High School Return of a Gangster (2024) may have concluded, but the moments both on and off-screen between Yoon Chan Young and Bong Jae Hyun are still a hot topic. The duo was widely praised for their impressive bromance, creating a chemistry that left fans on the edge of their seats. Through various interviews, they have shared how they developed such a compelling connection. Let’s dive into the journey of actors Song Yi Heon and Chi Se Kyung!
Focusing on Bromance, Not BL
Yoon Chan Young (Marie Claire Korea Via Instagram.com/Yooncy1)
High School Return of a Gangster (2024) is an adaptation of the webtoon Boys Lover (BL), titled I, a Gangster a High School Student. Despite its origins in the BL genre, the drama centers more on the bromance between Song Yi Heon (played by Yoon Chan Young) and Choi Se Kyung (played by Bong Jae Hyun).
Yoon Chan Young has been clear about his approach to the role. He emphasized that he focused on the drama’s script rather than the original webtoon’s BL elements. “Even though the original background is like that, I don’t pay much attention to it. I think I try to focus more on the (drama) script,” he mentioned at a press conference on May 27, 2024. This approach allowed him to delve deeper into his character, bringing out a genuine and engaging performance.
Building Chemistry Through Shared Interests
Yoon Chan Young And Bong Jae Hyun (Marie Claire Korea Via Instagram.com/Yooncy1)
Many viewers were thrilled by the chemistry between Yoon Chan Young and Bong Jae Hyun, even though the drama is not categorized as BL. Initially, the actors felt a bit awkward around each other. “At first, it was a little uncomfortable and I kept my distance,” Chan Young admitted in a joint interview with Marie Claire Korea on May 9, 2024.
However, their shared interests, particularly their love for soccer, helped bridge the gap. “We’re almost the same age, he is hyung-my. I think we can communicate more often and we can be open with each other. We also have the same hobbies and interests. We became close, talked a lot. Chemistry emerged from there,” explained Chan Young. This bond off-screen translated into their on-screen interactions, creating an authentic and compelling bromance.
Mutual Admiration and Learning
Bong Jae Hyun (Marie Claire Korea Via Instagram.com/Yooncy1)
Bong Jae Hyun, who plays Choi Se Kyung, had nothing but praise for Yoon Chan Young. He appreciated the positive atmosphere on set and the strong connections with his co-stars. “The atmosphere on the set and chemistry with other actors were very good. I can always put a smile on my face when taking photos together,” Jae Hyun shared with Star News Korea.
Jae Hyun especially admired Yoon Chan Young, viewing him as both a dongsaeng (younger brother) and a sunbae (senior) on set. “He’s actually much more senior than me. At first, he approached me very friendly. I think I asked a lot of questions. And I learned a lot,” Jae Hyun revealed. This mutual respect and willingness to learn from each other played a significant role in their dynamic portrayal of Yi Heon and Se Kyung.
High School Return of a Gangster episodes 1 to 8 are available on Viu, showcasing the much-loved bromance between Yoon Chan Young and Bong Jae Hyun. Their journey is a testament to how genuine connections and shared interests can create magic both on and off the screen.
