Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'Wild Sing' follows faded idol group’s hilarious comeback
From left, actors Park Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won and Um Tae-goo in a scene from “Wild Sing” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
By Baek Byung-yeul
“Wild Sing” is a comedy about a former idol group making a reckless attempt to return to the stage after 20 years, its director Sohn Jae-kon said Thursday.
"This film started with the question of what it would be like if Gang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun became idols," Sohn said during a press conference in Seoul.
The movie follows Triangle, a once-popular three-member group that disbanded due to an unexpected incident. Two decades later, the members reunite to seize a final chance at fame.
The director, known for "My Scary Girl" (2006), "Villain and Widow" (2010) and "Secret Zoo" (2020),” said he researched many singers from the 1990s and 2000s during the production process. He added he did not base the story on any specific real-life events but rather developed the plot within the fictional setting.
"It is not easy for an actor like Gang to choose a comedy film. Rather than me picking him, he was the one who chose this project," the director said.
From left, actors Gang Dong-won, Oh Jung-se, Park Ji-hyun and Um Tae-goo pose during a press conference for their movie “Wild Sing” at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
Gang stars as Hyun-woo, the leader of Triangle. The actor portrays the character's journey from a stylish idol to struggling television personality.
"I have always thought idols are amazing, but I grew to respect them even more while preparing for this role. I chose this film because comedy is my favorite genre and the script was incredibly fun," Gang said.
Gang practiced breakdancing for five months for the role. He confessed that he had zero understanding of hip-hop before receiving the screenplay and decided to join the project because he thought it would be hilarious for the audience to see him spin on his head.
Um plays Sang-gu, a rapper who once dreamed of being an authentic hip-hop artist but ended up working as an insurance agent. To prepare, Um trained at JYP Entertainment for five months.
"I went to practice whenever I had time because there was a teacher at JYP. The script was great and the fact that Gang was already confirmed for the role of Hyun-woo also heavily influenced my decision to join," Um said.
Park, who plays the group's former lead vocalist Do-mi, said she has been a fan of the director since his 2010 film “Villain and Widow.” She expressed a strong desire to portray her character’s dual personality and quench her thirst for comedy.
"When I received the script, Gang and Um were already cast. I found it so entertaining to imagine Gang breakdancing and Um rapping," Park said.
Oh Jung-se adds energy to the film as Choi Sung-gon, a ballad singer who was always overshadowed by Triangle, remaining in second place on the music charts.
"I was curious about how the director would approach this story with his unique style. I think the audience will share my curiosity and excitement about seeing Gang dance and Um rap," Oh said.
“Wild Sing” will hit theaters on June 3.