Set during the time of Joseon era, iQiyi original and exclusive K-drama series Royal Secret Agent follows the story of a delinquent gambler who was assigned to work as a secret inspector as a form of punishment. Played by Kim Myung Soo, Sung Yi Gyum, sets out to provinces to uncover and eradicate corruption and bring justice with the help of Hong Da In and Park Chun Sam, played by Kwon Nara and Lee Yi Kyung respectively.
The show premiered on the platform in December 2020 and has since enjoyed a good following among K-drama fans. In Korea, one of its latest episodes rated 9.7%, setting a personal best for the show. The much-awaited finale is set to drop on iQiyi on February 8-9 with Kim Myung Soo, Kwon Nara, and Lee Yi Kyung wrapping up the series.
See what the three lead stars have to say about their experience in filming the show:
I. Kim Myung-soo
1. What was the reason why you were attracted to the script and character of “Royal Secret Agent”? Which part of this series did you find most attractive?
A: The thrill of eradicating society’s corrupt forces and the resurrection of a hero familiar to both men and women since childhood, the vivid character of the royal secret agent, the meaningful storyline, and the pleasant atmosphere are the attractions.
2. What was the most challenging or unique aspect of filming “Royal Secret Agent”?
A: The diverse action scenes and disguises of Sung Yi Gyum under different circumstances in the series were fascinating and challenging.
3. Have you worked out or learned any new techniques for the action scenes in the drama? If so, could you share what kind of activity?
A: I went to action school and the gym almost every day. I practiced all types of moves and various weapons, and trained the strength I needed in the gym.
4. How’s the chemistry with Kwon Nara you starred with? What do you think is her charm?
A: We have great chemistry, and we’re so close. I think the bright and cheerful looks is a charm.
5. Please share some anecdotes while shooting with actor Lee Yi-kyung, especially the bromance part. This series has comedic elements. Did you burst into laughter a lot during filming too?
A: He improvised a lot while acting. It was so much fun that the staff on the set enjoyed it. Thanks to that, I also acted spontaneously with Chun-sam in the flow.
6. In the series, you played the role of a slave with Lee Yi-kyung, a love line with Kwon Na-ra, and played a half-brother with Lee Tae-hwan. What do you remember most about the actors you shot with and what impressed you most about shooting together on set?
A: We have great chemistry, and we’re so close. If there’s an NG (an outtake or blooper), it’s funny, because we know each other so well that we get it. It’s just Da-in, Chun-sam, Yi-gyeom. And they’re all kind people.
7. What is the particular point in this series that you want the audience to pay attention to?
A: Just like the modifier of the Joseon version of says, < Royal Secret Agent > is the joy of punishing the evildoers, rescuing the needy, and punishing moments of good and evil. < Royal Secret Agent > guards the long-standing value of didactic morality. The characters’ vivid characteristics seem to be attractive.
8. What is your favorite scene in the series, and why?
A: ‘In the face of death, there is no difference between a nobleman and a pariah. Why should the son of the great governor despise the generous people and regard their death as insignificant?’ There was no reason. It was just something that went deep into my heart.
9. After the broadcast of “Royal Secret Agent” on iQiyi, the number of global fans watching the series seems to grow. Do you think such a part will help you further develop as an actor? What do you hope to achieve in terms of global recognition for “Royal Secret Agent”?
A: The world is going through tough times due to the Covid19, so if the “Royal Secret Agent” can be a satisfying and refreshing breakthrough for everyone, I think it’s an outstanding achievement.
10. What are the similarities and differences between you and your character Sung Yi-gyum? Do you have any goals you want to achieve in the future?
A: As the shooting continues, it seems that I became more and more assimilated into the character of Sung Yi-gyeom. Although I can’t convert it into a percentage, when I see how I automatically put my hands behind my back when I wear Hanbok, I sometimes think, ‘Oh, I’m becoming Sung Yi-gyeom‘. Also, the way Sung Yi-gyeom concentrates on his assigned task seems to be like mine. Ah! There are a few things that Sung Yi-gyeom fears. Don’t miss it!!
11. There is a scene early in the series where you are very good at gambling, so do you think you are a poker face? Do you think you can fool others if you play the mafia game? Are you the one who expresses your feelings on your face or hide them in your heart?
A: I think it’s different from time to time. Sometimes the poker face works, but sometimes it doesn’t work.
12. I heard that 95% of the action scenes were performed by you yourself, which was the most relaxed and most challenging scene? Have you ever been injured during filming or practicing beforehand? Did you get blisters on your hands because of the shooting?
A: After receiving two months of treatment for a knee injury sustained while shooting action scenes in the early stages of filming, I had a hard time every time, but I was happy and enjoyable.
13. “Royal Secret Agent” is a historical series with comic elements. Have you ever done any adlibs when you were acting? Was the dance in the first episode an adlib scene?
A: The dance was improvised. Other than that, there were many unscripted parts of the acting in the series that I hope to compare with the script later.
