Interview: Omega X's Kevin, actor Kim Kang Min star in new Korean BL drama 'My Bias Is Showing!'
The new Korean BL drama “My Bias Is Showing!” premiered starring Kevin of K-pop boy band Omega X in his acting debut and actor Kim Kang Min.
“My Bias Is Showing!” is based on a popular Korean webtoon of the same name. Originally by Eol and Nabit, the webtoon topped multiple platforms in Korea, including Mr. Blue and Kakao Page, for its unique blend of idol fandom culture and romance.
The drama follows the story of Na Ae-joon (played by Kevin), a high school teacher who happens to be a longtime fan of Choi Si-yeol (played by Kim Kang Min), a member of the popular boy group A-one.
One day, Ae-joon unexpectedly encounters Si-yeol, who is filming a variety show at Ae-joon’s school, and from there, both characters embark on an emotional journey exploring love, revenge, and the line between an idol and a fan.
Junghoon, another Omega X member, will also appear in the drama as J.J, the leader of A-one.
Kevin’s agency, IPQ, recommended that he try for the role of Ae-joon, saying he would match well with the character and he wanted to try acting.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Kevin and Kim Kang Min talked about working together and preparing for their roles.
About their roles, Kevin said, “In this drama, I am playing a Korean language teacher, who has a crush on his favorite idol, who suddenly appears in front of me one day.”
Kim Kang Min said, “I'm playing Choi Si-yeol, who is a member of the K-pop idol group, A-one, in this drama.”
The two said they decided to star in “My Bias Is Showing!” as a new experience.
“For me, I wanted to try something new. I've always wanted to try acting, and thought this would be a great opportunity, which is why I decided to take on this role,” said Kevin.
Kim Kang Min said, “For me, because I'm an actor, though I have experience playing many different characters, it's my first time portraying the character of an idol, which I found to be fresh. This is also a genre I've never tried before, which is why I chose to take this role.”
Preparing for their roles
To prepare for their roles, Kim Kang Min studied being a K-pop idol while Kevin focused on the script and received guidance from the director.
“For me, all of the other parts were aspects I was able to prepare for because they're things I regularly do as an actor, but there is a scene in the drama when I perform on the stage. I don't have any experience being on stage, but thankfully, in the past, I've been invited to and attended idols' concerts before. I asked my seniors for their advice on how to look more natural, and practiced it on my own, as well as rehearsed a lot on set," said Kim Kang Min.
Kevin said, “For me, I think I looked at the script over and over, and prepared as much as I can. At script readings or on set, I listened to the director's feedback, and adjusted to the direction that they were hoping for.”
“My Bias Is Showing!” was directed by Baek Min Hee, known for her previous work on web dramas “Peng” and “Our D-Day.”
For the different scenes in the BL drama, including skinship, Kevin said their acting came naturally.
“When we were on set and acting the scenes together, it came so naturally, so I think our spontaneous acting and chemistry worked out for the best result when we were filming,” he said.
Kim Kang Min said, “There weren't many opportunities for us to meet in the beginning, but we were on set together every day, and naturally interacted with each other the most. Through this, we tried putting the scenes together on the spot, and then spoke to the director and staff about their thoughts on the direction, as well as our own opinions about the direction, which is how we were able to prepare for scenes, including ones with skinship.”
As the BL drama is his acting debut, Kevin said he felt pressure as he wanted to excel.
“I definitely felt a lot of pressure. Because it's my first time in a drama, I think wanting to really excel in it was the biggest thought I had. I didn't want to detract from the project in any way, so I tried my best. The vibe on set was so friendly, and Kang Min, as well as the other actors on set, taught me so much, and I was really able to learn from them,” he said.
Kim Kang Min shared some of his acting experiences with Kevin to help him.
"In the beginning, when we didn't know each other very well and felt a bit awkward around each other, I felt very cautious about giving him advice because I have my own style of acting and this is his first time acting. So I didn't really say much,” he said.
He added, “Towards the middle of our shooting schedules, when we got closer, I shared some of my thoughts and experiences, of course, all while keeping my respect for him! I said things like, ‘If you try this in this way, you'll be able to get closer to finding your style.’”
Chemistry
Kevin is thankful that everyone on the set was supporting that made it easier for him to film the drama.
“To be honest, on set, everyone else was so supportive, so I had so much fun. Off set, we didn't have that many opportunities to meet each other, but on days like today where we do see each other, I feel like there's a different charm of him that I find which is different from on-set experience. It's great,” he said.
Kim Kang Min said, “On set, we need to act, and in this drama, there are four different characters. Each of the four characters has a different personality, so I think I tried to approach each person based on their characters. Off set, there weren't many opportunities for us to meet each other because we had so many scenes to shoot. So I used the time during rehearsals to talk and get to know each one, so I think we were able to get closer over time.”
On why viewers should watch “My Bias Is Showing!,” Kevin said the story is unique while Kim Kang Min said people can experience emotional growth.
“I think the story of the drama is very unique. I thought the story about an idol and a teacher was fresh, and if you watch the drama, the dynamic of the four characters is really fun. Though I haven't been able to watch it yet (at the time of the interview), I know that the chemistry between me and Si-yeol will be very exciting. I hope that you watch and enjoy it as well,” said Kevin.
Kim Kang Min said, “There are many reasons to watch this drama, but I think whenever the four characters meet, there is such a diverse range of dynamics. But the biggest thing I felt about these relationships is that the drama is an opportunity where anyone can experience emotional growth. Love, friendship, and many other emotions are expressed throughout the drama, so I think it's a must-watch because anyone who watches it can really resonate to and grow emotionally.”
Kevin added, “This drama expresses a relationship between an idol and a fan. As I'm active as an idol right now, I know there will be fans who like this drama, as well as fans who like other idols, too. I think that many people will be able to relate to the drama, which makes it even more unique.”
Co-produced by IPQ and MODT Studio, “My Bias Is Showing!” comes after the international success of BL dramas “A Shoulder to Cry On” and “Jazz for Two,” which also featured Omega X members as main actors and their participation in OSTs.