Actor Yoon Dong-won (31) has made his debut as a lead actor on screen with 'Chohon'.
The film 'Chohon: A Song Called Again', which will be released on the 19th, tells the story of the student song group Deulkkot Sori, who passionately shouted alongside the workers of Samhyung Industrial during their strike for survival rights in 1992.
This is the latest work by director Jo Jung-rae, who attracted 3.58 million viewers with 'Return', based on the true story of Japanese military comfort women. This project was also funded through community funding before production, allowing citizens to invest in it.
Yoon Dong-won joined 'Chohon' through auditions and plays the character Kim Jin-wook, a member of Deulkkot Sori.
Yoon Dong-won expressed his feelings ahead of the release, saying, "It's my first lead role, so I'm excited and nervous. I feel the pressure of how the audience will perceive it, and I hope they enjoy it."
When asked why he chose to participate in 'Chohon', he said, "I felt grateful that they saw something in me during the audition. When I heard it was a work by director Jo Jung-rae, I really wanted to be a part of it. I tend to think about whether the script resonates with me when I read it. While it's important for an actor to participate in many works and take on significant roles, it's also crucial that the content speaks to my heart. So, there was no reason to turn down this project."
Since it was his first lead role, the pressure was significant. However, he made every effort to become Kim Jin-wook.
He said, "While preparing for the character, I had many questions within myself. So, I wrote down the character's story, emotions, questions, and answers and showed them to director Jo Jung-rae, who responded that it seemed like a good approach. I wasn't very familiar with the historical context of that time, so I studied and looked for films and documentaries."
He continued, "I first heard of folk songs while preparing for this project. It was important to understand the feelings behind why they sang, so I made an effort to grasp that. I knew how to play the guitar before, but it was harder than I thought because I had to move my fingers quickly. I practiced a lot and even recorded it, which made me proud," he said with a shy smile.
He also mentioned, "I've always dreamed of doing melodrama, but I've never acted in one. So, even though my scenes aren't many, I wanted to make the moments with Min-young shine. I asked Min-young to work together, and it was great that we matched our energies well, and I was thankful. Despite the age difference, we communicated smoothly," expressing his gratitude towards Kim Jung-yeon, with whom he shared the screen.
Yoon Dong-won also expressed his respect for director Jo Jung-rae.
He said, "This was my first time on such a warm set. Director Jo said it was a place that runs on people, not money, and that was truly the case. I learned a lot from seeing how he carefully looked after even the minor roles, which made me work harder."
He added, "What surprised me about the seniors I have always admired was how they excelled in their roles while also encompassing those around them. It's impressive that they don't just focus on themselves but strive to create together. So, I also wanted to do well and support others, but it wasn't easy. I was just trying to keep my own head above water," he joked.
Yoon Dong-won has been active as an advertising model since he was 6 or 7 years old and has appeared in short films. However, he stopped acting during his third year of middle school due to adolescence.
He confessed, "During my third year of high school, I was contemplating my future and realized I wanted to act again. I attend church, and while praying, I received a casting offer for a film. It felt like fate, and that's how I started acting again."
After that, Yoon Dong-won entered the Korea National University of Arts and was active on the theater stage. He appeared as Young-hoon in the film 'Secret' last year.
He said, "Sometimes I feel frustrated and unfair when things don't go well, and there are times I want to quit. There are realistic issues, so as I get older, my steps feel heavier. Sometimes I feel like there aren't many opportunities left, but I have a strong desire to create good works together."
For this reason, 'Chohon' holds special meaning for him, as he said, "It feels like I'm at the starting line again. I've been acting until now, but it's not easy to feel satisfied. However, through this work, I challenged myself with melodrama and was able to grow as an actor. I think I'm a late bloomer. I still believe I can do well and want to do well, and I want to become an actor who can truly immerse myself in my roles. Regardless of the size of the role, I want to do my part well," expressing his passion.
"'Chohon' made me realize that I didn't know much about the historical context or folk songs of that time. Through this project, I felt gratitude for the efforts of many people that have led to a slightly better world. In the final scene where Kim Jung-yeon sings and appeals, I also felt the power of folk songs. It was almost a feeling of jealousy. I hope that such power and stories are well conveyed to the audience."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
