Park Bo-gum Shares His Thoughts on 'My Dearest'

On March 24, 2025, actor Park Bo-gum opened up about his role in the Netflix series 'My Dearest' during an interview held at the Conrad Seoul Hotel.

'My Dearest' tells the story of a rebellious girl named Ae-soon (played by IU) and a steadfast young man named Kwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum), set against the backdrop of Jeju Island in the 1960s. The series has garnered praise for its writing by Lim Sang-chun, known for works like 'When the Camellia Blooms' and 'Fight for My Way', and direction by Kim Won-seok, acclaimed for 'My Mister', 'Signal', and 'Misaeng'.

Since the release of its second act, 'My Dearest' has climbed to the second spot in Netflix's global top 10 non-English series, receiving positive feedback both domestically and internationally. Park expressed gratitude for the audience's affection towards Kwan-sik, stating, "I appreciate that people enjoy the story of Kwan-sik. The warmth and comfort the drama conveys make me happy to be a part of it. I hope it remains a beloved series for a long time, and it’s fascinating to see how a story rooted in Korean sentiment resonates globally. Friends have even told me they introduced their parents to Netflix because they found it so enjoyable. While reaching number one would be great, I believe it’s already doing well and I look forward to its continued success."

For Park Bo-gum, 'My Dearest' holds special significance as it marks his first series since his debut. He shared, "I was drawn to the writer's vision of adults protecting the vulnerable. The opening scenes beautifully encapsulate the entire narrative, showcasing the warmth and care shared among the community. I’ve always been a fan of the writer, and I felt a strong desire to be part of this project. I believe every actor involved is a protagonist in their own right, and I hope this work blossoms beautifully in the hearts of viewers."

In his portrayal of Kwan-sik, Park Bo-gum delivers a youthful and passionate love story with Ae-soon. He reflected on the support he received, saying, "I’m grateful for all the love and encouragement. Having these two roles in my filmography is meaningful. While both characters love deeply, Kwan-sik feels more like a reliable figure you can lean on. One of my favorite lines is 'I’ll take care of the cabbage,' which encapsulates Kwan-sik's supportive nature towards Ae-soon."

Park also shared his experience playing a father for the first time, expressing his joy in working with child actors. He noted, "I love children, so filming was a delightful experience. Watching the parents of the child actors brought a sense of warmth. It made me think about how precious and adorable a child that resembles Ae-soon and me would be. I wanted to portray a parent's love authentically. Kwan-sik is a young man who becomes a father sooner than expected, so I reflected on my childhood memories to connect with that role."

He recounted the emotional scene where Ae-soon and Kwan-sik lose their child, saying, "The atmosphere on set was somber. It was challenging to express the grief of losing a child, especially since I was playing the father. I wanted to convey that pain authentically, hoping it would provide some comfort to viewers. The script didn’t specify Kwan-sik holding the child, but I imagined him collapsing under the weight of his sorrow. I believe that’s how he would react in such a moment."

Park expressed gratitude towards the child actors who portrayed young Kwan-sik, stating, "They did an incredible job, and I benefited greatly from their performances. Even though we didn’t have scenes together, I was amazed at how they captured the essence of Kwan-sik. I was curious about how they would interpret the character, and I was pleasantly surprised by their natural performances."

Reflecting on his career, Park Bo-gum mentioned that his experiences in the military have broadened his perspective on roles he wishes to pursue. He stated, "I feel like I have a greater desire to explore different genres and characters. My time in the military allowed me to meet various people and gain experiences that have enriched my understanding of human emotions. I believe my capacity for empathy has expanded, allowing me to express a wider range of emotions in my work."

As for future roles, Park Bo-gum expressed interest in taking on a villainous character, saying, "I have been considering such roles. I think the time will come when I can portray them more humanely and effectively. The entertainment industry is producing fewer projects each year, and while it can be disappointing, I’m grateful for the opportunities that do arise. I’m eager to work and challenge myself more, and I hope to create more chances to connect with viewers."

Looking ahead, Park Bo-gum shared his plans for the year, stating, "Once the promotion for 'My Dearest' wraps up, I will begin promoting 'Good Boy'. I’m excited for this year as it offers me the chance to meet many fans. I hope viewers enjoy my portrayal of a different character in 'Good Boy'. I’m committed to working hard and will be reading and considering my next project to bring new and engaging stories to life."

As 'My Dearest' approaches its final act, set to release on March 28, Park Bo-gum expressed his hopes for the series, saying, "I believe this is a work that everyone, including family and fans, will enjoy. It’s a story that encourages us to express our feelings openly, just like Kwan-sik. I think the final act will leave a lasting impression, and I hope it continues to resonate with viewers for a long time. It’s a great piece to watch with family, friends, or loved ones, and there’s so much to discuss."