[Interview] Kwak Si-yang's First Comedy "Cafe Minamdang"

Actor Kwak Si-yang expressed his feelings about the end of "Cafe Minamdang" which challenged his first comic acting in his debut.

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Kwak Si-yang plays Gong Soo-cheol, a barista of "Cafe Minamdang" and Seo In-guk (Nam Han-joon), disguised as a shaman, in KBS2's Monday-Tuesday drama "Cafe Minamdang" (directed by Ko Jae-hyeon, Yoon Ra-young-I, written by Park Hye-jin-II, produced by People Story Company, AD406, and Monster Union).

"Cafe Minamdang" is based on the popular work "Handsome Party-Case Notebook", which won the grand prize in the Kakao Page contest. Kwak Si-yang tried to transform his acting through "Cafe Minamdang" by deliciously digesting his lines with colorful disguises, clumsy facial expressions, and sweet high tones in each episode.

Kwak Si-yang, who has mainly played strong and urban characters, has revealed his pure and lovely charm through "Cafe Minamdang". He relaxed and expanded his acting spectrum with a natural appearance, drawing attention to viewers.

● The following is Kwak Si-yang's questions and answers

How does it feel to have finished "Cafe Minamdang" ?

I feel very relieved through this work. It was my first time attempting at comedy and I did a lot of research. I feel like I had a really good time doing this.

Gong Soo-cheol is a character Kwak Si-yang has never played before. What made you decide to take on this role?

The script was really fun. I was sure I could be a great Gong Soo-cheol. I was also excited at the thought of making a new attempt.

This is your first comedy since your debut. What did you focus on while playing Gong Soo-cheol?

It has to be the dialect because that's what I had to use. Of course, I couldn't get it right 100% but I felt that it would be uncomfortable for viewers to see if I didn't do it well. I also practiced a lot on how to make the drama more fun.

Gong Soo-cheol is a warm-hearted and innocent character. How is he alike with you?

I don't think it's possible to become someone else through acting all at once. Every role has a little bit of myself in it. I am also innocent and sometimes silly, but when I work, I try to be very sincere.

Which scene from "Cafe Minamdang" is the funniest to you?

Every scene with me in it. I just think playing Gong Soo-cheol was so funny.

How was working with the 'Minamdangs'?

The atmosphere was really fun with all the actors and actresses. I made many preparations when it came to acting together with the 'Minamdangs'. Especially, when we're doing the comic scenes, it seemed like we were battling to be the funnier one. I worked with Seo In-guk for the first time and we hit it off while with Kang Mi-na, I realized she's really fun and cheerful. Baek Seo-hoo is new but he has passion for acting and that's what made the atmosphere even more fun.

You've been acting every year without a break. What are you future plans?

I hope I can meet the public once again very soon. I'd like to try any role that's been given to me. I still miss Soo-cheol. I'm going to take my time to think on it.

Would you like to say anything to the people who watched "Cafe Minamdang" ?

Thank you for watching "Cafe Minamdang". I'm happy as long as everyone had fun watching it and I'll do my best to bring more fun to you with other works. Thank you again, for watching "Cafe Minamdang". See you again soon!