The Elyxion photobook: “EXO ASKS” Kyungsoo section
Xiumin: You filmed a sageuk recently. What part of that was the hardest? You know I’m your senior when it comes to sageuks, right?
D.O.: It was really hot this summer. We filmed outside often and the heat was a struggle. It was my first time wearing my hair in a topknot, and it tugged a lot. I felt awkward filming in a hanbok, too. But can I say something, Xiumin hyung? You might have filmed a sageuk before me, but I spent more time filming a sageuk. Hahaha.
Xiumin: Have you thought about growing your hair out? Shoulder-length!
D.O.: Of course! I haven’t! Hahaha. Longer hair is more bother. I like having short hair. I’d rather have the comfort than look cool.
Suho: It was hard for you to fly around for our overseas events. Are long-distance flights really hard for you?
D.O.: Just like you said, being on a plane for long is a bit tough for me so I’m not exactly fond of long-distance flights. I think it’s because we fly too often.
Suho: When were you happiest as a part of EXO?
D.O.: EXO has made me happy through the years. I feel especially glad for us whenever we win an award because it feels like our hard work is recognized. But pride and happiness are different things. It’s when all the EXO members are healthy and close together, like we are now, that’s honestly what makes me happy. We find energy in each other and we’re growing together.
Baekhyun: What’s the hardest part of acting?
D.O.: Trying to balance my schedule between singing and acting is the hardest part.
Baekhyun: How are your shoulders doing?
D.O.: They’re weak and hurt sometimes, but it’s fine as long as I don’t overdo anything. It kind of hurts a lot if I make the wrong move, but I’m okay right now.
Chanyeol: It feels like you’re always working; how come you never take a break?
D.O.: I do want to take a break sometimes, but there’s a lot of joy and fun to find in work too. I think that’s why I’ve been working so much.
Chanyeol: I think we match the most. Do you think so too?
D.O.: I think we match a lot too. Hahaha. It’s so easy to talk with you and that has to mean something, right?
Chen: D.O., you barely talk so I have no idea what you think about on a daily basis. What do you have on mind lately?
D.O.: You’re more mysterious than I am, Chen! I think you’re the one who talks the least about himself of the EXO members, so how could you say that about me! But if I have to answer, my last concern was 100 Days My Prince. I was losing my mind trying to memorize all the lines. Now that it’s over, I kind of want to rest. I haven’t had a chance to take a proper break in the last four years. I’d like to travel with the EXO members if that’s possible.
Chen: You sang For Life in English. Your English pronunciation is so good! Are you planning on singing any other songs in English?
D.O.: Of course I’d like to try again. We have a lot of song demos that are in English. To be honest, I wanted to sing a different song than For Life for The Elyxion, but I gave up because there was no time to practice something else. I’d like to sing the English version of Light Out if there’s a chance to.
Kai: The members touched your head a lot when you shaved your hair. How’d you feel about that?
D.O.: I didn’t really feel anything. Seriously! It wasn’t bad at all. But not exactly good either! Haha.
Kai: You know about a lot of good places to eat. How did you find them?
D.O.: The Blue Ribbon in Korea and the international Michelin Guide list restaurants that I check out when there’s the chance. Googling shows you the ratings and reviews of places too. I seek out the ones that look interesting and put together my own list. Filming lets me visit many places. Even if I can only have one meal that day, I want to enjoy the food. You know how much I like exploring new places to eat.
Sehun: When were you happy during The Elyxion?
D.O.: When we were standing on stage. The first concert is important too, but there’s nothing like the feeling of returning to Seoul after touring for the encore show. The relief and pride I felt from closing our fourth tour made me happy.
Sehun: I feel this fourth tour was your favorite. Do you think so?
D.O.: Our concerts upgrade every year, so I can’t help that the latest tour ends up as my favorite. I think The Elyxion suited EXO a lot. The bar section was especially fun. None of it was scripted, and that’s what made it even more exciting.
171213 Blue Dragon Interviews: Kyungsoo interview, part one
[part two]
November 25, 2017 was an unforgettable day for actor Do Kyungsoo and EXO’s D.O. (24). Not just for the deeply meaningful year-end concert with the EXO members and their loving fans that was held that day, but because it was also when he could call the once-in-a-lifetime Best New Actor trophy of the 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards his own.
Before Do Kyungsoo debuted as an actor, he debuted in 2012 as D.O. (stage name) in the idol group EXO, which went on to cement itself as the best among idols with its international popularity. After debuting as a singer, he began to build a filmography with appearances in SBS’s It’s Okay, It’s Love (2014), the film Cart (2014, Bu Jiyoung), and the film Unforgettable (2016, Lee Eunhee), becoming actor Do Kyungsoo without once suffering the controversy that typically shadowed new idols-turned-actors.
Then he met “Brother” (Kwon Sookyung). In it, he plays the part of blind judoka Go Dooyoung perfectly. The judging panel for the Blue Dragon Awards commented, “His acting in Brother rose above the crowd. Even while acting remarkably, he didn’t stand out in that his balance with partner Jo Jungseok was perfect. From his intonation to his attitude, he is an actor with evident potential” - and from there, Do Kyungsoo was able to hold the Best New Actor trophy.