14. What do you think is the charm of Sung Yi-gyum in the series?
A: With a relaxed and easy-going side in regular times and a sincere face when solving the cases, the vivid characters’ gradual growth is charming.
15. In the scene bathing in the lake, the audience admired the body of Sung Yi-gyum. Did you have any unique exercise or on a diet before shooting this scene?
A: I worked out hard for about 4~5 months. I exercised twice a day for about six hours while controlling my diet.
16. Were you satisfied when you disguised yourself as a girl? Which part do you think was pretty when you dressed up as a girl?
A: Rather than being satisfied, I thought I looked beautiful with a half updo.
II. Kwon Nara
1. What was the reason why you were attracted to the script and role of ? Which part of this series did you find most attractive?
A. The heroes of the people, ‘Amhaengeosa’ (royal secret agent) material, the character Hong Da-in who only knows how to ‘go straight’ for her faith and goals, and the warm power of the ‘realization of justice’ in the storyline are all attractive. As I read the script, I was really looking forward to the following story about what situations Da-in and the royal secret agent team would meet, whose hearts would be comforted and empowered.
As I read the script, I felt like the passion and hope that I didn’t even know was growing, and it seemed like my heart was getting a little bit open while watching the performances of the royal secret agent team, who were trying to match the harmony while being clumsy and loud. We suffered from a hard year due to Covid-19. I thought it was a series that could give laughter, fun, and hope to all of us, so I really wanted to participate.
2. How do you feel when this is your first time working on a historical series? What were the special efforts you made to portray your character successfully?
A. I’ve been preparing to meet my viewers since the day I received the script until today. I’m worried about expressing the character Hong Da-in in a more friendly and attractive way, even a little bit. I am nervous because she is a character who has a lot of different parts from what I showed in my previous works, but I am also more excited.
I hope you can see how the fearless youth who know nothing but go straight in an unreasonable and corrupt world would grow and change. We are looking forward to becoming a work that can show you the process of growing up like Da-in!
3. Tell us more about your acting with actor Kim Myung-soo. How was your chemistry?
A. Since I work with my age actors, our chemistry matches well, and we usually talk a lot. The more we talked, the better our acting chemistry was. Actor Kim Myung-soo seems to be showing a variety of faces, from Yi-gyeom’s sly appearance to a tough figure that can feel the dignity of the royal secret agents’.
Actor Lee Yi-kyung is professional. He got lots of pranks, but when the shooting began, he got really immersed. And he’s really good at acting slyness so I was always admiring him and our chemistry was great. He’s like a vitamin in the shooting field. I’m looking forward to this work because it seems to be a good combination of a good script, sensational and pleasant acting, and a synergy created by our growing chemistry.
4. What’s your favorite scene in the series and why?
A. It’s hard to talk about only one scene, but I would like to pick the scene where I showed up in the first episode. Da-in, who appeared the most gracefully in the world, gives a hit to a nobleman who threatens, rather than bragging about killing himself soon because of her. She said, “If I cross out of line, I will apologize. But… Where would I be the only one who crossed the line?” I think it’s a scene that clearly shows Da-in’s strong charm, saying what she wants to say even when she may be in danger.
If I’m not giving you another spoiler, I’ll tell you the 11th episode, Da-in replied to Yi-gyum “Okay. There is nothing more painful than being unforgettable.” I remember the line. I think it was the most memorable to unravel the various emotions that Dain, who looks firm, experienced. I think it contains the feelings that Dain has been through in her life. It seems that all the pains that Dain suffered melt in the lines.
5. You played the role of a courtesean and tea servant in the series. Which role do you like more? What role do you think is more challenging when you act? Why? Are you also a person with a strong sense of justice like your role in the drama? How would you behave if you face an unfair situation? For example?
A. I think Da-in is a character that is hard to define. While she is fluent in singing and dancing, she’s a character full of capacity. She also holds a charm of ‘Soda’ that she says what she wants to say. I can see through other people’s minds, but I also have a childlike purity when I’m with the royal secret agent team. When you see your goal, you don’t have any fears. It’s cool just to go straight ahead and ’No retreat’. Most of all, my heart is warm. They don’t pass by sick people or people in need.
It’s usually pleasant and playful, but I think the most serious part of the world resembles me. When I’m working, I try to be serious and immersed, and I play pranks with people, and most of all, I try to be comfortable and have fun with each other.
6. Please leave a message to international K-drama fans!
A. Hi, I’m actress Kwon Na-ra. ‘Amhaengeosa’ (royal secret agent), where I play Hong Da-in’s role, is streaming now. As it is a comic mystery investigation series with all the fun, attractions, and rich stories, it will be a work that can bring a little bit of excitement to the viewers nowadays who have a lot of worries and concerns. Please show your love to .
