Nam Yoon-soo Talks About “Love in the Big City”

On November 4, 2024, Kim Min-je reports on the latest insights from actor Nam Yoon-soo, who stars in the Tving drama “Love in the Big City.” The show explores the romantic experiences of a queer writer, Go Young, portrayed by Nam Yoon-soo, who navigates four significant relationships that lead to personal growth.

Nam Yoon-soo breaks away from the stereotypical portrayals of gay characters often seen in media. While many representations lean towards flamboyant or overly simplistic traits, his performance is multi-dimensional. In different contexts, Go Young exhibits vibrant energy with friends, a dry demeanor at work, and warmth with his partners, showcasing a relatable and authentic character.

In a recent interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Nam shared his experience working with the original author, Park Sang-young. He recalled asking for guidance on how to portray Go Young, to which the author responded, “Just show yourself.” This advice empowered him to express the character authentically, focusing on the emotions of love rather than solely on LGBTQ+ identity.

Nam Yoon-soo emphasized the importance of showcasing the essence of young love: “I wanted to capture the fleeting yet intense feelings associated with it.” He mentioned feeling no pressure portraying a queer character, viewing it simply as acting and expressing his creativity.

To prepare for his role, Nam visited gay clubs in Itaewon, where he engaged with the community and connected with friends and fans. This dedication earned him the playful title of “honorary gay” from Park Sang-young, which he appreciates. He expressed gratitude for the positive reception but also acknowledged concerns about accurately representing LGBTQ+ experiences without exaggeration.

Despite facing backlash before its release due to homophobic complaints, “Love in the Big City” has also received an outpouring of support. Nam noted that in recent weeks, he received multiple supportive messages each minute, with many fans expressing gratitude for the representation of their daily lives. Notably, messages from Brazil stood out to him, alongside an unexpected amount of support from women, who resonated more with the universal themes of love than the queer aspects.

When asked about the most memorable of Go Young’s four partners, Nam cited Gyu-ho as particularly significant. He explained that Gyu-ho represents a culmination of Go Young’s romantic journey, making their connection even more poignant.

This nuanced portrayal by Nam Yoon-soo reflects a shift towards more authentic and diverse representations of love in media, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of human relationships beyond stereotypes.

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