Do Kyungsoo’s schedule is so packed that it was hard for him to find the time for this interview with Sports Chosun. He gave his thoughts on the dream-like moment of giving his thank you speech not at the venue for the Blue Dragon Film Awards in Kyunghee University’s Peace Palace, but on stage at the concurrently happening EXO concert in the Gocheok Sky Dome.
“I hadn’t been expecting the award at all. Honestly, I hadn’t even been thinking about the Blue Dragon Awards because I was too occupied with preparing for the EXO concert on the same day. We were far into the concert when we got the news that I had been given the award through the in-ears that the EXO members wore. I was shocked. My mind was all over the place because we were on stage, and the news didn’t sink in at first. I hadn’t imagined once in my life that I would be awarded Best New Actor, and all I could think about was that I was so, so grateful. It’s even more meaningful for me because it’s once-in-a-lifetime. I don’t think I received it on only my own ability. I want to tell the many people who made this possible through their efforts about how thankful I am for them. And it makes me think that I need to try harder with acting too.”
He also talked about the first speech he gave on EXO’s concert stage and the response of the EXO members who shared in the happiness.
“The EXO members weren’t too invested when I was nominated for Best New Actor. Actually, they weren’t really aware of the nomination. (laughs) But nobody was happier for me than they were when I was awarded. We were holding a birthday party for Chanyeol that day too, and between his birthday and this news, we spent a really happy time together. The members weren’t really able to tell me their congratulations during the concert because I had rushed off to be at the ceremony, but gave me a lot during dinner afterwards.”
The team behind Brother did not hold back their delight with Do Kyungsoo’s award either. Director Kwon Sookyung and Jo Jungseok had also sent their heartfelt congratulations.
“On the day of the ceremony, I received a message from Jungseok hyung. He told me, ‘I knew you would get it, Kyungsoo!’ which made me feel even more grateful for him. And director Kwon Sookyung sent his congratulations as well. He had a large part in making this possible. I’m very thankful to him.”
Do Kyungsoo added his thanks to close friend Jo Insung, who accepted the trophy on his behalf while he was still in the midst of EXO’s concert. While accepting the trophy, Jo Insung had said, “Kyungsoo said he might be late or unable to attend, so I promised over drinks to accept the award in his stead just in case. I’m here because we’re close. I will get the award to him safely.”
“I’m really thankful to Insung hyung for accepting the award on my behalf. It was a passing thought while we were having drinks because I didn’t think it would actually happen - I didn’t even dream of it becoming reality - but I asked him if, by any chance, I was awarded but was absent because of the concert, he would be the one to accept it for me. He did, and that made me even happier. He said to me at the ceremony, ‘Now that you have this, you should treat me for once.’ (laughs) I should, to something really nice. And it was such a relief that I could thank him in person at the venue after the concert had ended.”
EXO swept newcomer awards at music awards at debut. Do Kyungsoo has also been awarded Best New Actor at the 3rd APAN Star Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards for his roles in 2014 SBS drama It’s Okay, It’s Love and the 2016 film Brother. He has set an unprecedented record, a ‘triple crown’ of best newcomer awards in music, drama, and film. He was unable to hide his surprise at the reporter’s request for his thoughts on this triple crown, asking “I have a triple crown?”
”I hadn’t realized that I have a triple crown. (laughs) I think I’m being given a lot of love as a member of EXO, and a lot of encouragement and love as an actor as well. All I can really say is ‘thank you’ to those who would help and love me.”
When asked about the secret to showing his best sides in music, dramas, and movies, he had said, "It’s not by only my own ability,” turning the focus to the ever-present project crews.
“To be honest, it can be hard on my body to keep up with both stages and dramas or movies. But I try to stay positive whenever that happens. And most of all, even if it’s a little hard to handle packed schedules, it helps that I’m doing what I love with music and acting. I believe that I’m able to balance them because the manager hyungs are always there to take care of me, and because of the support of the crews on site, the directors, and the countless others who are there to help and support me.”
The EXO’rDIUM photobook: Kyungsoo interview + mentions
INTERVIEW
What kind of space is a concert stage to you, D.O.?
I think of a concert stage as a space where EXO and EXO-L can meet eyes and communicate. When we’re on broadcast, we look into the camera while EXO-L look at the monitor, right? But at concerts, we can look at each other without camera or monitor, and I think that’s really special. Eyes are how we connect with each other. The EXO’rDIUM had many stages where we were accessible to the audience, so I think they made that connection even more special. I had the most fun on the moving platforms where I could meet fans up close. It was really nice making eye contact with each EXO-L. To be honest, sometimes I can’t see the far audience because of my bad eyesight, but I can see the details in the expressions of everyone near. They seem so happy to be at our concert with us that it gives me energy. So I’m happy.
When did you have the most fun while preparing for The EXO’rDIUM?
Honestly, I have more memories of having a hard time than a fun one. Haha. The time leading up to a concert is always physically draining.
Not just during practice - being on stage for a concert consumes an incredible amount of energy as well. How do you maintain your energy when there are concerts ahead?