III. Lee Yi Kyung
1. What is the reason why you are attracted to the script and role of ?
A: First of all, I had so much fun reading the script page by page after receiving it. I was also excited about how I would act as Chun-sam, a member of the royal secret agent team. Also, I could feel the excitement when I read the script because the message conveyed by the work called ‘encouraging good and punishing evil’ was correct.
2. Which part of the series did you find most attractive?
A: The series ‘Royal Secret Agent’ has a charm like a comprehensive gift set with romance, detective, comics, and the soda-like excitement in the struggle of solving cases. And I think the feeling of the work made by young actors is a big factor that makes it a more attractive series.
3. Please tell us in detail what was more challenging and interesting about the role you played in this series compared to the modern series.
A: For an actor, the opportunity to act in a historical series is another interesting and an honor. It’s even more that I can play the past where my ancestors have lived, but I haven’t. From the way you speak, your walk, your clothes, everything may be awkward, but I think that putting on a costume is the beginning of acting.
4. What is your favorite scene in the series and why?
A. The chemistry of the three royal secret agent team members is improving day by day, so it is hard to pick only one scene. When we three act, we are alive than the script and made somehow excessive adlibs to make the scene more interesting. If the scene contains the chemistry of three members, you can’t help but love all of the scenes.
5. You played the role of a faithful slave in the series, what were the difficulties in playing this role?
A: It was not easy to act in straw shoes during cold winter days. As a result, I have to make my feet bigger to keep them warm. I’m worried that the viewers would be uncomfortable seeing my bigger feet.
6. You can act in both serious and comical roles, which one do you prefer and why?
A: There is always the opposite desire. Someone may feel pitiful about it. From my point of view of acting, when I do comic acting, on the contrary, I develop a thirst for serious acting, and vice versa. However, on the other hand, I think it’s a good thing to broaden my acting spectrum and challenge myself without being biased towards one role.
7. You took a pretty comical role in the series. Is your usual personality funny and humorous?
A: I’m usually careful and quiet. However, when I act on a character, I try to overdo it and lead the atmosphere. When acting as a comical character, it can be expressed as starting up the engine. I want to play a character that can reflect my true self someday.
8. Fans are looking forward to the bromance between actor Kim Myung-Soo and you. Please share what you felt while acting with actor Kim Myung-soo.
A: The more I acted with actor Kim Myung-soo, the more I’m surprised. Not only does he work hard, but he is also an actor who makes the other person comfortable. He is a considerate actor and a wonderful actor who completes the scene by keeping his role accurately.
9. Is there a reason why you wanted to be an actor? Is there someone else who inspired you?
A: I didn’t grow up watching a lot of TV or movies. Watching a series called “Iris” while serving in the army makes me so happy. I started of curiosity about wouldn’t it be happier if I act in person? After entering Seoul Institute of the Arts, I began to understand acting more deeply as I entered the theater, and I am still learning by acting. I always get inspiration from my fellow actors.
10. What was the most difficult and satisfying aspect of your life as an actor?
A: I think it’s most satisfying when the viewers’ reaction is positive. However, it isn’t easy to be 100% satisfied while monitoring your acting. I could’ve been perfect with my eyes, hands, and even everything while monitoring. I’d like to make up for the next scene.
11. Have you ever felt collapsed while acting? What motivated you to continue moving forward?
A: It seems that I haven’t felt a feeling of collapse in my acting career yet. The motivation to continue is to be positive day by day and to try to make your body accustomed to the habit of working hard in everything, I think the strength to strive for working hard will be generated like inertia while acting.
12. In the series, contrary to the present, what kind of qualities do you want the servant to have if you play the master?
A: I think loyalty is the most important thing. I think it is difficult to form a deep relationship without loyalty.
13. What did you prepare for the role you played in this series?
A: In the opinion of the director, I increased 10kg, and even a little crude swaggering steps and somehow a slightly flippant tone, I took a tone and acted to show Chun-sam’s cute charm without being hated.
14. You are portrayed as a chatty character in the series. Do you think it’s similar to the actual person you are?
A: I have strong leadership when I’m with my friends, but I tend to think a lot when I talk about things because I’m a bit shy.
15. After the broadcast of on iQIYI, the number of global fans watching the drama series will seem to grow. Do you think such a part will help you further develop as an actor? What do you hope to achieve in terms of global recognition for ?
A: Although it’s a historical series, I hope that it’ll receive love from international fans as it’s a series where they can laugh together and be sad together.
16. Please leave a message to international K-drama fans!
A: Hi, I’m Lee Yi-kyung. Thank you for loving Park Chun-sam in our drama and me. As an actor, I will work hard to show you good acting and become an actor capable of repaying your love. Please continue to watch us, and please pay a lot of attention until the end of the series. I love you.
Viewers can access the series on iQiyi International’s website iQ.com or on the platform’s free mobile application that can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Fans can also take advantage of the limited time offer of 50% off on Standard and Premium VIP annual membership from February 9-14, 2021. For as low as Php499, watch your favorite shows in 1080p, dolby atmos sound on your mobile devices, ad-free.
