At the press conference on 27 April, the cast and director of Disney+‘s upcoming drama Gold Land shared insights into the series, offering a closer look at its tense, character-driven story. Led by an all-star lineup including Park Boyoung, Kim Sung Cheol, Lee Hyun Wook, Kim Hiewon, Moon Jeong Hee, and Lee Kwangsoo. Directed by Kim Sung Hoon, the series premieres on April 29 on Disney+.

A Story Driven by Desire

At its core, Gold Land follows Heeju, a woman who unexpectedly comes into possession of gold bars worth 150 billion won and decides she wants to keep them for herself. What unfolds is a high-stakes story about greed, survival, and the consequences of desire.

Director Kim Sung Hoon explained that the massive value of the gold was intentional. “We needed something big enough to reflect human desire,” he said. “A tonne of gold, about 150 billion won, felt like the right scale to push the characters to their limits.”

Park Boyoung’s Bold Transformation

Known for her bright and lovable roles, Park Boyoung takes on a dramatically different persona as Heeju. This marks her first foray into the crime genre following her previous work on Disney+.

“A woman awakened by desire. That’s Heeju,” she shared.

To embody the role, Park Boyoung underwent a striking physical transformation. She lost weight, wore minimal to no makeup, and portrayed a character constantly on the run who’s nervous, exhausted, and worn down.

Director Kim praised her commitment. “She showed a side we’ve never seen before. Greed isn’t something you show outwardly. It comes from within, and she captured that. She pushed herself physically and emotionally to show Heeju’s gradual breakdown.”

A Cast of Complex Characters

Each character in Gold Land is driven by their own desires, creating a layered and unpredictable narrative.

Kim Sung Cheol described his character, Woogy, as someone “honest, blunt, and unafraid of his desires,” adding that this frankness creates a certain tension and mystery. He also noted the close dynamic with Park Boyoung, both on and off screen, joking about frequently calling her “noona.”

Lee Hyun Wook plays Dokyung, a key figure who draws Heeju into the chaos. He described his character as “the most grounded,” yet deeply conflicted, who is caught between love and desire, and gradually losing control as his emotions intensify.

Kim Hiewon returns to acting as Jinman, a man “held hostage by his own desire.” He revealed that the script was one of the most compelling he had read, calling it a “total page-turner.” Director Kim added that Jinman plays a critical role in the story, representing what happens when someone reaches the absolute end of their greed.

Moon Jeong Hee takes on the role of someone related to Heeju, portraying a complicated, love-hate relationship. She shared that both she and her character were in emotionally difficult places during filming, which added depth to her performance. “Her greed has worn her down, and it makes it hard for her to express her love” she explained.

Meanwhile, Lee Kwangsoo steps into an antagonist role. He worked closely with the director to shape his character, even contributing ideas like distinctive accessories and gold-plated teeth to hint at the character’s backstory. “He’s obsessed with money,” Lee Kwangsoo said, “and everything about his appearance reflects that.”

Memorable Moments and On-Set Stories

The cast shared several standout moments from filming. Lee Hyun Wook highlighted an intense hospital scene with Lee Kwangsoo, where his character is torn between fear and greed.

Park Boyoung recalled a particularly frightening action sequence involving a car chase. “Someone was coming down from the roof of the car, and I was genuinely terrified,” she said. “He was breaking the glass with his forehead and I can still picture it clearly.”

Off-screen, the cast also spoke about their strong chemistry. Park Boyoung noted Kim Sung Cheol’s improvisations often surprised her, while her long friendship with Lee Kwangsoo allowed them to “go all out” in their scenes together.

The Big Question: What Would You Do?

In line with the show’s central theme, the cast was asked what they would do if they found 150 billion won in gold.

Park Boyoung admitted she was conflicted. “Part of me would want it. But if I were Heeju, I wouldn’t.”
Kim Sung Cheol said he would want to use it for the greater good, though he joked that his answer changes daily.
Lee Kwangsoo, on the other hand, took a cautious stance. “I’d return it and maybe keep any reward if the owner of the gold bars offers me.”

Others echoed similar dilemmas, reinforcing the show’s exploration of human nature when faced with overwhelming temptation.

A Fast-Paced, Emotional Ride

Moon Jeong Hee described Gold Land as a fast-paced and fresh take on the crime genre, blending noir elements with emotional depth. “It’s the kind of show that keeps you on the edge of your seat,” she said.

With its gripping premise, layered characters, and standout performances, Gold Land promises to be a compelling addition to Disney+’s lineup.

The series premieres on April 29.