May 2025 | Source: the galleria | Translation: Seɭeɳα

Presently in his 20th year since debut, actor Yeo Jin Goo never wasted a single day since his first day on the set.

New Three Kingdoms, which recently began airing, is generating a lot of buzz. Can you introduce what kind of program it is to us?

The title “New Three Kingdoms” has two meanings. One meaning is “a fresh take on The Three Kingdoms” and the other meaning is “include scenes” (Korean word “shin” also means “scenes”). The program isn’t just about retelling the well-known parts of the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It recreates the iconic lines of the main characters and cruicial historical scenes from the novel, compares them with actual history, and in doing so, takes a fresh, engaging look at the story. As a panelist, my role is to explain the main scenes from the novel and read out iconic lines or passages directly to the viewers. I trust the production team because they also made Naked World History and Naked Korean History, which I love watching, so I really enjoyed filming this as well.

Since it’s introducing a historical masterpiece, please give some tips on what viewers should focus on.

The best way is to immerse yourself in the flow of the show just like we panelists do — become the characters of The Three Kingdoms. Of course you can learn a lot from traditional lectures too, but it would be more fun to immerse yourself as if you were in a scene in a lengthy movie or drama. I also imagined it in my head while filming, which made it so much more fun.

Although the air date isn’t confirmed yet, tvN’s Great Escape: The Story is also highly anticipated. You’ve been doing a lot of interesting variety shows these days.

I used to worry about whether I could really show my true self on variety shows, or whether I could handle the entertainment aspects well. First of all, as a viewer, I’ve always loved variety shows. Since I was a kid, I would watch 1 Night 2 Days, Family Outing, and Infinite Challenge with my whole family. I have a lot of good memories tied to my favorite shows, so in a way, they shaped a big part of my life. However, I used to worry when I got casting offers. I wondered if I had any talent for variety, or if I could actually bring joy and laughter to people through it. Then at some point, I started to feel really grateful just for receiving proposals, and I gradually wanted to experience it for the sake of the viewers.

You officially debuted in 2005, so it’s already your 20th year as an actor. If there was a turning point in your life, when was it?

There was a turning point after I filmed Hwayi: A Monster Boy at age 17 (16 international age). Before that, I had already gained love and recognition from Moon Embracing the Sun, but Hwayi brought attention once again and I received a lot of love and support. As I was approaching my 20s, I went through a period of frustration like everyone else. Looking back, there were times when I kept asking myself how I should approach acting as a profession. “After I become an adult, I need to be recognized by many people as an actor, so how should I act now?” “Why did I act that way back then?” and so on. (Laughs) I experimented with different methods, changed my acting style, and challenged myself in new ways up until my early 20s. I also realized that as a professional actor in commercial films, box office performance mattered. Facing that reality was scary. When I was a child, acting was pure fun, like playing on the set. But as an adult actor, even something as small as which direction I turn a page feels weighty. I needed time to adjust to that.

You seem to be doing well so far because you had [faced] enough of those concerns. Was it also around that time, you enrolled in department of theatre and film to study acting academically?

I put a lot of thought into applying to the theatre and film department, and I also considered other majors. Since I learned acting on the set, I never had a chance to study it academically. I thought it might help me gain confidence in my own doubts about my acting style and build up my know-how. Also, being around peers who were just as passionate about acting was energizing. In arts and sports programs, particularly acting, my career path to “actor” has been set, so I actually enjoyed my college life with my peers who also wanted to become actors, and those days have now become an indispensable and precious part in my life.

Your reason for “Why do you want to be an actor?” should be a little different now compared to when you first started. I wonder what motivates Yeo Jin Goo to keep doing it.

