“Want to Bet? You Won’t Become an Actor”: Go Kyung-pyo Exposes Abusive Director

A video featuring guest Go Kyung-pyo was released on BigBang member Daesung’s YouTube channel ‘Dae House’ on the 21st.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnQqJr3Lt2I

During the video, the production team revealed that during the behind-the-scenes footage of the drama ‘Reply’ series, director Shin Won-ho had mentioned, “I hope you would lose some weight,”to which you responded by losing a significant amount of weight. This showcased the extent of your determination and effort.

Go Kyung-pyo, who played the character of Sun-woo in the 2015 drama ‘Reply 1988’, had initially auditioned for ‘Reply 1994’ in 2013, which is when he first crossed paths with director Shin Won-ho.

Upon reflecting on that period, he admitted, “I owe director Shin Won-ho an apology. I was quite conceited during the ‘Reply 1994’ auditions. I was feeling disheartened by the lack of success and believed that even if I tried out and performed, I would not be chosen. I mistakenly thought that I would not be well-received regardless of my efforts.”

The director expressed concern about my mental state to our company representative, even asking if I was okay.

Upon reflection, Go Kyung-pyo revealed the pivotal moment that shifted his perspective, stating, “The harsh realities of life made me appreciate how much joy acting brings me and how fortunate I am to have the chance to audition. I felt humbled and motivated to improve my acting skills. Ever since, I have approached auditions with a determined mindset.”

During the auditions for ‘Reply 1988’, he was reunited with director Shin Won-ho. He remembered, “The director noticed a change in me and asked, ‘What happened during that time?’ I responded, ‘I have a strong desire to act.’ However, the director then joked, ‘But what about your weight?’ which caused us to laugh.”

Daesung remarked, “Your mind returned, but your weight did not. Thus, weight was the problem.” Go Kyung-pyo remembered, “I deprived myself of food and exercised rigorously because I was determined to be a part of that project at all costs.”

When questioned about whether he has ever shed tears after auditions, Go Kyung-pyo confessed, “I’ve experienced both tears of joy and disappointment.”

During a conversation, he recounted a startling incident, where a director showed no response to his audition. However, as he was leaving, the director halted him and inquired if he would be willing to portray a corpse. Despite being only 20 years old, he agreed to the role, stating that he wanted to gain on-set experience and learn. The director’s response was, “I’m not interested in giving you experience. Leave. Want to make a bet? You’ll never become an actor.”This incident felt like the director was directing his frustration towards him.

Reflecting on the challenges of auditioning for various roles, he emphasized that it is not a reflection of a director’s skill as they are simply looking for actors who fit their desired style. He clarified that the high number of applicants is the main difficulty and not a lack of talent or personal inadequacy. He encouraged others to persist and continue practicing earnestly, as he believes that everyone will eventually have their opportunity.

Go Kyung-pyo has just completed filming for the JTBC drama ‘No Secrets’ on June 6 and is currently appearing on tvN’s Sunday variety show ‘Backpacker 2’ alongside Baek Jong-won.