After two decades in the entertainment industry, Gong Yoo is about as well-known as you can get as an actor. He’s graced covers of magazines, starred in major blockbuster films and TV shows — Train to Busan, Goblin (aka Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), Squid Game (in which he made a thirst-inducing cameo that launched a thousand memes), and most recently The Silent Sea, where he plays Captain Han, the roguish leader of Nuri 11. Tickets to meet Gong Yoo sell out as fast as Coachella. But despite the familiarity of the South Korean A-lister, there’s still plenty to learn about him. For example, do you know what makes the actor laugh?

Catching a big fish. “Specifically, a sea bream bigger than 80 cm,” the avid fisherman tells Tudum. Funny, considering he’s arguably an even bigger catch — just ask any K-drama fan, halmoni or, well, person with eyes. 

So let’s get to know Gong Yoo a little better — from his childhood aspirations and how he picks projects to his watchlist and favorite snack. Plus, he reveals how Captain Han would spend time with his Nuri 11 crew. (There may or may not be a dance battle involved.)

Growing up, did you always know you wanted to be an actor? 

As a kid, I remember impersonating a character from a movie, but becoming an actor was not my dream. I actually wanted to produce or work in advertising. The first time I did anything in front of the camera was in college when I got a part-time job as a VJ for a music show — my job was to essentially deliver information to audiences. But at some point, I started wanting to express my emotions through the camera lens. I found it fascinating to be able to affect emotions with my eyes, voice and subtle changes in facial expressions, and gradually, I developed a desire to live through different characters.

I think that part-time job might have been a turning point in my life. That’s how I eventually started acting, and it’s been more than 20 years of sharing all sorts of emotions with audiences and living vicariously through these characters.

As an industry vet, you probably have a lot of people knocking down your door. What draws you to a particular project?

You know when the story unfolds naturally in your head. I don’t necessarily look for specific characters or something new. I need to be able to get a good vibe when choosing a project. On top of that, I focus on whether themes and premises of the script have been repeated or if there has been a new attempt on reinventing original [ideas]. 

Han Sejun/Netflix

Do you have a strategy for getting into character?

A good script holds all the answers you need. There are parts of the script that are not as obvious — hidden intentions and metaphors that I review in detail with the director to make sure we are on the same page — then I add my own sensibilities to bring the characters to life. I also sometimes get inspired by a specific place or prop.

Synergy with other actors can have a significant influence on the overall project. It is one of the most important things to consider while filming. There might be other aspects of the character I may add on set as I interact with other actors, as long as the additions don’t undermine the core of my character.

Of the characters you’ve played, who would you switch lives with for one week?

Kim Shin in Goblin. At times, playing diverse characters has pushed me to soul-search. That character gave me a chance to take a step back and reflect before I turned 40 and helped me realize how valuable I am — and that I need to love myself more. The process of reaching that conclusion was tough, but it ultimately helped me find myself again.

Have you seen anything lately that moved you? 

I recently watched Maid. It’s a series based on a memoir. I first saw Margaret Qualley in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as a supporting character, but I could already see her stand out. Qualley’s eyes and understated tone of performance were impressive and I became a fan. I also love the themes of the story.

What else have you recently watched? 

The Unforgivable, Better Call Saul and Don’t Look Up.

What’s next in your queue?

Ozark Season 4, The Witcher Season 2, The Power of the Dog and Tiger King 2.

What are your favorite snacks for streaming? 

Chips.

Han Sejun/Netflix

What made you say “yes” to The Silent Sea?

I was drawn to the world in the story and wanted to challenge myself in a genre that has not been explored much in Korea. I chose Train to Busan for similar reasons. As someone who is always looking to broaden his spectrum into various genres, I wanted to be a part of this amazing journey to the moon. 

Working on The Silent Sea made me think a lot more about the relationship [between] humanity, technology and the environment and how we should live going forward. We definitely need a lot more people to take environmental issues seriously — another reason why I was drawn to the series. 

Are there any similarities between you and Captain Han?

Having played different roles for almost 20 years, I realized I approach my characters by finding similarities and amplifying those similarities to build the characters. Han Yunjae is definitely a product of channeling certain parts of myself. I think I share some of Yunjae cynicism, strength and sense of responsibility. But I’d like to think that I have a stronger sense of justice than Yunjae. [laughs]

If given the opportunity, would you go to space?

I want to stay on Earth as long as possible. [laughs] It would be tragic if the collapse of our planet were to force us to choose another planet, but if we hope to stay on our planet longer, we will have to think about what we can do to combat environmental pollution and put those ideas into action. This is something that I felt when we were shooting The Silent Sea, and I still do now. 

Han Sejun/Netflix

OK, rapid-fire round: Of Captain Han’s crewmates, who would...

... be best to watch a movie with? 

Luna.

... he take into battle? 

Song Ji-an. A dance battle, perhaps.

... offer the best life advice? 

Dr. Hong.

... be the ideal fishing buddy? 

Gong Soo-hyuk.

... he most like to grab a drink with? 

Kim Sun.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.