Gong Yoo is one of the most versatile and sought-after actors in the South Korean film industry. The actor who has dipped his toes in a variety of genres in his career never ceases to amaze the audience with his choice of roles. His emotive face which brings out the intricate nuances of each character’s personality and his immersion in the character’s skin is quite remarkable to see on screen. Be it a stoic former intelligence officer in Seobok, a centuries old goblin in Goblin or even a mysterious manager in Squid Game, Gong Yoo has delivered a memorable performance with each role. On the occasion of his birthday today on July 5, let’s take a trip down the memory lane and look at the performances that celebrate Gong Yoo, the actor.
1. COFFEE PRINCE (2007)
2007 was the year the word was introduced to a rather gender-stereotype breaking classic K-drama Coffee Prince. While it was unusual in those days for a drama of this measure to sport a queer line of thought, Coffee Prince stood firm on the initial concept. Gong Yoo’s portrayal of the careless and flamboyant Choi Han Gyeol was instrumental in starting his career. Prior to this, Gong Yoo was mostly seen in supporting roles.
For an actor of high caliber and charm, Gong Yoo certainly made a mark of himself as the romantic hero after Coffee Prince. The 2010 movie Finding Mr Destiny takes that image ahead and brings us Han Gi Joon, a bright and adorable fellow running an agency which helps people find their true love. He is paired opposite Im Soo Jung in this movie.
Silenced is perhaps the most gut-wrenching work of Gong Yoo till date. Based on the true story of a special school where the teachers molested and abused the children, Silenced is not a story for the faint of heart. He plays the role of Gang In Ho, a new teacher at the school who takes matters in his own hands to bring justice.
If you are a fan of the horror stories, more so of the ones with zombies, then Train to Busan is a must-watch. Gong Yoo stars as Seok Woo who is Busan-bound on a KTX train with his estranged daughter during a dangerous virus outbreak. The 2020 movie Peninsula starring Kang Dong Won and Lee Jung Hyun in the lead is a sequel to Train to Busan.
It will be safe to say that Gong Yoo’s name has become quite synonymous with Goblin after he starred as the supernatural lead in the 2016 romance fantasy drama Goblin. Portraying the role of Kim Shin, a warrior of the past who was turned into a goblin, and has since lived to find his true love to attain salvation. While the drama did run a course of conversation around the age gap between him and Kim Ji Eun in real life and in the drama, their chemistry was surely applauded. His chemistry with Kim Dong Wook, who appeared as a grim reaper, was quite interesting to see as well. Gong Yoo’s portrayal of a quirky supernatural being harbouring pain, love and sympathy is quite commendable and till date Kim Shin aka Goblin remains one of the most memorable performances by Gong Yoo.
While Gong Yoo did not have a main role in Kim Ji Young: Born 1982, he still shone bright. This movie, which is adapted from the novel of the same name, tells the story of a woman named Kim Ji Young (played by Jung Yu Mi) as she navigates her life in a world where Kim Ji Young is one of the most common female names.
Squid Game went on to be a game changer for the Korean entertainment industry. This drama strengthened the hold of K-content in the global market and set a precedent of success and fame. Gong Yoo’s role, despite its limited longevity, was quite notable in the drama. He played the mysterious salesman for the Squid Games and his dark humour inducing character instantly became a fan-favourite.
Gong Yoo appeared as a former intelligence officer who is tasked with safe keeping of Seobok, the first ever human clone. His task is anything but dangerous as he gets embroiled in a multi-layer political and social drama. The movie comments on the philosophy of human life, the idea of human cloning and also human morality.
Gong Yoo was not yet done with the sci-fi genre in 2021. Following the success of Seobok, Gong Yoo went onto appear in the drama ‘The Silent Sea’ where he played the role of Han Yun Jae, a space agency soldier who is sent to the moon along with a group of other astronauts and soldiers in a futuristic setting. The drama also marks the comeback of Bae Doo Na to the small screen.
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