Veteran South Korean actor Sul Kyung-gu has revealed that his enigmatic character Nobody in Netflix's latest black comedy film "Good News" presented him with one of his most challenging acting experiences to date. The accomplished actor admitted to struggling with the abstract nature of the role but ultimately placed his complete trust in director Byun Sung-hyun, marking their fourth collaborative project together.
During a candid interview at a Seoul café on Monday, Sul described the character as unlike anything he had ever tackled before. "This was a role I'd never done before," Sul explained. "It was the first time I was given such an abstract character, and I felt confused. I questioned my own acting until the very end." The actor revealed that director Byun intentionally designed the character Nobody to be detached from others and deliberately exaggerated in his mannerisms.
The unusual nature of the character required Sul to break traditional acting conventions, including moments where he had to act as a commentator speaking directly to the camera. "The director said that all the characters are somewhat 'floating,' and I had to 'float' even more," Sul noted. "I developed the character by trying to look flashy and dramatic, like someone putting on a show for those in charge." Despite finding these techniques awkward initially, Sul embraced the unconventional approach.
"Good News," which was released on October 17, is a black comedy-drama that draws inspiration from the real-life 1970 Yodogo hijacking incident. In this historical event, members of the Japanese Red Army Faction hijacked a commercial aircraft and demanded to be flown to North Korea. The film has already garnered international attention, having premiered at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival earlier this year.
The movie reimagines this dramatic historical event by focusing on the suspicious operations of various individuals who gather to somehow manage the crisis of the hijacked plane. Sul portrays Nobody, a mysterious troubleshooter whose exact motivations and allegiances remain unclear throughout the film. He shares the screen with Hong Kyung, who plays elite Air Force lieutenant Seo Go-myung, and Ryoo Seung-bum, who takes on the role of Park Sang-hyun, a high-ranking director within the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
Despite his initial concerns about playing such an unconventional character who deliberately stands out rather than blending in, Sul's confidence in director Byun never wavered. This unwavering trust has been the foundation of their successful decade-long creative partnership, which has produced notable films including "The Merciless" in 2017, "Kingmaker" in 2022, and "Kill Boksoon" in 2023. "I believe the director has a complete blueprint for his films," Sul explained. "If the film were an orchestra, he seems to know exactly who should appear at which moment. That's the feeling I get, so I trusted and followed him."
Director Byun is particularly known for "crumpling" Sul's appearance, deliberately moving away from the actor's traditionally handsome on-screen roles. Sul joked that "Good News" made him look even more disheveled than in their previous collaborations. "When the shooting of this film began, I lost more weight than what you see in the film, but the director said I shouldn't lose that much," Sul recalled with amusement. "He thought a lot about how to make Nobody look more strange with moles on his face, worn-out shoes and a hat. Nobody had to be someone people would easily look down on, someone you'd hate to deal with."
The film also marked a significant reunion for Sul, as he worked alongside Ryoo Seung-bum for the first time in nearly 15 years since their collaboration in "No Mercy" back in 2010. Sul was notably surprised by the changes he observed in his co-star over the intervening years. "When I met Seung-bum, I told him, 'You've changed so much,'" Sul shared. "He seemed to have broadened his outlook and become a person who can embrace everything. The old Seung-bum had a 'raw' feeling, clear about his likes and dislikes. The current one seems to accept even the things he dislikes."
When discussing how he hopes audiences will receive the film, Sul encouraged viewers to approach it with a lighthearted mindset. He acknowledged the serious nature of the actual Yodogo incident that inspired the story, noting that he conducted extensive research into the historical event and describing it as a "tragic history." However, he emphasized that the film should be enjoyed as entertainment rather than analyzed too deeply. "I hope they don't overthink it and just enjoy it," Sul advised potential viewers. "It might be more fun if they go in without the prior knowledge that 'this was a true story.'"
