record an instrumental performance," and promised, "I will show you some great songs."

She also dedicated herself to the melodrama acting. "I tried to immerse myself completely in the script. Rather than thinking about expressing the emotions of first love, I truly tried to act as the character Mi-young," she shared.

Chemistry and Family Dynamics

A key viewing point is the romantic chemistry between Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyoung. The two portray everything from the freshness to the tenderness of a reunited first-love couple, showcasing a pure love unlike any other.

Lee Sung-kyoung explained, "It shows an unrealistically beautiful love. Yet, as you watch the two of them, you find yourself lost in memories, thinking, 'I also started with such a pure love.'"

Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyoung aimed to minimize any artificiality. For this, they engaged in various discussions for each scene, creating a love story that anyone can empathize with.

Lee Dong-wook recalled learning a lot from Lee Sung-kyoung during this process. "Even when I strongly voiced my opinions, [Lee Sung-kyoung] accepted everything. She was a flexible counterpart," he praised.

Lee Sung-kyoung playfully added, "Doesn't [Lee Dong-wook] have that first-love visual that makes your heart flutter just by looking at him? I naturally immersed myself in the love scenes in every moment."

Another viewing point is Seok-cheol's family story. He shows realistic sibling chemistry with his older sister Park Seok-kyung (played by Oh Na-ra) and younger sister Park Seok-hee (played by Ryu Hye-young). Lee Dong-wook chuckled, "They're a family that every family in Korea will be able to relate to."

The actors also confessed that they initially felt the drama's story, setting, and title were all cliché. However, as they read the script, they found even the seemingly old-fashioned parts to be charming.

Ryu Hye-young expressed confidence, saying, "It's a work that fully embraces its 'old-fashioned' charm. As I watched it, I felt a sense of nostalgia. So, I think it could become a work beloved by all age groups."

Finally, Lee Sung-kyoung exclaimed, "It's a work that's like a collaboration of that era's sensibility and current sensibility. We all put a lot of thought into making it, so please enjoy watching it."

'Good Guy' will premiere on July 18th at 8:50 PM KST.

[Photo Credit = Reporter Jeong Young-woo]