“Avoiding the Term ‘Prostitution’: Gong Yoo to Woo Do-hwan on Handling Controversies

Artistic Interpretations Under Scrutiny: Gong Yoo and Woo Do-hwan Respond

Recent discussions surrounding the interpretation of sensitive themes in television narratives have sparked a vibrant debate within the industry. While some critics urge caution in handling these themes, others argue that such interpretations diverge too far from the original essence of the works. Lead actors Gong Yoo and Woo Do-hwan have both addressed these controversies through distinct yet fundamentally similar approaches.

Gong Yoo’s Insights on “The Trunk”

On December 5, Gong Yoo participated in an interview related to Netflix’s series The Trunk. This series tells a captivating story about a mysterious trunk that appears by a lakeside and examines the unconventional relationship between Jeong-won (played by Gong Yoo) and In-ji (Seo Hyun-jin). The narrative delves deep into the emotional complexities surrounding temporary marriage contracts.

In this storyline, In-ji is employed at an agency that facilitates temporary marriages, allowing clients to experience marriages for a set duration. Jeong-won finds himself enrolled in this service by his ex-wife, Seo-yeon (Jung Yun-ha), with specific intentions. The narrative incorporates intimate scenes featuring the temporary couples, raising concerns among critics who accuse the series of romanticizing prostitution.

Addressing the controversy, Gong Yoo expressed his discomfort with the term “prostitution,”stating, “From my perspective, it was shocking to see this controversy arise.” He acknowledged that while differing opinions are expected, he feels the negative interpretations represent only a fraction of potential responses. Upon the series’ worldwide release, which covered over 190 countries, diverse reactions emerged, indicating that public engagement is multidimensional. “If everyone interpreted it negatively, that would be a problem, but that’s not the case,” he added, emphasizing the importance of varied viewpoints.

Exploring Deeper Themes

Amidst the criticisms, Gong Yoo emphasized that the central theme of The Trunk is the transformative power of love. He resonated with Jeong-won’s poignant line, “Start by thinking of subtraction,” revealing that he often anticipates the worst outcomes. His connection to Jeong-won stems from shared internal struggles, allowing him to portray a complex character authentically.

“Most portrayals of love in dramas or films offer a bright, fairy-tale-like fantasy,” he noted. “In contrast, I wanted to explore a more convoluted perspective. The Trunk presents a fresh viewpoint on love, making it a significant topic for discussion.” When confronted with comments suggesting a disparity between the portrayals of intimacy in the series, he analyzed the scenes with nuance, asserting that emotional context defined their appropriateness rather than sheer physicality.

Contrasting Perspectives in “Mr. Plankton”

In a similar vein, the romantic comedy series Mr. Plankton, starring Woo Do-hwan, delves into themes of flawed relationships and emotional complexities. The narrative follows Hae-jo (played by Woo Do-hwan), a man grappling with his mortality, who kidnaps his ex-girlfriend Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi) as he navigates his final journey. Controversy arose prior to its release due to its representation of dating violence.

In a recent interview, Woo Do-hwan shared his initial skepticism upon reading the script. However, he engaged in substantial discussions with the director and writer to understand the complexities of Hae-jo’s character and his impulsive decisions, particularly the kidnapping. “His actions were not just about muscle; they were driven by recognition of Jae-mi’s inner conflict,” he explained, highlighting themes of confrontation and emotional manipulation within the narrative.

Characterizing Hae-jo as a mix of carefreeness and deep emotional wounds, Woo Do-hwan expressed his desire to authentically represent such complexity. “This drama illuminates the tears behind laughter and vice versa, compelling viewers to reflect on their own lives,” he remarked, emphasizing the flawed nature of humanity as a fundamental aspect of storytelling.

Viewer Responses and Ongoing Dialogues

As viewer sensitivities continue to evolve, unexpected concerns and critiques have emerged in response to unconventional storytelling methods. The discussions ignited by these narratives often delve deeper into societal values and individual interpretations, keeping audiences engaged. Actor responses add an extra layer of curiosity, revealing their motivations for selecting specific roles and the messages they hope to convey. Ultimately, the resonance of these interpretations lies in the hands of the viewers, who navigate the complex landscape of modern storytelling.

Source: Naver

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