Interview

Kim Bum says, "Me, a playboy? But I have never been in love!" The 20 year-old who portrays playboy extraordinaire on Boys Before Flowers talks to ISPLUS.

This interview felt so much tougher to translate than Lee Min-ho's. I think Kim Bum uses more flowery language and Min-ho's more straight forward. Sigh, Kim Bum's motto in life escapes me. If someone can translate that and any that I have (not purposefully) left out, I would be much obliged.






IS: The So Yi-jung of Boys Before Flowers seems to be a smooth playboy - a ladies' man.

KB: Thank you for the compliment but in real life, I am quite different. I am shy and do not mingle easily with people, much less attract beautiful women.

IS: Do you have a girlfriend?

KB: I've never had a girlfriend. I have been always too involved in something or other and have not found a girlfriend.

IS: If you had a girlfriend, what would you like her to do for you?

KB: I would like her to cook for me and pack me a nice lunch box. During my busy shooting schedule, I often have to skip a meal. When that happens, I could eat the lunch box my girlfriend has lovingly prepared for me. (Sounds like the way to Kim Bum's heart is through his stomach :-) Hear that girls?)

IS: Who is #1 on your mobile phone speed dial?

KB: I believe it's a "hyung" (elder brother/senior) from my agency whom I call for support. When I have a girlfriend, I would probably change her number to be #1 on my speed dial then. IS: What would you do if your parents oppose marriage to your chosen one -- much like Boys Before Flowers' Gu Jun-pyo's situation?

KB: If I do not get married to the one I love because of the opposition of those around me, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I will persuade my parent's for their blessing.

IS: What is your motto in life?

KB: Making a mistake once is alright, but don't make it twice. As you live life, you may experience failures and you may make mistakes. However, I do not want to encounter the same defeat from making the same mistake again. It means that although a person can't be perfect, he/she should try his/her best to come close to perfection.

IS: What is your biggest crisis in life to date?

KB: I don't think I have experienced any extra ordinary crisis in my life. I have worked hard to overcome certain things, but I do not consider them crisis in my life. IS: Do you want to be a tycoon like your character in Boys Before Flowers?

KB: I do not want to be a tycoon, although I am always keen to achieve, and to live out my dream.

IS: Favourite Internet sites?

KB: Daum, Naver and other portal sites because news and information can be obtained very quickly. IS: What do you always carry in your bag?

KB: Mobile phone and wallet.

IS: Do you have a jinx or habit?

KB: The day before the first day of shooting the drama I could not sleep. However, when morning comes, I go to the set in good spirits and get the job done. The next night, if I don't get to sleep again, my condition worsens. IS: When you feel stressed how do you solve it?

KB: When I am stressed, I look for my friends. I get de-stressed when I hang out with them, laughing and talking. IS: Who is your favourite sports star? KB: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

IS: What three things would you bring to a desert island?

KB: Game consoles, DVD player and cell phone. I could watch movies with the DVD player and enjoy the island in between playing games on my console. Why would I bring a cell phone to a deserted island? I saw a CF once where the mobile phone was used to call for a Jjajangmyeon delivery. (Kim Bum's answer sounds 바보 to me. Game console and DVD player with no TV?)

IS: If you have a completely free day, what would you do?

KB: I would like to go somewhere to clear my head and unwind.