I try to control my energy according to concert rounds. Like giving 100% if it’s one stop, or 30%, 30%, 30% if there are three. Though it’s not really easy to divide it up like that for actual concerts. I end up giving my all at every stop and becoming exhausted. So I don’t really have any secret for maintaining energy except food as therapy. Haha. I eat a lot, with food that tastes good foremost. I take vitamins too.
What kind of food do you eat most?
I eat tons and tons of high-calorie food, like meat or other prepared foods. Untasty things like chicken breast or salads, I barely touch. A lot of sodium is a must. Haha. I really enjoy greasy food like Chinese, pizza, chicken.
You film VCRs for every concert. Which one this time did you like the most?
My favorite one is always the last one that was filmed. So for The EXO’rDIUM, that would be the five year anniversary video ‘They Never Know.’ We were all running and playing around during filming, so I had a lot of fun. I think EXO-L like seeing us like that, too.
For the second concert, there was the VCR ‘POV: Dating with EXO’ where you reenacted EXO’s dorm life. How different was it from your actual dorm life?
100% different! Our dorms are like any private home. It’s our place to wash up, sleep, and eat.
In that video, the EXO members dance funny on their time off. Do you also goof off by dancing at the dorms in real life?
There’s hardly reason to break out into dance at the dorms. Although we do that a lot in the practice room.
Do you ever break out into dance?
I don’t. I can’t remember ever doing that.
There are testimonials about your good cooking. Do you cook for the other members often?
We all have our own schedules so I don’t have much chance to make food for the others at the dorms. But more importantly, the stove in our kitchen is an induction range, not a gas range, so the food I make doesn’t taste the same. Food tastes the best when it was cooked in a wok over a fire, but an induction range can’t give you that. I usually cook for my parents when I’m home.
What was a moment during The EXO’rDIUM where you thought ‘this member, he’s so cool’ and your heart raced?
My heart always races during Kai’s stages. He looks incredibly cool in all his dance solos. To be honest, it should lose its appeal from how often I see him dance at practice and at rehearsals, but I’m always taken by surprise when he has a dance solo on stage. Not because it’s new but because he’s so good at it.
I was able to feel the members becoming more tight-knit over the course of The EXO’rDIUM. Was there a special reason for that?
We had more time for the members to gather together to talk openly. And we promised to each other that we would do things properly from now on. That brought us closer together.
The EXO’rDIUM and The War were great successes. You must be in a great mood.
Yes. It’s good. The members worked really hard, and I’m even gladder because that was rewarded. I think you reap what you sow.
With the safe conclusion of The EXO’rDIUM, please leave a message for the other members.
Xiumin hyung, thank you for always staying true as the oldest of our group. Suho hyung, thank you for putting up with us whenever we act like babies. EXO’s moodmaker, Baekhyun. Thank you for keeping our morale high and making us smile. Chen, who I really love, thank you so much for always being bright and sharing your good energy. Chanyeol. Thank you for always being by me, playing your guitar. The practice room’s leader, Kai. Thank you for keeping our laziness in line. Even though he’s usually the laziest of us all, he works the hardest during practice. And finally, our man of loyalty, Sehun. Thank you for keeping us tight-knit, as if you’re the oldest one out of us.
Q&A
Please give your thoughts on wrapping up The EXO’rDIUM unhurt.
Every year, the tour opens and closes on really different moods. When The EXO’rDIUM started, I was a bit anxious because of all the new stages. My heart was fluttering too, because it had been a while since we’d met with fans in such a way. But over the tour, I became more confident than nervous. I couldn’t help but gain confidence as we had dozens of shows and my body became familiar with all the stages. I wanted the performances to seem better, more seasoned.
The EXO’rDIUM tour started at the Seoul Olympics Stadium. As a singer, a huge stage like that seems like it would have been an honor.
That’s right. The Seoul Olympics Stadium has a lot of meaning for singers as a venue. It’s on an enormous scale, so it’s not easy to fill it with an audience that supports you. To say that it was ours! It was a truly precious time to me.
Did you ever worry about the complex not filling to capacity?
No. Rather than obsessing over audience numbers, I was more concerned with enjoying the time with people who were actually there.
Because of the Seoul Olympics Stadium’s sheer scale, the size of your own stage was larger than usual. You had to cover a lot of ground when you were moving on your own - did it put pressure on you?
Hardly, because as always the other members were on stage too. Even if I might have more ground to cover, I’m not even a little bit nervous if I think about the others there, at my back. We poured out our energy as we always do. If I had a solo stage or concert here though, then I would have felt incredibly burdened.
There was a new acoustic stage for The EXO’rDIUM. I feel that you would have been very happy about that as a vocalist. How was it?
I liked it, the acoustic stage. But acoustic stage or not, all stages are equally important to me. As long as I get to sing, that’s all that matters.
Have you always liked acoustic music?
Yes, I have. I like it when a single instrument, like a guitar or piano, weaves through the music. The singer’s voice can stand out more without as much instrumentation going on.
It must have been fun to sing along with Chanyeol playing guitar. Did you have to keep anything particular in mind for the acoustic stage?
