In this interview with Sports Chosun, held before the glow from the award faded, he shook his head to the cautiously broached question of whether he had ever felt frustrated with those who judged him before even seeing him act, just for being an idol.
“To be honest, it’s really not easy to be a singer and actor at the same time. As a profession, acting asks you to immerse yourself the best you can in sensitivity and emotion, and that needs the luxury of thought and time. I think if time is scarce from trying to balance both careers, then sometimes I will fall short on one side - so if I fail to deliver as an actor to the viewer, I can see why comments of “it’s because he’s an idol” are made. And it’s true that I am a singer-turned-actor. I am still a singer, so naturally that bias could follow me.
But I don’t want to be swayed by that judgement. I want to give my all from where I stand and do both sides justice. I don’t think there is anything else I can do, except not let comments get to me and quietly do my best. And meanwhile, be grateful because even the mean comments show interest in my acting.
Whenever I start on a new project, I think of it as a new start. I still fall short as an actor in many ways, and I have to experience and study more. That’s why I think giving my best for anything is so important. I think if I keep trying to do my best, the bias and prejudice will fall away on their own.”
(20171213 | An excerpt from Blue Dragon Interview of Kyungsoo after winning Blue Dragon Film Awards 2017: Best New Actor Award )
Translation by: fydk-translations (tumblr)