💬 Dazed Korea (Digital Cover): Highlights from Interview on Gucci Pictorial
In May, the Gucci-embroidered Geunjeongjeon runway unfolded explosively and elegantly like a bridge connecting the past, present, and future. The winds of change are always blowing in all directions, making it difficult to sense what comes next; it's uncertain, but amidst that, the most important thing seems to be one's attitude.
This autumn, Gucci and actress Park Gyuyoung meet. Amidst change, without worry, they share the same thoughts and attitudes, and so naturally and vividly. Park Gyuyoung is embracing the new season.
We met in the summer, and soon it will be autumn. How do you feel when the seasons change?
- I’m happy. I think about how I’ve endured the past season well, enjoyed it sufficiently, and wonder how I will spend the next one. When the time comes for the season to change, I look forward to the new seasons that I will welcome in different ways. Whether it gets warmer, hotter, cooler, or colder—I like it all.
You still seem very strict and critical with yourself. I'm curious about Park Gyuyoung's attitude towards things that have passed. Do you dwell on things that need to be dwelled upon and let go of things that should be left as they are?
- I humbly accept the outcomes that are beyond my control and move on, but I continuously reflect on and mull over the parts where I think I lacked effort or did too much.
It's also important to grasp the present moment well, right?
- Yes. I often ask myself, "Did I fully concentrate on the time and space I was in?" Thankfully, I am currently working with directors I have personally respected, and I’m engaging in various visual projects like today’s photoshoot that I find fun. In the process of being part of various works, I naturally come to ask myself if I've been fully focused.
If there’s anything you feel is lacking or that you find regrettable?
- Someone recently asked me when I feel the most joy, and I found myself at a loss for words. On reflection, it was a question I hadn't asked myself in a while. My body and mind have been so focused on what needs to be done and accomplished that I seem to have neglected to ask myself when I actually feel joyful. It was a moment of realization for me.
Today, I got the feeling that you were enjoying the shoot in between. You wore Gucci all day long. How was it?
- We had a lot of outfits to shoot today. Even though I had to change quickly into the next outfit, the strong and beautiful colors of Gucci lingered in my mind as afterimages (laughs). I remember the unconventional and surprising combinations, like pairing a tweed jacket not with a matching skirt but with biker pants, or wearing a dress that seemed custom-made for me. It was fun.
That looks like a satisfied smile. You said that it's good as long as it's fun, right?
- Yes, I've mentioned this in a previous interview, but having fun is always the best for me (laughs).
Gucci has been doing shows in places with high historical and cultural conservation value, and the most recent city they've visited is Seoul. As someone who came from Busan and has lived in Seoul for a long time, I wonder how Park Gyuyoung views the city of Seoul.
- Recently, during busy moments, when I take a breather, I inadvertently notice the beauty of Seoul. In any form. That's when I suddenly realize that I am living fiercely as a small part of this vast grid. When I look around, the night view is beautiful, and when you look closely, you can see sceneries unique to Seoul between those points – the city's mountains and rivers, the historical buildings. I think these are beautiful scenes you can only see in Seoul.
The Gucci Cruise collection you shot today was first unveiled at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. As an actor who meets global fans through her work, do you personally feel the cultural phenomena that are originating in Seoul?
- While not limited to 'Seoul', I do feel that the boundaries have been blurred to the extent that it's difficult to list them all – overseas collections having shows in Korea, international artists exhibiting in Korea, Korean artists exhibiting abroad, and locally filmed works being broadcast internationally. It's more than just the breaking down of boundaries; it seems like each country and city is actively listening to and sharing each other's stories.
This collection is particularly significant as it represents the moment right before a new director is appointed after Alessandro Michele's seven-year tenure. How do you perceive the word 'change'?
- Change to me is the moment when we fully confront what we have not faced because of love. It’s also the moment when we say goodbye to the parts we loved and muster the courage to wholeheartedly embrace the new.
For Park Gyuyoung, change also means courage. We all desire significant change at some point in our lives. I'm curious if there was a time like that for you.
- Personally, rather than experiencing a sudden, significant change, it feels like I've gradually accepted the changes as they came, like a slow drizzle soaking through my clothes. Looking back, I realize that I've changed a lot over time – from before my debut to the first two years after, to three months ago. While I haven’t yearned for major changes, I’ve been steadily accepting the smaller changes that I encounter along the way.
Before accepting small or big changes, what kind of preparation do you usually undertake? For instance, like now, as you prepare for the next step.
- There's a need for a time to let go of what was loved and what had become a part of my routine. From experience, I find that I need to completely empty myself to fully welcome something new. For example, when I say goodbye to a role I've played and prepare to embrace a new character, it requires meticulously pouring out my heart, and that takes a lot of energy. It can be quite painful to go through alone.
As you move through this period and fully enter autumn, a new project is also revealed, right? Can you share a little about it?
- As always, I believe I will present a character that is completely different from any I've played before. (Laughs) To give a little introduction, it's a very cute story with many dogs. It's a drama based on a webtoon titled "A Good Day to be a Dog" that will be released soon. Please look forward to it.
By the time the magazine containing today's interview and photoshoot is published, you might have already visited Milan. I've heard that the sky in Milan is incredibly clear. Are you looking forward to anything in particular?
- This will be my first time in Milan! Visiting a new place is always exciting. Although I'll probably be bringing my iPad filled with scripts (laughs), the thought of experiencing a new city, new air, new people, and a new season, and returning with new energy is incredibly exciting.
Dazed Korea (Digital Cover), 2023
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