I do the same for other stages too, but because the only parts of the acoustic stage were Chanyeol’s guitar and our vocals, I did my complete best to stay on pitch.
How do you feel your vocal ability grew over The EXO’rDIUM?
I honestly can’t say how much I personally grew, but I can say that I gradually am. Listening to a diverse amount of music, outside the genres I already like, has been important for my vocals. I attempt many different styles by singing and humming along. I often hum songs I like, and even that’s been surprisingly helpful for my singing ability.
Does your singing style tend to be influenced by what you’re listening to? When the music you listen to changes, does your style change too?
Yes, it changes. I seem to pick up the colors of musicians I like while listening and humming to them. I copy parts I find attractive without even realizing it. So when the music I’m listening to changes, the way I vocalize and sing changes a bit too.
What songs did you listen to in the preparation leading up to The EXO’rDIUM?
I listened to a lot of Ed Sheeran. I think because the songs were nice and so popular.
Which member do you have the most vocal chemistry with?
I think when singing with Chen and Baekhyun. Chen has a high tone and I have a low tone, so there’s a large gap between us. When we’re not having a duet and Baekhyun is there to bridge the gap, our chemistry comes very alive.
The EXO members and fans alike call you cute. How does being called ‘cute’ make you feel?
I don’t feel particularly happy or unhappy hearing things like I’m ‘cute’ or ‘handsome’ or ‘cool.’ I’m grateful the fans would see me in these different lights. But in my opinion, I’m just a guy far from cute. A plain one.
Then what would you like to hear? If there were something you could be told besides ‘you’re cute’?
I think I have a greed for praise like ‘you’re doing well’ more than comments on appearance. ‘You did well’ is the compliment that makes me feel the best.
So you’d also like hearing ‘you have an attractive voice.’
Mm, I’d like to hear ‘you’re doing well’ more than that. Haha. No matter how attractive a voice is, it would lose appeal quickly if I couldn’t sing well. I think ‘you’re doing well’ is something you can’t hear without an innate sense for something and a huge amount of effort to back it up. Maybe that’s why it isn’t easy to earn. I haven’t really been told it much, so I’d like to keep trying hard [until then].
That’s impossible. You’re known for being good at singing and acting.
Maybe because I’m not convinced yet.
Are you often told that you’re a perfectionist?
Yes, I used to hear that a lot.
Have you ever thought of yourself as sexy? You looked very sexy dancing with a cane for Artifical Love’s performance.
No way? I’m very far from a sexy man! I don’t know about me being sexy, but the Artificial Love stage is one I personally enjoy because I like dancing to a groove more than precise choreography. Like for White Noise, Thunder, Playboy, Artificial Love - the songs in the second set.
The EXO members fool around with each other a lot on stage, but you’re the only one that doesn’t put up with those antics. Why is that?
Because there’s no reason to. Do I always have to put up with it? It’s the same off stage. Constantly. Haha.
Which member is the one to make you laugh most?
Baekhyun. But Baekhyun makes everyone laugh, not just me. He’s our team’s moodmaker.
Is there any reason why you always speak formally to the fans?
I think because EXO and EXO-L have a long history, we should be that much more considerate of each other.
Of all the stages in The EXO’rDIUM, which one were you most satisfied by?
This will be different for every member, but in my case I tend to think of concerts in rounds rather than by stages. I was really satisfied by the time The EXO’rDIUM’s ended. It always feels like more could be done for the first show, but that feeling helps boost the second show, and I feel a little more content each time. I’m very happy with The EXO’rDIUM because we could be accessible and have a good time with the audience. And above all, I’m even gladder to see that it ended without anyone getting hurt.
THANKS TO
To everyone who attended The EXO’rDIUM, I want to tell you I’m always grateful. I’ve said as much many times, but today I’d like to talk a bit more about what ‘thank you’ means to me. ‘Thank you’ holds my sincerity and love for EXO-Ls. Just like how you send us an endless amount of love, I too feel a deep affection for EXO-L. I still struggle with expressing emotions and am too shy to say ‘I love you,’ but when I say ‘thank you’ as I always do, it holds that affection. That’s what I wanted to tell you today. To me, EXO-L are the core of EXO’s concerts. Without you, there would be no reason for EXO to have any; our concerts 100% exist because of you. I’ll always regard these stages you’ve created for us dearly and work hard for them. And I’d also like to say that this isn’t the end yet. The EXO’rDIUM may be over, but there will be more concerts in the future. Please keep watching over us. EXO-Ls are always in my thoughts.
MENTIONS
Shim Jaewon: Please tell us what you think are the stages that sell the EXO members’ personal strong points from The EXO’rDIUM.
D.O. has incredible expressive ability. He has vocals I don’t get tired of and want to listen again to no matter how much I listen to him. His voice is nice enough to feel like luxury for the ears. It honestly wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the EXO’rDIUM’s acoustic section was inspired by him. The idea came to me while planning, as a stage where D.O.’s voice would start the music and where his charm would stand out.
Stylists: How did you go about personally styling each of the EXO members?
It’s not just D.O.’s looks that are neat and ordered, but also his dancing that is smooth and without frills. We styled him according to his tidy and firm image.
