Yang Dong-geun Reflects on His Journey from Lead Roles to Supporting Parts in His 30s

Actor Yang Dong-geun recently opened up about his experiences during his 30s, where he found himself taking on supporting roles after having been a lead actor in his youth. In a photoshoot for Harper's Bazaar Korea, Yang showcased his bold and authentic self, exuding his signature charisma and strong presence.

In an accompanying interview, he discussed his new role in the highly anticipated Netflix series Squid Game (오징어게임) Season 2. "This is my first time joining a globally successful project, so I felt cautious starting from a point of 100 rather than 0. It’s been a long time since I’ve waited for something like this, especially since my 20s. With just a month left until the release, I feel a happiness of this texture that I may never experience again, and I’m truly enjoying it," he shared.

Reflecting on his over 30 years in the industry, having debuted as a child actor, Yang expressed, "I approach my work with a mindset I never had in my teens, 20s, or 30s. In my younger years, I primarily played lead roles, but in my 30s, I endured by taking on supporting roles. Balancing my life as a father, husband, and breadwinner has given me a new perspective. I’ve come to understand the feelings of the seniors I admired as a child."

When asked about his ongoing music career as YDG, he explained, "While I consider acting my profession, music gives me a sense of freedom. In the past, I felt the need to express myself in a certain way and was stubborn about my musical choices. Now, my attitude towards music has changed; I want to enjoy what I love, regardless of whether anyone recognizes it. I have a lot of unreleased tracks that I’m excited about."