Actors Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon shot a couple pictorial for the magazine ‘Cosmopolitan’.

SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Gwigung’ starring two actors depicts the story of a shaman named Yeo-ri(played by Kim Ji-yeon)who rejects the fate of a psychic, her first love Yoon-gap(played by Yook Sung-jae)who appears in front of her, and Kang Chul-yi(played by Kim Young-kwang), an imoogi trapped in Yoon-gap’s body.

This couple pictorial with Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon was carried out with the concept of capturing the moments of the lively Jen-Ji couple, unlike the image of ‘Yeori’ and ‘Yoon Gap’ in historical dramas.The two actors showed perfect teamwork and chemistry during the shoot, completing a lovely pictorial in every cut.

In an interview, Yook Sung-jae said the reason he chose the drama ‘Gwigung’ was, “I like the fantasy genre in general, and the story of ghosts with grudges that appear in each episode was interesting.I played two roles, ‘Yoon Gap’ and ‘Kang Chul’, and I found the character of ‘Kang Chul’ especially appealing.I wanted to express the emotions and situations that Kang Chul, an Imoogi, feels for the first time in the human world.” Kim Ji-yeon said, “I also really like the fantasy genre, but I’ve never done it before, so I really wanted to try it at least once.The script itself was really fun.The story of the Imoogi and the shaman felt fresh.”

They also talked about what they each prepared for the drama ‘Gwigung’, which is a historical drama genre with fantasy elements added.Yook Sung-jae said, “This is my first time doing a historical drama, and because of the fantasy elements, there were quite a few action scenes using swords and weapons.There were action scenes like cutting through the air with a sword and blowing a whirlwind, but they felt really difficult.I completed it by exchanging various ideas with the director on set.Since what I do will soon become the answer for our drama, I confidently acted as I thought.” Kim Ji-yeon continued, “I received advice from experts like Jo Ji-hoon and Yoon Mi-young.I tried to build the character of ‘Yeori’ within myself by watching the good things the teachers did and reading the movies and books they recommended.” She showed her intense research as an actress.

The two actors have been friends for 16 years before becoming fellow actors.When asked how they felt about meeting as the main characters of a drama, Kim Ji-yeon said, “At first, I was worried about whether I would be able to control my emotions in front of this friend, but I felt so comfortable after the first shoot.It was nice to be able to comfortably talk about things like, ‘Am I okay now?’ on set.” Yook Sung-jae also showed off his strong chemistry by saying, “I was the most comfortable with that part.I think that’s probably why there’s such synergy in our acting.(Laughs).”

He also did not spare his praise, saying, “Jiyeon can absorb any genre into her own, so I think she will become a really good actor.She just hasn’t encountered all the genres yet, but I think she will eventually be able to evolve into an actress.” Kim Ji-yeon said, “Sungjae is an actor with many outstanding abilities.It feels like he does everything well? On set, we would talk with the director every day about how great Sungjae is.I envy his ability.” They showed their mutual dependence and respect for each other as actors and friends.

Finally, they shared stories about their dreams and hopes for presenting ‘Gwigung’ to the viewers.Yook Sung-jae said, “I’m really nervous about how people will view this drama, which I filmed intensely without any regrets.I’m the type who always starts with kimchi stew, so I’m spending my time imagining when it’s going to be the best.What should I do first if this drama really does well? I think about that(laughs).” Kim Ji-yeon said, “I hope that another drama that will be remembered in the hearts of viewers for a long time will be born as everyone worked hard.”

The May issue of Cosmopolitan, which contains more pictorial photos and interviews with Yuk Seong-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, is available at bookstores nationwide, and can also be found on the Cosmopolitan Korea website and Instagram.

Reporter Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com jhj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.