In a heartfelt interview with Esquire Korea, actor Go Kyung Pyo delved into his personal battles with mental health, the complexities of maintaining his public image, and his newfound experiences in the world of variety shows. From managing the pressures of fitness and self-care to navigating his authentic self and public persona, Go Kyung Pyo opens up about the challenges and rewards of his journey both on and off the screen.
Go Kyung Pyo opens up on his current state
Actor Go Kyung Pyo recently opened up in an interview with Esquire Korea about his overall well-being. Reflecting on his efforts to stay fit, he shared, “I used to manage [my weight] better. I could gain or lose as I intended. However, lately, there are areas where I struggle to achieve my goals, which has left me feeling slightly stressed.”
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When asked about the source of these challenges, he acknowledged that it’s partly due to less effective exercise routines. He also mentioned, “I find it harder to put actions into practice these days than I did in the past. I still know in my head that exercise and meal plans are important, but I often weigh the opportunity cost. Life is short, and I increasingly feel drawn to immediate enjoyment.”
Regarding burnout, Go Kyung Pyo admitted, “I’m definitely feeling burnt out. Lately, I’ve been trying new things like YouTube and variety shows, expending a lot of energy that I don’t usually use.” Despite his current happiness and enjoyment, he also confessed to feeling exhausted from these new activities.
Navigating his true self and public persona
The actor also discussed his struggle to balance his true self with his public image. Known for his enthusiastic reaction to Zico’s “Any Song” during an awards show, he remarked, “There’s an image of me that reflects that vibe, but it’s actually a bit different from how I see myself. People really like that side of me, so I feel like I have to adapt and fit into it. However, sometimes I can’t help but feel a sense of emptiness.”
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He elaborated on how he feels most free when alone and how spontaneous moments of excitement often lead to public scrutiny. “When I get excited, I enjoy the moment without caring about others’ opinions. Then, when I notice others looking at me, I feel very small,” he explained.
Discussing his involvement in “The Backpacker Chef 2,” Go Kyung Pyo shared, “The show demands more variety show energy than I initially anticipated. However, filming it feels like a healing time for me. During filming, I’m fully focused, and it’s straightforward work detached from other concerns.”
He expressed his appreciation for the program’s format, which doesn’t focus on putting him in the spotlight. “I haven’t participated much in variety shows until now because I didn’t want people to have a fixed perception of me,” he said. “Now, as an actor, I aspire to be recognized for my roles in good productions and as a character.”
Go Kyung Pyo’s full interview is available in the June issue of Esquire Korea.