The feeling of joy I felt every time I went on the set and acted as a child still burns inside me. Of course my attitude towards acting changed as an adult actor, but like ‘Iittle Yeo Jin Goo’, I’m still trying not to lose the initial spark from when I first started acting. Feelings of that time also made me realize that the deeper I get into acting, the heavier my sense of responsibility becomes and it demands constant effort. I want to continue acting as long as that feeling stays with me. Of course, it’s always difficult. (Laughs) Actually, it’s challenging every time. Every project feels new. “What about this next work?” “What if I play this role?” That’s what makes me looking forward to it. Actually, when I do something, I can’t stick to it for long, but acting is new every time, so I never lose interest. I think I found a job that really suits me. (Laughs)

Your birthday this year hasn’t passed yet, so technically you’re still 27. As you get closer to your 30s, do you reflect on your 20s much?

Actually, I was very grim when I turned 20. Like I said earlier, I was very worried about my livelihood as an adult actor, so I actually wished my 20s would be over quickly. At the time, I lived with the thought, “Just hold on for 10 years, whatever happens, when I reach my 30s, I’m bound to realize something.” I decided to give acting 10 years, and if I still didn’t have an answer when I’m 30, I’ll do something else. At the time, I never imagined that I would be living my 20s so full of hope, waiting for each new project in peace. I’m glad I didn’t avoid or run away from the fear of uncertainty. Looking back, I would think, “Oh, I’m so grateful for this life.” Now, as I approach my 30s, I’m very excited and anticipate what lies ahead in my acting career and my life as a person. Fortunately, I’m passionate enough to keep finding things I want to do. Besides acting, I hope to live a life where I can keep challenging and learning new things with an open mind.

If your goal in your 20s was to endure for 10 years, what else do you want to do in the next 10 years?

First of all, my dream is to act on stage. My seniors often say, “Every actor must experience the stage.” Even though the actor’s acting is important in dramas and movies, the final product is impacted by many factors, enough to be considered edited art. Whereas acting on stage, such as plays and musicals, requires the actor to carry everthing from start to finish. I’ve received offers from time to time, but I have a bit of stage fright (laughs), so I haven’t had the courage to try yet. So in my 30s, I really want to act on stage. In addition, Yeo Jin Goo, as a person, dreams to meet many people from different walks of life, travel to various places, and experience the world. As I roamed around places, I realized people won’t care more about me or do anything just because I’m a famous person, instead they are very relaxed. (Laughs) In a way, I think one side of my life is being loved by many people, a life that can be glamorous if I want it to be glamorous, but for Yeo Jin Goo as a person, I think the other side must be a life of an ordinary person. In that sense, in my 30s, I hope to live a more multi-dimensional life by connecting with many people from different walks of life and hearing various life stories.▣

Original Article:

스물 일곱
여진구

어느새 데뷔 20년 차, 촬영장에서의 첫날 이후 단 하루도 허투루 살아온 적 없는 배우 여진구의 오늘.

최근 방영을 시작한 ’신삼국지‘가 큰 화제다. 어떤 프로그램인지 소개 부탁한다.

’신삼국지‘라는 제목엔 두 가지 의미가 담겨 있다. 하나는 ’새로운 삼국지를 소개한다‘는 뜻, 다른 하나는 ’신 (장면)을 넣었다‘는 뜻이다. 우리가 알고 있는 역사소설로서의 <삼국지> 내용에만 집중하는 게 아니라 ’삼국지‘ 하면 빼놓을 수 없는 주요 인물들의 명대사나 역사적 장면들을 재현하고, 실제 역사와 비교해보는 등 새로운 방식으로 <삼국지>를 재조명하는 프로그램이다. 패널로서 나의 역할은 <삼국지>의 주요 상황 설명 후 명장면에 나오는 대사나 소설 속 글귀를 시청자들에게 직접 들려주는 것이다. ’벌거벗은 세계사‘와 ’벌거벗은 한국사의‘ 제작 팀이라 신뢰가 갔고, 나도 그 프로그램 들을 애청했기에 즐겁게 촬영에 임하고 있다.

역사적 대작을 소개하는 만큼 시청자들이 어떤 점을 중점적으로 보면 좋을지 팁을 알려달라.

