Hong Kyung on gaining weight, learning new languages for Netflix's 'Good News'

Hong Kyung shares his experience with the Netflix K-movie Good News.

Set in 1970, Good News depicts the suspicious operation carried out by a group of people who aim to land a hijacked plane by any means necessary.  

To mark the release of the Netflix film, Hong Kyung sat for an interview with local media in Seoul.

Hong Kyung plays Seo Go Myeong, an elite Air Force lieutenant called upon for the covert mission. Seo is a man of ambition and pride. Exceptionally talented — so much so that he worked at a U.S. Air Force radar control center — he is fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English, and constantly seeks opportunities for success and recognition.

He receives a secret mission under orders from an unnamed official and Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, Park Sang Hyun (Ryu Seung Beom): to trick the hijackers of a passenger plane and divert the aircraft — which was heading toward Pyongyang — to Gimpo Airport in South Korea instead.

Though it's an absurd, "unlawful" mission that could easily cost him his career, Seo Go Myeong initially refuses firmly. However, under mounting pressure and seduced by sweet promises of medals and promotion — a rosy future seemingly guaranteed — he gets roped into the dangerous operation.

Hong Kyung shared that since his character is a former soldier, he needed to appear fit, and director Byun Sung Hyun asked him to gain weight for the role. 

"I gained 7 kg over the course of 4 to 5 months. I followed a diet plan because I wanted to gain weight in a healthy way, and the director wanted that too. Those details were very important — not only for the character but for the film as well."

"I guess I'm on the slender side. So I gained about 7 kg over 4 to 5 months. I had already been working out regularly, but it wasn't like I bulked up all at once and then brought it into shape to build muscle. During the time I had, I ate as much as I could, managed my diet, and exercised to gain mostly muscle. I think I don't gain weight easily. I also don't have much of an appetite," he shared.

He also spoke about when he was offered the role and why he decided to take it. "I believe filming began around September of last year, and the pre-production period was roughly about four months. About four months before filming, the director sent me the script, and we had our first meeting. I think I was immediately captivated by the screenplay. I also felt a strong curiosity toward the character Go Myeong."

Talking about his character, Hong said, "He struck me as someone honest, with a strong will, passion, and ambition to keep moving forward. As an actor, I think I also share a similar aspect of Go Myeong's personality — the desire and determination to achieve something — so in that sense, I felt he resembled me in some ways."

He also talked about his experience of performing in three languages. "I really believe the pre-production period is extremely important." "I really think the pre-production period is extremely important. I've felt that if I were as experienced and versatile as my seniors, I could adapt more freely at any stage. But for someone like me, the preparation period is absolutely essential," and "Thankfully, the production team offered me the role early, so about four to five months before filming, they assigned language tutors to me right away. I studied Japanese a lot and practiced hard. I met my teachers three to four times a week for lessons, and thanks to having enough time, I was able to explore things beyond the dialogue. Honestly, I think all the credit should go to my teachers."

Director Byun Sung Hyun mentioned that Hong Kyung was already quite fluent in English, but Hong Kyung waved his hand in denial and said, "Not to that extent. I'm a born-and-raised Korean with no study-abroad experience."

When asked about the strengths he possesses as an actor, Hong said, "Could it be that I try to do things obsessively?" "Because that's the only thing I know how to do. My personality is such that once I start something, I have to see it through to the end. I don't know if that is a charm, but I think it might be one of the strengths I have."

Stream Good News on Netflix.

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