Make-up artists: Please tell us some how-to points for the EXO members’ makeup.
We wanted to stick with a clean look for D.O. We didn’t have him wear colored lenses or put much makeup on him. His eyebrows lend to his soft masculine beauty by themselves, and we would apply brown shadow around his eyes.
We’d like to hear about each EXO members’ skin care routine leading up The EXO’rDIUM.
D.O. has smooth skin, but it sometimes gives him trouble. He has a lot of interest in skin care so he’ll often carry and apply moisture balancing products by himself. His lips tend to get dry, so he makes sure to carry lip balm for them.
Hair artists: Please tell us about the key concepts behind The EXO’rDIUM’s hairstyles.
For a fresher black color, we dyed D.O.’s hair an ashy black. His styling and coloring was kept clean because he had to balance acting with concerts. We parted his front hair at a 2:9 ratio, with a little edge added.
EXO members: With the safe conclusion of The EXO’rDIUM, please leave a message for the other members.
Xiumin: It makes me glad to see D.O. smile more lately. He’s a friend who constantly worries and thinks about the other members. He’s simple and honest. Balancing EXO’s schedules along with acting so often has to be hard on him, though he’s yet to express it. But hey, D.O., it’s okay to say it’s tough when it’s tough. If you want to express that now, it’ll be fine.
Suho: Hey D.O., I know you joke around with me because you like me. Haha. I’m rooting for you in your life, through your sweat and tears.
Chen: D.O. is a friend I can really rely on. In hard times, a single remark from him gives me strength. I’ve come to depend on him more than I’d realized.
Baekhyun: I’m glad to have a friend with D.O.’s principles. I hope he can keep going without forgetting himself, just as he is now. Hey D.O., I want you to believe in yourself. Whatever others say, what you believe in is probably what’s right.
Chanyeol: D.O. and I have common interests. We game together, and recently we’ve started to go golfing together. There’s nothing more I can ask from him. He’s always been a reliable friend. Hey D.O., I hope we can always stay close, like we are now.
Kai: D.O. hyung, it can’t have been easy acting and preparing for the shows, but you always spend time with the members too. It’s awesome that you’re doing everything you can. Always love you, hyung. You know I love you the most, right?
Sehun: As for D.O. hyung. He’s very remote. But if someone takes the initiative to approach him, he’ll open up. I approached him first, and now he’ll return that. Now, he’ll even start to play around.
source: @MoncherDO 1, 2, 3, hyuneepoint56, and as linked | translation: fydk
171213 Blue Dragon Interviews: Kyungsoo interview, part two
[part one]
[...] Do Kyungsoo built a solid filmography with appearances in SBS’s It’s Okay, It’s Love (2014), the film Cart (2014, Bu Jiyoung), and the film Unforgettable (2016, Lee Eunhee). He has drawn attention for transitioning into an actor without once suffering the controversy that typically shadowed new idols-turned-actors. Even then, the label of ‘idol-actor’ clung to him. EXO’s name may have been his biggest blessing, but it also presented a mountain by coloring how the general public would see him.
In this interview with Sports Chosun, held before the glow from the award faded, he shook his head to the cautiously broached question of whether he had ever felt frustrated with those who judged him before even seeing him act, just for being an idol.
“To be honest, it’s really not easy to be a singer and actor at the same time. As a profession, acting asks you to immerse yourself the best you can in sensitivity and emotion, and that needs the luxury of thought and time. I think if time is scarce from trying to balance both careers, then sometimes I will fall short on one side - so if I fail to deliver as an actor to the viewer, I can see why comments of “it’s because he’s an idol” are made. And it’s true that I am a singer-turned-actor. I am still a singer, so naturally that bias could follow me.
But I don’t want to be swayed by that judgement. I want to give my all from where I stand and do both sides justice. I don’t think there is anything else I can do, except not let comments get to me and quietly do my best. And meanwhile, be grateful because even the mean comments show interest in my acting.
Whenever I start on a new project, I think of it as a new start. I still fall short as an actor in many ways, and I have to experience and study more. That’s why I think giving my best for anything is so important. I think if I keep trying to do my best, the bias and prejudice will fall away on their own.”
When asked to tell us what his personal strengths are, he became shy and struggled to answer because he was not used to complimenting himself.
“I’m still not sure what my strengths are. (laughs) I just really like being on set. It’s fun and makes me happy. I’m just enjoying those moments of happiness. A director I worked with praised me once by saying ‘you have good focus when we begin to shoot,’ but I don’t think that’s anything unique. I feel like that’s something true of every actor. Whichever set I’m on, I just want to enjoy being there while acting with my all.”
Ahead of Do Kyungsoo is the premier of the first part of the awaited Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds. He plays Private Won in this fantasy world set in the afterlife. In a movie that centers around gods, Private Won is a real and relatable character - much like Do Kyungsoo’s previous roles in Cart and Room No. 7.
“Honestly, I haven’t been choosing characters like them on purpose, but it’s true that my heart goes out to them. I think about how nice it would be if the viewer could connect with and also find strength in these characters who aren’t strong or special, but overcome difficulties in their personal circumstances.”