가장 좋은 방법은 우리 패널들처럼 이 프로그램의 흐 름에 푹 빠져 정말 <삼국지>의 등장인물이 돼보는 거다. 물론 <삼국지> 강의를 듣는 것도 좋지만, 마치 긴 영화나 드라마 속 한 장면에 들어가듯 몰입해 보면 더 즐거울 것 같다. 나 역시 머릿속으로 그렇게 상상하며 촬영하니 더욱 재미있다.

아직 방영일이 확정되진 않았지만, tvN의 ‘대탈출 : 더 스토리’도 기대가 된다. 흥미로운 예능 작품들을 많이 하는 요즘이다.

예전엔 예능을 통해 나라는 사람을 온전히 드러내는 것과 예능적 요소를 훌륭히 소화해낼 수 있을지 걱정 하기도 했다. 일단 시청자로서는 예능 프로그램을 무척 사랑한다. 어릴 때부터 ‘1박 2일‘ ’패밀리가 떴다‘ ’무 한도전‘ 등을 온 가족이 모여 시청했고, 좋아하는 예능 프로그램에 대한 추억도 가득해 어떻게 보면 그런 예능 프로그램들이 내 인생의 큰 축이라고도 볼 수 있다. 그렇지만 예전엔 예능 섭외가 들어오면 걱정을 많이 했다. 과연 내게 예능적 자질이 있는지, 예능 프로그램을 통해 남에게 웃음과 행복을 줄 수 있을지 상상이 잘 안 가는 거다. 그러다 언젠가부터는 나한테 제안이 들 어오는 것 자체가 너무 감사하고, 점점 지켜보던 입장에서 실제로 경험해보고 싶다는 생각이 들더라.

공식 데뷔 연도가 2005년이니 어느덧 20년 차 배우다. 인생의 전환점이 있었다면 언제였나?

17세 때 <화이>라는 영화를 찍고 난 후가 터닝 포인트였다. 그전에는 ‘해를 품은 달’로 사랑받고 많이들 알아봐주시는 상태였는데, <화이>로 다시 한번 주목받고 많은 사랑과 응원을 받게 되었다. 그렇게 스무 살을 앞둔 즈음 남들처럼 많은 고민을 하는 시기가 찾아왔다. 돌아보니 배우라는 직업에 대해 어떤 자세를 취해야 할지 스스로 많이 물어보는 시간들이었다. ‘성인이 되고 나서도 배우로서 많은 분들에게 인정받아야 하는데, 이제 어떤 방식으로 연기에 임해야 할까?’ ‘나는 저때 왜 그렇게 연기했을까?’ 등등.(웃음) 연기하는 방법을 많이 바꾸면서 20대 초반까지 스스로 이것저것 도전을 많이 해봤던 것 같다. 또한 상업 작품에서 연기하는 프로페셔널한 배우로서 어느 정도 흥행 성적도 내야 한다는 생각이 들어 그런 현실을 깨닫고 받아들이는 과정이 무섭기도 했다. 어릴 때는 마냥 연기가 즐겁고, 현장에서 작업하는 과정 자체가 재미있어서 놀이 처럼 해왔지만, 성인 연기자가 된 후엔 종이를 왼쪽으로 넘기느냐, 오른쪽으로 넘기느냐에 따라 연기에 임하는 나의 무게감이 달라지더라. 거기에 적응하는 시간이 필요했던 것 같다.

그런 고민들이 충분히 있었기에 지금까지 잘 해내고 있는 듯하다. 그 즈음 연영과에 입학해 연기를 학문적 관점으로 바라본 것도 그러한 시간들의 일환이었을까?

연영과에 지원하는 것에 대해서도 고민을 많이 했고, 다른 전공도 생각해봤다. 연기를 현장에서 배우다 보니 아카데믹한 시점에서 다뤄본 적이 없는 거다. 교과과정으로 연기를 공부하면 내 연기 방식에 대한 스스로의 의문 같은 것에도 확신이 생기고, 노하우를 쌓는 데도 도움이 되지 않을까 하는 생각이 들었다. 또한 내 또래 연기를 하고 싶어 하는 친구들과 함께 모여 작업 하고 대학에 다니다 보면 새로운 에너지가 샘솟을 것만 같았다. 예체능. 특히 연기는 ‘배우‘라는 직업 루트가 딱 정해진 상태라 배우가 되고픈 뜨거운 열정을 지닌 또래 동기들과 지내보니 실제로 대학 생활이 너무 즐거웠고, 그 시절이 이젠 내 인생에서 빼놓을 수 없는 소중한 순간이 됐다.

