‘I AM FOND OF DANCE AND SONGS IN INDIAN FILMS’
K-pop idol Hangyeom talks about his love for Indian movies, his acting debut and the global popularity of Korean content
Like most South Koreans, Kpop idol Hangyeom from boy band Omega X is also a fan of Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (2009). The film’s evocative message on education and performance pressure has struck a chord among Koreans. Hangyeom tells us that he too would love to be part of Bollywood productions if given a chance: “I’m particularly fond of scenes filled with dance and song in Indian films, so someday, I’d like to produce soundtracks and even make appearances in them.”
A singer, dancer and songwriter, Hangyeom, recently made his acting debut in the Korean BL (Boy Love) Jazz for Two, based on the BL webtoon of the same name. In an interview with us from Seoul, he reveals that it felt surreal to see himself acting on screen. “I’m thrilled to have made my acting debut, and it still feels unreal that people can see me acting on streaming platforms that I watch often. When the role was confirmed and on my first day of shooting, my biggest concern was not to be awkward while acting.”
The BL genre of dramas, which focuses on the romantic relationship between boys, has been gaining popularity, especially in conservative societies like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, which continue to remain sensitive to the issue of queer representation. The themes, which are positive and emancipatory in their depiction of male love, showcase their characters living in a world free of the many challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces. Hangyeom says it was why he was drawn to the script. “When my desire for acting grew, I came across this script. Being part of the project fuelled my passion even more. I read the original webtoon to get* insights into my character. Director Song Su-lim was also encouraging, and her constant guidance during script reading helped me to easily understand and relate to my character.”
With the mainstreaming of Korean content (K-pop and K-dramas) and their global popularity in terms of viewership and ratings, Hangyeom says, though initially surprised, he feels it is also a reflection of the hard work the Korean industry has put in. “It’s still a bit surprising to me... But I think many people enjoy Korean content because it reflects the ‘passion’ that Koreans have. I have also been witness to how hard everyone works, both on set and throughout the preparation process.”
I would like to produce soundtracks (for Bollywood movies) and even make appearances in them. HANGYEOM, K-pop musician