During an interview for his previous film Unforgettable, he had revealed, “long lines were so hard for me that I’d had mental breakdowns over them before. So senior Ha Jungwoo gave me advice.” A year later, Do Kyungsoo had taken another step forward as an actor by overcoming that phobia.
“I think, to an extent, I’ve managed to deal with much of my phobia. When I was filming for Be Positive, it was the first time I had lines that long. I was overwhelmed. But until then, I think I had only been playing the lines inside my own head. If you want to get long lines down, you have to say them out loud, which I hadn’t been doing. So on senior Ha Jungwoo’s advice, I vocalized all my lines and made noise while I practiced, so a lot of that fear left me.
For our final question, we asked what his greatest goal or motivation for acting was. He mused quietly before saying, “I’m really happy when I’m acting. I enjoy it for what it is. I’m just happy to be able to act, and I haven’t thought about doing something amazing through it. So honestly, questions about special goals or motivations with acting are hard to answer and beyond me.
But if I had to have a goal, it would be to become an actor others could connect with. I want to become an actor who could make the viewer feel deeply for the character I’m acting as. I think connection is the most important part of acting. I’m satisfied if my acting is relatable and enjoyable. So for that end, I will do my best to become a Do Kyungsoo who can be that in the future.”
In an interview for Cart with Cine21, you mentioned director Lee Yongseung’s 10 Minutes (2013). Did you feel anything new after watching the film?
This was the first film that made me feel like I wanted to be a main protagonist. And when I first read Room No. 7′s script, I wasn’t even aware that it was by director Lee Yongseung. I was startled to learn that 10 Minutes and Room No. 7 were of the same director after enjoying Room No. 7′s script so much. It made me want to be a part of it even more. The biggest reason why I had said yes was because Taejeong was worn and desperate, a character I didn’t have the chance to be yet.
In Cart and now Room No. 7, you aren’t being paid properly by your part-time job. (laughs) At the press conference for Room No. 7, you said you’ve kept taking similar roles not because you were particularly drawn to underdog stories so much as you liked stories about people living their lives - but couldn’t those stories also be bright and happy?
I would like to be a part of bright and happy stories, but there are so many people who don’t know about temporary workers. I can let others know about social ills through the projects I choose to act in. I became aware through films like 10 Minutes. It would be nice if viewers [of Cart and Room No. 7] could experience what I had as well.
It’s hard to say that Room No. 7′s sense of humor is mainstream in Korea. It seems likely that this film demanded acting in a tone that’s not often encountered.
I didn’t go in thinking I had to do something on purpose to make the viewers laugh. And sometimes, in some situations, Dooshik and Taejeong being serious added to the humor. I tried to not overreach and to just think about what action and thought was right for the moment. After the movie released, I looked for the response to it. Each viewer found a different scene funny and some of those scenes weren’t meant to be funny. I was surprised at what they found amusing, and that made me reevaluate things. And acting became even more engaging.
You led a normal life before debuting in EXO after about one or two years of training. You probably weren’t forced to grow by the same hardships as the characters you’ve been, so how did you approach that gap?
When I look at the script, all of the character’s hurts are there to see. I keep searching for the feelings and facets we might have in common. If we have overlap then I put my own emotions into the acting, but if I just don’t know what to do then I have many conversations with the director. I’m supposed to be putting my own emotions into the role, but I realize new ones instead. That’s how I’ve been studying acting.
Have any of your acting seniors commented on something that’s benefited you from being an idol singer?
Acting with my body? Because actors don’t usually dance. Something you constantly do as a dancer-singer is memorize movements and gestures. So I’ve been told I pick up things like those more quickly than others.
With the Gods will release this December, and you’re currently filming Swing Kids with director Kang Hyungcheol.
Private Won from With the Gods is the saddest and most pitiable of the characters I have met so far. I don’t think there will ever be anyone as saddening as him in my future projects. (laughs) For Swing Kids, the character I’m acting as is the complete opposite. He’s very manly, and flashy to the end.
Magazine M, Nov ‘18: Kyungsoo interview + 171110 mentions
Your hair got shorter. Looks like it was for shooting Swing Kids (2018, Kang Hyungcheol)?
That’s right. We’re on our sixth round right now. I’ve been learning how to tap dance for my role as a North Korean soldier who falls for tap dancing, and it’s really fun. It’s not like learning choreography for the stage. It feels like learning a new instrument, like playing the drums with your feet.
Let’s talk about Room No. 7. It’s a black comedy that involves drugs. An idol like you appearing in it was unexpected.
President Shim Jaemyung of Myung Films said as much. It was suggested to me by the studio and I read the proposed script in one sitting. I wanted to try it because while I liked black comedies, I’d yet to be in one. Taejeong’s character was distinct and charming because of that. He’s a nice kid but quick to notice things, and a little cold. Seeing him struggle with the tough place his real problems put him in went straight to my heart.
Have you ever had difficult experiences like Taejeong’s?