’왜 배우를 하고 싶은가?‘에 대한 이유도 처음 시작할 때와 지금은 조금 다를 것 같다. 무엇이 여진구가 이 일을 계속 하고 싶게 만드는 원동력이 됐는지 궁금하다.

어릴 때 촬영장에 가서 연기를 할 때마다 즐거웠던 그 감정이 내겐 아직도 강렬하게 남아 있다. 물론 성인 연기자로서 작품을 대하고 연기하는 태도도 달라졌지만, 나는 아직 그때 그 ’아이 여진구‘처럼 현장에서 처음 연기를 시작했을 때의 그 감정을 잃지 않으려 노력한다. 연기에 대해 파고들수록 책임감도 무거워지고 꾸준한 노력이 필요하다는 걸 깨닫게 해주는 것도 역시 그때의 그 감정들이다. 나는 그 감정이 유지되는 한 계속해서 연기를 하고 싶다. 물론 늘 어렵다.(웃음) 사실 매번 어렵고, 매 작품을 할 때마다 새롭게 느껴지는데, 바로 이러한 점이 ’이 다음 작품은 어떨까?‘ ’이 역할을 내가 하면 어떨까?‘ 하고 계속 기대하게 만든다. 사실 뭘 할 때 생각보다 진득하게 오래 하지 못하는데, 연기는 매 번 새로우니까 흥미가 사라질 수가 없다. 적성에 잘 맞는 직업을 참 잘 만난 것 같다.(웃음)

올해 생일이 아직 안 지나서 스물 일곱이라고 해야 되나? 이제 점점 서른에 가까워지고 있는데, 지나온 20대를 돌아볼 때도 있나?

사실 스무 살 때 되게 암울했다. 앞서 언급했다시피 성인 연기자로서의 배우 생활에 대해 엄청나게 고민하던 시기이다 보니 오히려 20대가 빨리 지나갔으면 하는 바람이 컸다. 그때 ’10년은 죽이 되든 밥이 되든 일단 버텨보자, 그리고 나서 30대가 되면 뭐라도 깨닫는 게 있겠지‘라는 생각으로 살았다. 그렇게 어떻게든 10년 만 해보고 30대가 돼서도 도저히 답이 안 나오면 그때 다른 일을 하기로 마음먹었는데, 이렇게 편안한 상태로 작품을 기다리면서 사는 희망 가득한 20대를 보내 게 될지 그땐 상상도 하지 못했다. 앞날이 무섭고 막막하다고 회피하거나 도피하지 않아 다행이고, 돌아보면 ’아, 너무 감사한 인생이야‘라는 생각이 드는 요즘이다. 30대를 앞두고 있는 지금은 앞으로 나의 배우 생활에 어떠한 일들이 펼쳐질지, 또한 한 인간으로서 내 인생에 어떤 순간이 다가올지 굉장히 기대되고 설렌다. 이것저것 하고 싶은 게 꾸준히 생각날 만큼 열정이 있어 다행이다. 연기는 물론, 새로운 것들을 열린 마음으로 도전하고 배울 수 있는 그런 삶이 펼쳐졌으면 좋겠다.

20대에는 10년만 버텨보는 게 목표였다면, 앞으로 10년은 또 뭘 하며 살고 싶나?

