[Interview ✮ 2012] Kim Nam Gil 김남길 キム・ナムギル on K-Style (Japan)

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Kim Nam Gil "Red and Black" Interview "Coexistence of passionate love and caring each other is nice"

Red and Black is currently broadcasting in NHK General. Fans are looking forward to be broadcast this on general TV after its sensational popularity being broadcast twice via BS premium. This time, main lead star Kim Nam Gil came to Japan to conduct interviews and receive the feedback from fans. In addition , after his announced promise to go back into acting in which he will start filming his new movie, it was announced about his upcoming event for a Japan fan meeting.

-Red and Black began its NHK General TV broadcast in September after its NHK BS Premium last year which proves that the drama has become even more popular in Japan. How do you feel about it?

KNG: The popularity does not sink in to me yet. I am full of gratitude to the Japanese audience for loving all the hardwork made for this drama. 

-In portraying the role of Shim Geun Wook, what is the most difficult part?

KNG: What is "revenge" for Geun Wook is the main point of the drama, thus it was the part which was difficult because his character will definitely not get sympathy from the viewer. I must put the emphasis for the viewers to see him better with a convincing portrayal , such as " I am like the wind". It was a very hard time at the beginning, the contents of the script and the reason for his revenge since childhood was not enough. So I consulted the director for that part to give more flashback scenes to create a convincing reason for the said revenge. Gradually I got used to act as Geun Wook.

-Geun Wook is a man who is living from the past, do you also have traumatic memories from your childhood ?

KNG: Not in particular. I think there are painful memories in the past where you are trapped forever and will not able to move on. I am the type of person who forgets over time so I have no special memories like this. Even if I am acting the revengeful Geun Wook "What are you doing up there" I thought of the wind looking down to him.

"Coexistence of passionate love and caring love is good"

-Your romantic scenes with three different charming women became quite a hot topic in Japan , is there a love scene which is memorable to you in particular?

KNG: First of all, the scenes with Tae Ra : the first finger contact with her and the elevator kiss. There's also the taking a nap in the office with Jae In. Tae Ra scenes are hot and provocative while in the contrary, Jae In's are more of scenes with mutual understanding. I think I was able to show the contrast very clearly.

-Do you think of yourself as a "Caring lover" or a "Passionate Lover" ?

KNG: I think it also depends on your partner but I don't prefer one or the other and it would be good if they both coexist in a relationship.

-Are there stories about your filming you didn't talk about it before ?

KNG: The skydiving scene where you jump from a helicopter to the yacht was done in behalf of a stuntmant. I only did my part for the scene in the ocean. I had a stunt double here and there.

-Did you plan to skydive yourself?

KNG: Yes. I also received skydiving training. But even if I say "I'm a man!" to skyjump , with the feeling that I can, I eventually said "Wait a minute!" before they pushed me from behind (Laughs)

-If you watch Red and Black right now, towards at the middle of the series, what part of the drama you want us to focus on?

KNG: This is not only a story various attractions or of a revenge of a man who has a painful past just like everyone has. Red and Black tells how the  painful thing of the past will influence you. I also think that the drama focuses on the importance of family, hope and empathy for Geun Wook.

-You finally came back this year after finishing a two year enlistment period. What have been your specific routine during the enlistment?

KNG: I was living like an average salary worker. Their daily lives starts at 9:OO A.M, and get home at six in the evening. Unlike as an actor, I was living a plain , natural life back then.

-Did you keep this slim figure during the period of your military service until now?

KNG: No. I was pretty fat before. I was told by the agency President that I need to become less fat so I lost some weight naturally before I return (Laughs). 

-During the military service, how do you spend your private time?

KNG: When there's not much work, I spend my time with my family as much as possible. Not necessarily do anything special but I had spent my time at home or go shopping together or simply having a chat. "Bad Guys" working at home is a "Family Man".

-Do you have a good relationship with both your mom and dad?

KNG: Yes.  I hope we always get along.

"It was startling to see fans who are still passionate as ever"

-It was your first time in Japan after two and a half years. What is the feeling or your impression of Japan when you return?

I really like the Japanese buildings and streets. I have seen how you maintained the beautiful sceneries which I am hoping to see when I come back. And I did not expect the number of fans who waited for me at the airport. I felt goose bumps to see warm greetings when I arrived.

-What is your imrpession of the Japanese fans?

KNG: They are passionate and warm. They are consistent and single minded too. In the case of Korea, someone who becomes a favorite by people of the  younger age group. In Japan, there is a wide age range of fans who feel free to cheer /welcome me. I am very pleased to see older women. I'm really grateful.

- Japanese fans are curious about your ideal woman. Can you please tell us?

KNG: Before , my ideal should be pretty, with her hair style should be like this or that. However it would be nice if that person understands me more. Because my job as an actor might be a lonely thing for her. Sounds good if she has a broad understand of my occupation. Perharps dating is difficult to deal with.

-I think every Japanese fan of Kim Nam Gil understands you.

I thought I'd just heard it now. Japanse women are broad minded? (Laughs)

-We often hear from fans about the cool image of Kim Nam Gil with chic black suit and mustache. Is there a style you prefer?

KNG: LAUGHS. I am usually dressed casually ragged style, such as jerseys. There might be the mustache this time because my styling is similar to "Red and Black". In personal life, I am not stuck with this kind of style . I believe that styling is necessary to suit the charater.  When I don't have the mustache, I appear to be baby faced and there is a feeling when I was young. But If you want to add years I need to have a makeover and grow a mustache to look like one. Images change. It's very rare to grow a mustache in a drama. 

-The most awaited Official Fan Club "Gil Veot" was established in Japan. Do you have next activities and how it is as a fan club?

KNG: Through this website, we will inform you about news, activities or events. Of course, there is the meaning behind the name of the site, which is "Friend" or "Companion". I think it also has implications well for Japan and South Korea who will help each other with everyone throughout Asia. We would like to be a friend when someone is hurt or needs help. 

-What do you want to aim now as an actor? Is there a role you want to do specifically?

KNG: I have no idea. But is is said that in the modern digital age, weaknesses like an analog of human instinct ,sensitivity to touch ...those parts I want to play a role in movies.

-Thank you for coming, so any message you want to leave your Japanese fans

KNG: Despite coming to Japan for the first time in two and a half years, I really appreciate it. Please do not change the love you are giving. Please love dearly the "Red and Black" because I really appreciate the time and the work of collaboration of Japan and South Korea for this drama, and would continue to have this kind as  a cultural exchange in the future. Please continue your support. Thank you.

Source: Photo + Article : K-Style