Nothing heavy like his, but I do know how stifling it feels to have started working earlier than your peers. In the movie, Taejeong says “does this have to be so hard?” and I put a lot of emotion into that line because it’s an important one that says a lot about him. We are very similar in aspects of our personality. When I’m left in a bad situation, I tend to bottle it up like him. And we’re the type of person to watch carefully from the back rather than draw attention to ourselves.
The tattoo on the back of his neck also left an impression. It suit Taejeong’s personality too.
That’s why we had it (laughs). I consulted the director about getting a tattoo for him and what it should be of, and he suggested lettering. I looked through a bunch of phrases and ‘there is no use in trying to please everyone’ struck me. We decided on that one because it felt right for Taejeong.
What are your thoughts on working with your senior, Shin Hakyun?
I grew up watching his movies, so it was amazing and fun to act together with him. I thought he would be scary at first, but he’s actually very attentive. He’s quiet and calm, but as soon as we enter filming he becomes another person (laughs). He prepares thoroughly too. We clicked together even without a long rehearsal, and that amazed us both.
Room No. 7′s hidden charm is it’s critical view of South Korea’s society.
I really liked the message in its social satire. Room No. 7 was the opening film for BiFan back in July, and that’s when I watched it. My acting is always lacking but on the whole, the film was fun. It was packed tight. I’d watched director Lee Yongseung’s movie 10 Minutes (2014) while looking for indie movies ages ago. The characters were so believable that I wanted to act as a precarious worker in the public sector. I learned that 10 Minutes was director Lee Yongseung’s work after being cast for Room No. 7. How glad was I?
How was working with the director?
He’s someone who shares his opinions with an always-open mind. He doesn’t stubbornly insist on his thoughts. The director told us a lot of stories on set to make us more believable. The truth is, Taejeong was initially quieter and less defiant. When I said to the director it might feel more fitting if Taejeong were a little more confrontational, the director had him change. He even had Taejeong fight back.
You’ve been acting without rest since Cart (2014, Bu Jiyoung). It seems like you have an uncommon love for it.
I have a lot of desires with acting (laughs). Because through it, I found fun in life. It surprises me to feel how much it’s changed my emotional perception and made me grow. I feel everything that the characters I play feel. When I acted as Taejeong, imagining and realizing how hard his past must have been helped me understand him more. I look forward to being able to express subtle shifts in emotion one day, as I gather more of these experiences.
Do you like movies enough to rewatch them? What’s one you’ve recently enjoyed?
Lately I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had the time to watch any. Ah, I watched Birdman (2014, Alejandro Innaritu) again at home. It’s a crazy film with directing decisions I couldn’t have even imagined (laughs). It might even be my all-time favorite. It has such a unique format and I was startled by how it portrayed what it was like to act and live for actors whose time had passed. I’ve also watched Cast Away (2000, Robert Zemeckis) around six times. I think it’s because every time I watch the movie, I keep seeing new things in it. That’s amazing and fun, so I end up rewatching it again.
Do you still go to the theaters?
Often when it’s late at night. Quietly, when there aren’t people. (laughs)
Right now, you’re preparing for EXO’s next concert tour, filming for Swing Kids, and promoting for Room No. 7. You seem really busy.
It’s been the busiest I’ve been since debut. There’s a lot of new choreography to learn for this concert tour. Plus learning to tap dance and speak with a Northern accent. Hoo. It honestly isn’t easy. But I should still learn to bear it. Every time I’m filming for something, I tell myself to take a break after this one ends. But I keep forgetting to because a movie I want to be in will appear. It’s not good to live like this, to become used to a busy rhythm.
A hobby that you enjoy outside of work?
I haven’t been doing anything except work lately... Ah, cooking! I like to eat so I cook often. I enjoy cooking for myself, but also for the people around me just as much. I got good at braised fish recently. A few days ago, I invited the EXO members over to make braised fish, fried rice, short rib cakes, and clam soup for them. I was happy to see them enjoy it (laughs).
1. 171110 Director Lee Yongseung:
In a cafe on the 10th, Director Lee Yongseung said, “I knew Kyungsoo well as a member of EXO, and his acting in Cart made me look forward to more of him. When we actually worked on a movie together, Kyungsoo’s ideas gave me a lot of inspiration.”
“Kyungsoo played Taejeong, a young man who dreams of becoming a composer. He picked out Taejeong’s wardrobe himself and made suggestions on the tone of his lines, and those fit the movie wonderfully. We also went with the phrase he chose for Taejeong’s tattoo because it suit the recent reality of those in their twenties.”
“There were a lot of ad-libs. Shin Hakyun would casually throw them out and Kyungsoo went along with them. Some swearing got mixed in. The two were on the same wavelength. The film became more interesting because of them. And thanks to Kyungsoo’s acting ability, Taejeong was brought to life as someone who keeps dreaming despite his poverty.”
2. 171110 Actor Shin Hakyun:
A highlight of the film finds Dooshik and Taejeong sharing a pizza and conversation. Shin Hakyun says that his chemistry with Do Kyungsoo was “surprising” and added, “It’s not like the ad-libs were arranged. They slipped out without me even realizing it. Sometimes that catches others off guard, and some people just can’t keep up with them.”