우선 무대 위에서 연기해보는 게 꿈이다. 선배님들이 늘 강조하시는 것 중 하나가 ’배우는 꼭 무대를 경험해 봐야 한다‘는 것이다. 드라마나 영화는 실은 배우의 연기도 중요하지만 편집 예술이라 불릴 만큼 모든 요소 들의 영향을 많이 받는데, 연극이나 뮤지컬 등 무대 위에서의 연기는 등장하는 순간부터 오롯이 배우가 극을 이끌어가야 하기 때문이다. 그동안 종종 제안이 들어왔지만 사실 무대 울렁증도 있고,(웃음) 아직은 겁이 나서 도전하지 못했다. 그래서 30대에는 무대 위에서 꼭 연기해보고 싶다. 그 외에 인간 여진구로서는 좀 더 다양한 분야의 사람들을 많이 만나고 여러 곳을 여행하며 세상을 경험하고픈 꿈이 있다. 밖에 돌아다니다 보니 사람들이 내가 알려진 사람이라고 해서 더 신경 쓰거나 하지 않고 오히려 편하게 대해준다는 걸 알게 됐다.(웃음) 어떻게 보면 인생의 한편은 많은 분들께 사랑받으며 화려하다면 화려할 수 있는 삶을 살고 있지만, 인간 여진구로서 다른 한편의 삶은 그냥 보통 사람 살아가듯 그렇게 살아갈 필요가 있다는 생각이 든다. 그런 면에서 30대에는 다방면의 사람들을 만나 다양한 삶의 이야기를 나누며 지금보다 더 입체적인 삶을 살고 싶다.▣

January 2024 | Source: THE STAR | Translation: Seɭeɳα

T/N: Yeo Jin Goo was asked to do the interview using informal speech.

Yeo Jin Goo, an icon of youth who has relentlessly pursued his acting career since he was a child. His voice still delivers colorful yet unwavering catharsis.

It’s been a while. How was the photoshoot today?
I was a bit nervous. But as I started shooting, the tension gradually eased. I approached it with the mindset of enjoying the shoot as much as possible, considering it’s been a while since I greeted everyone through a photoshoot.

The theme was ‘New Season, Hot Guy’. What makes you burn (passionate)?
I tend to be very interested in new things. In that respect, I think the acting I’m doing right now suits me well. Each time I take on a new role in a new work, it requires different acting. That factor makes me burn the most.

How does it feel to welcome 2024?
At first I thought, ‘It’s already 2024.’ I feel a little down when I think, ‘It’s been another year like this.’ but now, instead of thinking that way, I feel more like ‘A new year has come, let’s live it to the fullest.’

What have you been up to lately?
I’m eagerly learning this and that. I’m diligently preparing for my next project, the movies that I made special appearances in a few years ago were just released, and the movie ‘Hijacking’ that I filmed earlier is about to be released, so I’m making various preparations now. Please look forward to it.

You recently appeared in the movie ‘Ajoomma’.
That’s right. First of all, I was very grateful. I think I decided to appear because I was so grateful. I also thought it was a rare opportunity to greet fans overseas again, where Korean culture, especially K-pop, dramas and movies are loved so much these days.

How did you feel when you saw Ajoomma’s premise, ‘An adventure to Yeo Jin Goo’s country’?
I feel very happy to I have such an experience in this way. If I could greet fans overseas with good works in the future, like in the movie, I would be so happy. (Laughs)

Did you pay special attention to the role of ‘Hallyu Star’?
I was really concerned.(Laughs) At first, I thought, ‘Can I do this?’, but I thought again, ‘If I don’t take this opportunity, when will I try it?’(Laughs)

What’s the most memorable moment during the shoot?
I was familiar with filmshoots in Korea since I was a child, but I’ve only heard about filmshoots overseas. So I was curious and a little excited. Since the language and culture is different, I was very curious about how they communicated, and I wondered how they would interpret the same screenplay. In that sense, it gave me a new perspective. I can feel the natural emotions and interpretations because I’m just a person, and I realized that there are emotions that can transcend country or culture.

You also made a special appearance in the movie ‘Noryang: Deadly Sea’.
That’s right. It’s the last film of director Kim Han Min’s trilogy of Admiral Yi Sun Sin, and I’m really honored to play the role of Admiral Yi Sun Sin’s youngest son, ‘Yi Myeon’. I only appear briefly, but when I think about it, I think I gained a lot of experience through special appearances. In ‘Noryang’, and as a Hallyu star in ‘Ajoomma’. In the movie ‘1987’, I even became the martyr Park Jong Cheol. I was very grateful while living in emotions and moments that I would never have felt before. Thank you very much to the directors who suggested me.

