Actor An Bo-hyun is making his way to the summer box office with the movie 'The Devil Has Arrived' (Directed by Lee Sang-geun). He is collaborating with director Lee Sang-geun and Lim Yoona from the 'Exit' duo.
Meeting him at a café in Samcheong-dong on the morning of the 7th, he appeared full of excitement. "I'm happy to meet the audience with a movie that fits perfectly at just the right time," An Bo-hyun began, adding, "The character itself was somewhat unfamiliar and a challenging endeavor for me, but under the director's guidance and with Yoona's support, I think it turned out better than I expected," he said with a shy smile.
"I've mainly played characters that emphasize masculinity until now, but this is my first time portraying a character that is completely harmless and human, which rather evokes a protective instinct. It was a bit awkward, but that's what made it refreshing. It wasn't a deliberate choice to break away from my existing image; I jumped in because I liked the work and the character."
'The Devil Has Arrived' is a comedy about a young unemployed man, Gil-gu (An Bo-hyun), who gets caught up in a bizarre part-time job monitoring Seon-ji (Lim Yoona), who wakes up as a devil every dawn. This is his first collaboration with director Lee Sang-geun, and he reunites with Lim Yoona after 10 years since their connection in China.
An Bo-hyun described 'Gil-gu' as "a feeling that is both distant and close." He said, "I have enough of 'Gil-gu' within me. I also had a time of deep contemplation in the past and often felt the need to be aware of those around me. There are quite a few similarities, such as valuing my alone time and having a somewhat timid side."
He continued, "Maybe that's why, if I were in the past, I would have found it hard to handle a girlfriend like Seon-ji, but now I feel like it could be possible. The desire to help someone who is lost and wandering without avoiding it, and the sincerity of reaching out first seem courageous to me."
Did he also have a period of contemplation and wandering in reality?
An Bo-hyun admitted, "I too have had times when I lost my way, wandered, or fell into confusion. Perhaps it happens frequently," and shared, "During those times, I tend to whip myself a lot. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself."
"Looking back, I think those times of deep thought and reflection ultimately return more valuable. Every moment, I wonder, 'Is this right?' 'Can I pursue this path that isn't stable?' 'Can I do what I want?' 'Am I doing well?' So maybe that's why I was more drawn to 'Gil-gu.'
Nevertheless, when asked if 'Isn't he too much of a fantasy character?' he replied, "At first, I had some of those thoughts, but these days, with 'virgin solo' content gaining popularity, I became convinced that such a person could definitely exist in reality. There are definitely guys like this."
He emphasized, "Someone who is harmless to anyone, who suppresses and holds back inside, and sometimes brings out their own way of expressing it like a claw machine. Yet, they are happy to know they can also help someone."
Regarding his co-star Yoona, he expressed deep trust and gratitude. An Bo-hyun said, "When I met her 10 years ago in China, 'Girls' Generation' was incredibly popular. Even though it must have been overwhelming and difficult, I was overwhelmed by Yoona's fresh energy. Her bright, mature, and positive aura was impressive, and even after 10 years, it remains the same," he said with a bright smile.
"As soon as I saw the script, I was curious about how Yoona would portray this role. When I actually met her on set, it was clear she had prepared a lot. I thought it was amazing. Thanks to that, I was able to immerse myself easily in this absurd situation."
'Gil-gu' becomes a warm and considerate friend and love interest to both daytime Seon-ji and nighttime devil Seon-ji.
An Bo-hyun laughed, saying, "Thanks to Yoona's beautiful and lovely appearance, I think I was able to easily immerse myself in 'Gil-gu's situation."
"'Gil-gu' is in love with daytime Seon-ji, but that appearance is so awkward, while nighttime Seon-ji is completely different. From Gil-gu's perspective, it's a series of absurd and strange situations, but because it was Yoona, I was able to act smoothly. Both are so lovely and charming, right? (laughs)"
'The Devil Has Arrived' will be released on the 13th. Rated for ages 12 and up. Running time is 112 minutes. The break-even point is about 1.7 million.
