Because "Coffee Prince" is a classic and much-loved k-drama, many fans think of actor Gong Yoo as a romantic figure. But the actor likes to challenge himself, whether his roles are romantic gender-bending comedies or serious films that alter the social landscape. And he was great in the role of a chaebol who falls in love with a girl he thinks is a boy. But lately he has been trying different kinds of roles.
He's not done with romance, he says. It's just hard to find a romantic role that appeals to him.
In a recent interview with Ilgan Sports," he confessed that he was not satisfied with Korea's rom-com films.
"Most of them are just comedy without much romance," he said. He hopes for more diversity in the kind of romantic films being made.
Since he returned from military service in 2009, he has opted for more serious roles. He played a teacher in the dark and powerful "Dogani" or "The Crucible."
The film is based on a book about the abuse of children at a school for the hearing impaired. Gong Yoo read the book and was so moved that he was instrumental in getting the film made. The viewing public reacted strongly to the film and it prompted legislative reform that abolished the statute of limitations for sex crimes against minors and the disabled.
"I didn't realize it would cause such a tremendous outcry," he said modestly in an interview with tvN News.
In his recent film "The Suspect," he played Ji Dong Chul a former North Korean agent who was abandoned by his government. When his wife and child are killed, he defects to South Korea and becomes a chauffeur. Then he gets framed for a murder.
The action thriller sold four million tickets and he was happy with his performance in that film, as it got positive feedback.
"It allowed me to feel the joy of acting again," he said.
And how about romance in his real life? The 34-year-old actor has no marriage plans. In fact, he doesn't go out much. He doesn't think being single is bad and he's used to the lifestyle. He's also focused on his career.
"I could go out looking for a girl, but I think if you are meant to meet someone then it will happen," he said. "My parents did mention going out on a blind date, but I haven't made any plans."