“But Kyungsoo would follow along, give a flat look or ignore Dooshik in a naturally Taejeong way. That’s why I think he’s uncommon. Thanks to him, I ad-libbed to my heart’s content.” Shin Hakyun added, “He must have prepared a lot too but I was a little envious of how easily acting came to him at his age, and with his own color.”
In Room No. 7, Shin Hakyun and Do Kyungsoo brawl. At one point, Do Kyungsoo piggybacks Shin Hakyun. To that, Shin Hakyun raised laughter: “Kyungsoo isn’t strong but he’s still an adult, so the piggyback made my back hurt.”
source: magazine m, my daily, spotv star | translation: fydk
A. I don’t like having a lot of stuff lying around, so if it were possible I’d like to have a modern and simple design. With a darker monochrome scheme.
Q2. A rule in the dorm?
A. Because we’ve been living together for so long, we understand each other. It seems we don’t have anything fixed. A rule to not be a nuisance is enough.
Q3. Tell us about another member’s habit!
A. Baekhyun has the room next to mine, but I think he gets sleep paralysis. He’ll groan “ah...” and stuff. I go to sleep hearing that all the time (laughs).
Q4. A habit or something you always do at home?
A. Nothing in particular. Watching Youtube videos or movies on my phone before going to sleep, if that counts. It might be good to stretch both sides of my back, but I don’t like stretching much (laughs).
Q5. Your phone’s lock screen?
A. It’s of the movie La La Land. It’s a project by a director I like, and it left an impression because I’d never seen a musical-type film.
Q6. Picture you took recently with your phone?
A. Trees, city lights from an airplane. And... it seems to be full of pictures of food (laughs).
Q7. A recent dream you had?
A. I don’t dream that vividly. It usually feels like it gets dark, and then I wake up.
Q8. Something you’re concerned with in your casual outfits?
A. Because clothes aren’t exciting to me and I don’t like looking too flashy, I avoid such wear.
Q9. Something recent that made you smile a lot?
A. When I ate this delicious tempura! It was from this Michelin-star tempura shop in Japan that I like. I like Japanese food in general.
Q10. The saddest thing that happened to you recently?
A. Although almost nothing happened personally [to make me sad], if I want to feel sad I’ll watch a movie that forces me to be. It’s not a recent release, but the Korean movie The Last Blossom made me cry awfully.
Q0. I thought it could be realistic, that Hwandong and his ex-girlfriend, Hyejeong, can’t be honest even as they worry about each other. What did you think of the two’s relationship?
I thought it was enviable (laughs). Because even if they fight verbally whenever they see each other, they respect and think of each other deep down. It’s an ideal relationship, and I think to have a partner like that would be something wonderful.
Q1. What do you have and don’t have in common with Hwandong?
Maybe what we have in common is that we’re optimistic and have hardworking personalities. I also have a clear idea of my goals and try hard for the sake of achieving them. But our dating lives might differ. Hwandong doesn’t tell everything to the person he likes even when he has something to say, but I hope to do everything I can to avoid regret with my partner (laughs).
Q2. What advice do you want to give to teens for achieving their dreams?
It usually isn’t feasible to achieve your goal or dream in one step. Fulfilling a dream is a process, and I don’t think it can be had without each and every necessary experience along the way. So when you’re in your teens, you can’t look away from what you should do just because you don’t like the work (laughs). Even if you’re thinking “I hate this,” won’t you find strength in thinking of it as a step to what you personally want? I’ve managed to fulfill one of my dreams too, and now I’m trying on a new one.
Q3. What were you like as a teenager?
I was a really ordinary high school student. My student life was typical, playing around with close friends. Though that’s when I started to like music and to put in the effort to become an entertainer who would get to sing and act in the future.
Q4. Your ideal woman?
My ideal person stays as someone with a pretty smile. Just like how there are people with cool ear-to-ear grins, there are people with small, cute smiles. I’d love if someone I had feelings for liked to smile (laughs).
Q5. Something fun about being an actor?
That I can experience what I otherwise wouldn’t have. That’s a good part of an acting career. It also does make me glad to see others touched by or relate to my roles.
Q6. Word is you’re good at cooking. What can one do to become good at it?
Although it’s important to practice making dishes, it might be helpful to make them after getting to know the specific flavors of ingredients and seasonings. If you do that, you’d have a rough idea of what flavor mixing ingredients together might lead to. I’m doing my own research and refer a lot to recipes on the Internet to figure out how to create tastier dishes!
Q7. What are you good at making?
Steak and doenjangjjigae. When there’s opportunity to, I’d like to study traditional Japanese dishes as well.
Q8. A Korean dish you recommend?
Cheonggukjang-jjigae. It has a scent similar to natto, although it’s stronger and might be polarizing. But I like it (laughs). It’s very delicious!
Q9. What food did you find tasty while in Japan?
Ochazuke, monjayaki, nukazuke. I really like natto as well. Tonkatsu ramen is good too but Korean cuisine has a lot of strong flavors already, so I lean to lighter flavors with Japanese cuisine!
Q10. A message for Popteen readers!
Enjoy your summer vacation! And if you have a dream or goal for the future, try hard for its sake. I’m cheering for you too!
