[theqoo] KANG DONGWON, STAGNANT ACTING SKILLS AND NONCHALANCE

The weight of being a top star is by no means a light one. However, it is disappointing to see Kang Dongwon’s recent actions, which seem to suggest that he is completely unaware of that responsibility. This goes beyond simply having a box-office failure, it has even raised questions about the sincerity of a lead actor who should be taking responsibility for a project through to the very end.

Criticism of Kang Dongwon has continued following his seemingly careless attitude during the promotional campaign for his recently released film Wild Sing. The first issue to draw attention was his response to questions about a box-office pledge.

Audience-count pledges commonly made during media interviews or YouTube appearances are generally less about guaranteeing that a specific target will actually be reached and more about expressing a hope that the film performs well. However, when he was asked whether he would appear on a music show in the mixed-gender group Triangle concept from the film, Kang Dongwon firmly drew the line. He showed no intention of even offering a token promise.

This was particularly disappointing because the film’s concept had already generated public interest and naturally led to expectations that the cast might appear on a music show. His response came across as pouring cold water on the enthusiasm of the audience.

The way he provided photos for interviews also raised eyebrows. Photos distributed to the media are typically taken directly by the film’s distributor or the actor’s agency. When that is not possible, an existing official profile photo may be used instead. However, Kang Dongwon provided an unofficial image from his personal fashion brand, prompting questions. It was enough to give the impression that he was using a film promotional opportunity to promote his own brand.

His attitude during stage greetings also came under scrutiny. Kang Dongwon only attended the weekend stage greetings during the first week of Wild Sing's release. This stands in stark contrast to other actors who, even when filming their next projects, coordinate their schedules with the production team to participate in stage greetings during the second and even third weeks.

Even during those appearances, his lukewarm attitude drew criticism. The current trend for stage greetings at theaters is active interaction with audiences. Actors often step into the aisles themselves, willingly put on various props prepared by fans, and engage in enthusiastic fan service. This can lead to online buzz, helping increase public interest in and positive sentiment toward the film.

However, according to reviews and footage shared on online communities and social media, Kang Dongwon did not step into the audience during the Wild Sing stage greetings and instead simply stood in place. His passive demeanor quickly spread through real-time audience accounts and drew criticism from netizens.

As such, industry insiders are expressing concern over Kang Dongwon’s attitude throughout the promotional and marketing campaign for Wild Sing. The situation has become serious enough that some are even calling for an actor’s willingness to cooperate with promotional and marketing activities to be made a mandatory consideration when casting a lead actor.

The high salaries paid to lead actors, which account for a significant portion of a film’s production budget, are not simply compensation for their acting. Critics argue that they also encompass a lead actor’s responsibility to the project through the moment it reaches audiences, including the obligation to actively participate in promotional activities.

Kang Dongwon’s recent behavior feels particularly disappointing because he has yet to show any notable growth in the area that should matter most: his acting. The lack of enthusiasm he displayed during the promotional campaign has ultimately compounded the public’s disappointment with what many perceive as his stagnant acting abilities, further turning public sentiment against him.

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original post: here

1. But his acting has always been like this, no? Why suddenly mention it now~~

2. He's been steadily bad at acting. His signature is that weird satoori accent

3. The acting in Wild Sing is truly shocking... It got buried because it wasn't a box-office hit

4. A few months before Wild Sing, Park Jihyun did stage greetings for a movie that totally flopped, she took photos with everyone in every theater and even danced. But this time, even though it’s a music movie, he didn't do any of that. I can only speculate but did someone suggest they all agree not to do it?

5. I saw Oh Jungse, who had been standing next to Kang Dongwon,wearing wings and making the rounds to every corner of the venue. Seeing that the lead actor was nowhere to be found, I couldn't help but think, "Maybe the lead doesn't want to do the promotion? The supporting actor is the one doing all the hard work."

6. Didn't he dance on YouTube or somewhere? It didn't seem like he was being half-hearted about it... He even said he learned the dance over several months and performed it all himself

7. I really didn't want to bring this up, but why are we suddenly talking about this now? Is something going on with Kang Dongwon?

8. Only Oh Jungse was working hard

9. Kang Dongwon's face and acting are both not my style so I don't care about him, but if even his attitude is controversial, I'd rather not see him at all, not even in a fleeting shot

10. Bringing this up now?????? It's been ages since he was the one dragging down his movies

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