Korean actor Ko Kyung Pyo was in Singapore for his first overseas fan meet. Prior to the fan meet, the up and coming star shared a session with the media, where he appeared shy and very down-to-earth. Ko was grateful for the many opportunities that came knocking on his door, after his participation in the hit series Reply 1998. Before that, he was usually offered comical or immature roles, although at that point in time, he was more focused on making bonds and friendship with his co-stars, learning from them and hoping to try out different roles. With the success of Reply 1998, he is now exposed to more difficult and varied drama roles back home and is even able to hold a fan meet in Singapore.
When questioned about his 10-day Namibia trip in early 2016 with his Reply 1988 co-actors: Park Bo Gum, Ryu Jun Yeol and Ahn Jae Hong in Youth Over Flowers: Africa, Ko explained that after his rafting accident (the actual scene where he fell into the water and was rescued by the guide was not shown on broadcast as it had been too dangerous), his outlook in life changed where he now places more focus on sincerity and goes for things that are more worthwhile with his motto "appearance is not the most important thing"! Through the many ups and downs, Ko expressed that the trip was especially meaningful to him and he seemed to have matured a lot from those experiences.
To the lanky actor, every scene in Jealousy Incarnate is unique and interesting, but for one of his scenes which featured his "fight" with the male lead, Jo Jung Suk, Ko was initially worried before filming started, however it turned out to be one of the most memorable as the atmosphere was comically enjoyable, although the weather had been very cold.
Ko also admitted that his heart fluttered while shooting the scene in Jealousy Incarnate where he took measurement of the female lead, Gong Hyo-jin. He especially liked that his drama character, Jung-won tried to win the girl through hard work, using his heart, and not via materialistic means though Jung-won is a chaebol. Ko considers cooking a meal for his loved ones, be it girlfriend, friends or family, is one of the most romantic gesture a guy should have.
There were moments when he was shooting the romantic scenes for Jealousy Incarnate, he cringed and felt embarrassed, thus his wishes for his future role, "for my next project, preferably it is a role that I have not done before; does not need to be a romantic character, but to show more of my personality"
The 26-year old thespian acknowledged that throughout the years, with more practise, he is now able to control his temperament better, with him easily sneaking in and out of the characters he play, unlike his early days where he was shocked when he easily turned hostile during the period he played an aggressive role in a film.
While he has been recently featured in advertisements with high-profile popular female artiste such as AOA's Seol Hyun, the humble actor is open to co-operate with any artistes or brands, and states his wish to receive more advertisement offers in Korea.
In real life, Ko claims to be meticulous and is a person who enjoys spending time with his friends and likes mountain climbing. When alone, he prefers listening to music that are clam and soothing. He fancies woman who is in control of her life, knows what she is doing and can speak for herself; traits that are quite similar to the female leads in both Reply 1998 and Jealousy Incarnate.
After finishing Jealousy Incarnate, he is taking a break to travel which includes Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. If time permits for his current trip, he wants to meet his cousin who is staying in Singapore and he will like to take a dip in the Infinity Pool atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel as well as ride the Singapore Flyer for a better view of the island.
For the coming Lunar New Year, Ko mentions that he will spend time with his family whom he is not staying with, before embarking on his new project which will be announced by the first half of 2017. His fans can only wait patiently, for the time being!
Special thanks to KMTV Asia for inviting KpopStarz.com to cover 'Ko Kyung Pyo's 1st Fan Meeting in Singapore' Press Conference.
Writer: Wang | Photo Credits: Ong Melin
