- Starring in the film "Wonderland" as Tae-joo, a flight attendant awakening from a coma

The highly anticipated film "Wonderland(원더랜드)," directed by Kim Tae-yong (김태용) and featuring an all-star cast including Tang Wei  (탕웨이), Suzy(수지), Park Bo-gum (박보검), Jung Yu-mi (정유미), Choi Woo-shik (최우식), and Gong Yoo (공유), has finally been released. 

"Wonderland" portrays a world where people can use an AI video call service to reunite with their deceased loved ones. The film combines the stellar performances of a top-notch cast with Kim Tae-yong's meticulous and persistent direction, delivering a heartfelt message to those who have experienced the pain of losing someone they love.

Set in a world where the AI-based Wonderland service allows people to reconnect with the deceased, the film follows characters like Bai-ri (Tang Wei), who uses the service to keep her death a secret from her young daughter, and Jung-in (Suzy), who recreates her comatose boyfriend Tae-joo (Park Bo-gum) as an astronaut to share a happy life. Another storyline features Hae-ri (Jung Yu-mi), who has interacted with AI parents since childhood. Released on June 5, "Wonderland" has topped the box office for seven consecutive days, amassing 524,276 viewers.

On June 4, Park Bo-gum met with Sports Hankook at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. Known for his warm charisma, Park shared his reasons for joining "Wonderland" and his filming experiences, along with reflections on his recent musical venture "Let Me Fly." His softly spoken words held a compelling power that kept listeners captivated.

"I was most drawn to the concept of reviving a loved one through AI video calls. More than the size of my role, I hoped such technology could become reality soon. The joy of reconnecting with unreachable people or healing unfulfilled longings resonated deeply with me, especially since the story centers around family. Tae-joo and Jung-in's relationship, though not explicitly shown in the film, is as poignant as family. Director Kim and Suzy and I envisioned Tae-joo and Jung-in as having grown up together like family after losing their parents. The director gave us the freedom to perform comfortably."

Park Bo-gum portrays Tae-joo, who, after an accident, awakens from a coma to find a strange new world. While the AI version of Tae-joo, requested by Jung-in, is an exceptionally kind person, the real Tae-joo struggles to adapt to everything, including Jung-in. Park diligently worked to bridge the gap between these two contrasting characters, showcasing his acting prowess through Tae-joo's expressions of emptiness and confusion.

"The AI Tae-joo reflects his healthy self, created from his happy moments with Jung-in. I filmed those scenes with bright and lively energy, with Suzy even providing voiceovers on set. For the real Tae-joo, the director wanted him to appear strange, confused about whether he is the real one or the AI version Jung-in describes. Watching the completed film, I felt I gave my all. The role made me ponder 'Who am I?' which deeply influenced my performance."

Though the film doesn't detail how Tae-joo and Jung-in became a couple, their chemistry was so convincing that rumors about their real-life relationship emerged. Many netizens hoped for their romance, encouraged by their adorable photos shared on social media.

"Since the film doesn't show Tae-joo and Jung-in's backstory, Suzy and I decided to take photos during rehearsals, which we used as props in the film and shared on SNS to enhance the viewing experience. We took many vlog-style videos and pictures to capture their happy moments. While Suzy and I had met several times as hosts of the Baeksang Arts Awards, we weren't particularly close. Working on this film allowed us to bond and shoot comfortably together. She's an actor with great sensitivity. Although fans wish for us to date, I hope it doesn't make things awkward between us. We recently sang together on KBS2's 'The Seasons - Zico's Artist,' and we looked great as a duo, even I think so." (laughs)

Since completing his military service in 2022, Park Bo-gum has been exploring various new endeavors. From signing with The Black Label, led by Teddy, to fulfilling his long-held dream by debuting in the musical "Let Me Fly," he continues to showcase his multifaceted talents. His exceptional hosting skills and well-known singing and dancing abilities shine through his fan meetings, suggesting a vision for his career that extends beyond acting.

"Some might see my choices as unexpected, but I always wanted to perform in a musical. Although I majored in musicals in college, I never had the chance to perform on stage. My college friend, actor Shin Jae-bum, introduced me to 'Let Me Fly,' and I instantly wanted to be a part of it. The script and musical numbers were outstanding. I repeatedly asked about audition dates and was thrilled to debut in this production. The live audience feedback was exhilarating. Teddy reached out to me first, suggesting fun collaboration opportunities. At my new agency, I actively participate in planning content and fan meetings, aligning with my future aspirations. Though it's early to consider production, I'm enjoying creating diverse content related to my work. I even named the song I sang in the film, 'Wish Wonderland Is Here.'"