Gang Dong Won transforms into a dancer and Um Tae Goo into a rapper! The movie ‘Wild Thing’ is shaping up to be more than just a comedy hit; it is becoming a “stan-worthy” film where fans can discover entirely new sides of these actors. With Gang Dong Won’s sly comedy, Um Tae Goo’s shocking rapper transformation, and a perfect throwback to 1990s music scene vibes, the film is expected to unleash unexpected charms.
Opening on June 3, ‘Wild Thing’ (directed by Son Jae Gon) is a comedy about a co-ed dance group called Triangle. Once dominating the music scene before a sudden breakup, the group returns to the stage after 20 years. Gang Dong Won, Um Tae Goo, Park Ji Hyun, and Oh Jung Se come together to playfully bring back the 90s music scene.
A standout transformation is Gang Dong Won’s challenge. While he has shown his comedic side in ‘Doctor Cheon’s Exorcism Office’ (2023), ‘Confidential Assignment’ (2016), ‘Jeon Woo Chi’ (2009), and ‘Don’t Trust Her’ (2004), he leads this film with a more relaxed and sly performance. Playing Hyun Woo, the leader and “dance machine” of Triangle, he perfectly showcases the bobbed hair, turn-of-the-century fashion, headspins, and idol visuals of that era.
Gang Dong Won spent months practicing breakdancing and headspins for this role, showing his effort to reveal an unexpected side of himself. In a recent interview, he explained his reason for joining ‘Wild Thing,’ saying, “I thought it would be funny if I danced and sang.” Regarding the reactions from people around him, he shared with a laugh, “They said they never imagined this. I expected the audience to be surprised, but it’s more like a ‘to this extent?’ kind of feeling. My close friends jokingly asked, ‘Are you broke?'”
Um Tae Goo’s presence is even more surprising. Contrary to his shy, extreme introvert image, he appears as Sang Goo, the youngest member and a powerhouse rapper of Triangle, delivering a shocking transformation. Unlike the taciturn image he usually portrays in heavy noir genres, his exaggerated gestures and overflowing passion as a rapper provide a twist of fun. In particular, his “train-horn rap” delivered in his signature husky voice is one of the movie’s main highlight points for laughter.
Um Tae Goo previously received praise for showing an unexpected side in the romantic comedy genre through JTBC’s ‘Woman Who Plays’ (2024). At the time, he gained popularity by showcasing the romantic side and unexpected charm of a charismatic gang boss. ‘Wild Thing’ takes that unpredictability a step further. His character as the youngest rapper, showing the refreshing stage manners of an idol, is a total stan point in itself.
The detailed homage to the 1990s music scene is another strength of the film. From the co-ed group vibes reminiscent of Cool, Roo’ra, S#arp, and Koyote, to plagiarism controversies, rivalries, and provocative entertainment scandals, the film playfully incorporates the pop culture of the time. The turn-of-the-century stage costumes, hair, and exaggerated makeup add to the laughter while triggering a strange sense of nostalgia.
Ultimately, the competitiveness of ‘Wild Thing’ lies in the new faces of its actors. Along with Gang Dong Won and Um Tae Goo, Park Ji Hyun excellently portrays a bold character hidden behind the fresh visuals of a girl group from that era. Meanwhile, Oh Jung Se delivers high-intensity comedy as a long-haired, tragic ballad prince. He acts as the “kick” that flips the atmosphere just by appearing, becoming the decisive move that completes the film’s humor. Expectations are high to see if ‘Wild Thing’ will go beyond a box office hit to become a movie that makes everyone stan its cast.
