Koo Kyo-hwan revels in differences with 'D.P.' character

Most actors find similarities with their characters, but Koo Kyo-hwan, who plays Ho-yul in the hit Netflix series “D.P.,” could only find differences. “I am the complete opposite of Ho-yul and need a lot of courage to face more than two or three...

Actor Koo Kyo-hwan [NETFLIX]

Most actors find similarities with their characters, but Koo Kyo-hwan, who plays Ho-yul in the hit Netflix series “D.P.,” could only find differences.

“I am the complete opposite of Ho-yul and need a lot of courage to face more than two or three people,” Koo said during a group interview with local reporters at a cafe in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Tuesday. In “D.P.,” Ho-yul is one of a pair of soldiers in an arresting squad — or “deserter pursuit” unit — who chases down other soldiers who have escaped from the camp. The character is very outgoing and active, often bringing comic relief to the series.

“I feel pressured when I am with a lot of people unlike Ho-yul, and I am not as outgoing as him,” Koo said. “I think playing Ho-yul has triggered a sort of hidden desire in myself to be the opposite of my real self.”

Actor Koo Kyo-hwan plays Ho-yul, one of an arresting squad duo that chases down soldiers who have escaped from the military in Netflix series ″D.P.″ [NETFLIX]

“D.P.” has received a number of accolades for its realistic portrayal of the military, winning the Best Drama award at the 2022 Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Series Awards, with Koo also nabbing the Best Actor in a Television Series award at last year’s Director’s Cut Awards. Saying goodbye to such a beloved series — a third season is still up in the air, and the character of Ho-yul is unlikely to return as he leaves the military at the end of season two — was bittersweet, according to Koo.

“There is a scene at the very end when Ho-yul says to Jun-ho [the main protagonist played by Jung Hae-in] ‘See you again,’” said Koo. “Acting that scene out and delivering that line was like my way of saying goodbye to the viewers and everyone who has loved ‘D.P.’ When I act, I usually draw on my personal feelings, and that scene was very emotional for me.”

Actor Koo Kyo-hwan [NETFLIX]

Some of Ho-yul's fans have complained that his screen time in the second season was reduced too much compared to the first season, but Koo was not fazed.

“I have no complaints and think that the depiction of Ho-yul was just right,” Koo said. “A lot of new characters were introduced in season two so naturally Ho-yul’s screen time could seem like it was reduced. But the second season was a team effort. I do not dwell much on screen time and how much my character is highlighted — I just want to do the job I am given to the fullest.”

Jun-ho also makes the decision to escape from the camp in season two, and Ho-yul postpones his completion of service to remain with Jun-ho in the aftermath of his choice. When it is pointed out that this seems too far-fetched, Koo responded that it was a “suspension of disbelief thanks to Netflix.”

Koo Kyo-hwan, right, and Jung Hae-in play Ho-yul and Jun-ho, two ″deserter pursuit″ unit soldiers in Netflix series ″D.P.″ [NETFLIX]

“That plotline is there to express Ho-yul’s feelings and camaraderie towards Jun-ho,” said Koo. “I think it was a necessary development and shows what it intended to very well.”

Regarding the slim possibility that Ho-yul might return if a third season materializes, Koo joked that Ho-yul would return as a private investigator or a marriage broker and play a part in the continued story.

“We need to tell a new story, and it is impossible for Ho-yul to re-enlist after he was discharged from his duties at the end of season two,” Koo noted. “Some people have talked about the possibility of a prequel featuring Ho-yul, but I don’t think that he is the kind of character whose past we want to delve into. The main character is Jun-ho. Ho-yul should not be the focus.”

A scene from the second season of Netflix series ″D.P.″ [NETFLIX]

Koo, who debuted as an actor in a theater production in 2006 and has since built up a solid career as a television and film actor, is also active as a director and currently has eight short films to his name. He would like to direct a feature film soon if given the opportunity.

“I have a story that I would like to tell to the big screen when the time comes,” Koo said. “For now, I am satisfied in my role as an actor, and you cannot have both things at the same time. But if I meet the right people and colleagues I think I could direct a feature. I would like to appear in my own film too, if possible.”

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]