You met actor Kim Yoon Seok again, who you filmed 3 movies with, including ‘Hwayi: A Monster Boy’, ‘Tazza: The Hidden Card’ and ‘1987: When the Day Comes’.
Yes. That’s right!(Laughs) When I appeared in ‘Tazza’, I played the role of a genius gambler that I might never experience again in my life.(Laughs) I have very special feelings for Kim Yoon Seok. I received a lot of great compliments from him in the work we met for the first time, and amazingly after that, I played the role of his disciple, enemy, and son through special appearances. Maybe it’s just me, but every time I see him on the set, I think he looks at me a little differently. I think he cares for me a lot. Is that right, Sunbaenim?(Laughs) I think as long as it’s with Sunbaenim, it would be nice work together whenever I can.

There must have been a lot of fun behind-the-scenes with special appearances.
When I made my first special appearance, it felt more like I was going to have fun rather than going to the set for a shoot, but after shooting a few times, I started working hard again. I remember I was filming more sincerely than I expected, because the special appearances were not just light and fun roles, but all of them were quite meaningful characters or works. There were a lot of powerful scenes, so even though it was a special appearance, I filmed it carefully and seriously.

You’ve been acting since 2005. If you had to choose a work with a special affection, which would it be?
It’s too hard to choose one. Each one is so precious and meaningful. First of all, the movie ‘Sad Movie’, which was my first step in acting, is a very special work in my life. And the drama ‘Giant’ was the work that made me think, ‘I want to act for the rest of my life’ and ‘I want to be an actor’…. Please understand, it’s my filmography, so I have a lot of affection for all my works. I’m really sorry that I can’t pick just one.(Laughs)

Are you interested in other fields besides acting?
In a ‘Shall we try it seriously?’ way, not right now, but I when I get a little older and gain more experience, I’ve thought about participating in the production of movies and dramas to support the industry. It’s nice to work with people who love visual arts such as Korean movies and tv series as an actor, but I think it’ll be a very different experience.(Laughs)

What drives you to work hard?
I’m attracted to roles that are different from my actual personality in any way. The more unconventional the plot or character is, the more attractive it is, or if it has solid storytelling. There are many factors that can make me work hard.

I heard you’re a ‘hobbiest’. How do you discover your hobbies?
I tend to be very curious. These days, you can conveniently access many things on platforms like YouTube. I like trying to learn new things by watching various videos.

What hobby are you into lately?
I’m not into it yet but there is a hobby I’m considering. It’s origami. You can fold more things than you can imagine and there are techniques. It’s called polyhedrons. and you can even fold dragons and dinosaurs, I’m not kidding. I was really surprised.” (Laughs)

It would be fun to film a content about that.
Wouldn’t it take a really long time?(Laughs) And I need to have the basics. I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as it seems, but I’ll think about doing origami.(Laughs)

As a ‘Yoseknam’ (Cooking-Sexy-Man) and ‘Meokjilal’ (Food-Know-it-all), what is a food that you must eat in winter?
I think hot soup would be the main dish. When I make it myself, I like to try new food. So I tried making French onion soup after watching it on YouTube last winter, it was so delicious. You can even make it Korean-style by using beef bone broth, and there are many variations. Even if you don’t have guests, I think it’s nice to try a taste that you’ve never experienced when you eat alone at home.(Laugh)

I wonder if Yeo Jin Goo has a unique way to enjoy winter.
I like to cover myself with a cotton blanket and eat tangerines on a heated mat at home. Also, there are many special days to enjoy in winter. Holidays such as winter solstice, Christmas, and New Year’s Day have many events you could enjoy. And it’s fun to watch snow outside when it snows, or have a snowball fight. Rather, I want to ask. If you have any special ways to spend winter, please let me know in the comments.(Laugh)

‘If you’re handsome, you’re called oppa’, and you’re nicknamed ‘Jingoo Oppa’. What’s your favorite nickname?
Do they call me oppa because I look older? I don’t know.(Laughs) Among my nicknames, I like ‘Jingoo Oppa’. I’ve heard it a lot since I was young, and sometimes naughty younger brothers and older brothers call me oppa, so it’s fun. I think it’s a very meaningful nickname for me.

“Yeo Jin Goo is …” How would you fill in the blank?
“Yeo Jin Goo is more fun than I thought.” I want to be a fun person.(Laughs) However, saying this doesn’t sound fun.(Laughs)

What kind of impression do you want to make on the public as an actor?
‘An actor without limit.’ I want to be an actor with a wide spectrum of roles, really capable of digesting various characters and make people curious every time I greet them with new works and roles.”

When did you laugh the most recently?
I think I laughed the most today. Answer alone, laugh alone.(Laughs) I’ve been having many repetitive days recently, so I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud. But I don’t feel bored or bland, I’m just living each trivial day.

On the other hand, when did you last cry?
No laughter, no tears, I’m just living a stable life. I really don’t remember when I last shed tears. Do I seem a little cold-blooded?(Laughs)

How do you overcome your own slump?
It’s very difficult to find the right answer to this kind of problem. First of all, I think how you look at a slump is important. When I felt like I settled down without further growth and development, I think I experienced a slump. So I think the reason why it felt like a slump was because I already gave it my best in my craft. Perhaps I felt that way because l already achieved growth and development (laughs). In that case, I think it’s an opportunity to take good care of myself, work hard until the [next] slump came, and look back on my condition. If there are people who think that they are in a slump, rather than blaming themselves or blaming others, if they gracefully admit it and work hard again, wouldn’t there come a moment when they can overcome it worry free? Let’s cheer up. Fighting!

What is your happiness index now?
Overall happy. If 10 is really happy, it’s about 7~8. I’m living a very happy life these days.(Laughs)

Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
I can’t speak informally to my fans. Let me drop the casual speech for a while.(Laughs) Thank you for always supporting me. I say thank you like this every time, but I feel bad because I can’t repay you for all the love you give me! I feel a bit shameless for receiving your support and excessive love right now, so I think working harder and greeting you more often is the best thing I can do for you. If you say ‘I’m a fan of Yeo Jin Goo’ somewhere, I’ll try to become a good actor that people around you can cheer for. Thank you.” (Laughs)

Say something to yourself too.
Sure! Jingoo, come to think of it, time has passed so quickly. At first, you just wanted to appear on TV, so you learned children’s songs, and what was just a simple curiosity for acting turned into 20 years of acting. Apart from the time that has passed, I think you were very lucky to meet many people who supported you to do what you like from a young age. I hope you will be able to act happily for a long time in the future, and as much as you receive a lot of support and love, I hope you will love and support many people. Please take good care of me in the future. Fighting! (Laughs)

What do you wish to achieve in 2024?
I’ve reached a point [in age] where I wish for better health. I feel it more and more. Whether it’s physical or mental health, I think I need to know myself well, and I want to have more time to look after myself in 2024. I wish to know myself better than anyone else, and I hope others around me will do the same.

I’m curious about your future plans.
I’m diligently preparing for the release of the movie ‘Hijacking’, which I filmed from 2022 to early 2023. I hope many will look forward to it. Also I’m working hard to greet you with another work, so please pay a lot of attention to me.(Laughs)

Lastly, what do you want to say to the readers of THE STAR?
This is very difficult.(Laughs) Still, I’ll stick with the casual speech setting until the end. Considering it roleplay, and we are speaking causally now, we are friends, right?(Laughs) It was so nice to meet you, and it was nice to say hello like this. I hope to see you often in the future. I hope 2023 ended well, and I hope 2024 will be a very happy, lucky, and healthy year for you. I hope you will continue to love THE STAR, and be sure to love and care for me as well! Please.(Laughs) Happy New Year, and you did a good job in 2023. Let’s always be happy.▣