Ryu Jun Yeol on Joining Galaxy Corporation: 'Not About Money; I Want to Make Films'

Actor Ryu Jun Yeol has opened up about his decision to join Galaxy Corporation. Dismissing rumors of a "massive contract fee transfer," he explained that the move was driven by his interest in Korean cinema and a desire for support in expanding his career into film importing and production.

On the morning of the 1st, during an interview regarding the Netflix series "Mousetrap" held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Ryu revealed the reasons behind choosing Galaxy Corporation as his new agency.

Starting with a joke that he chose them "to keep up with the AI era," Ryu said, "I've been attending film festivals lately. As I do more work involving Korean films and come to love them, I've developed an interest in film importing and production."

He further explained that he has been visiting theaters more diligently since last year, noting, "There are more movies I want to see, and I've started wanting to see different kinds of films than the ones I used to watch," indicating that he is actively exploring new works through film festivals.

Ryu's interest extends beyond merely watching films. He revealed that while attending film festivals, he participated in business meetings and even experienced the process of importing films with partners. He added, "I am also interested in production," stating that he has been contemplating the foundation needed to create the works he personally wants to see. Ultimately, he explained that he connected with Galaxy Corporation because they possess the infrastructure necessary to support his goal of challenging new fields like film importing and production.

In particular, Ryu clarified that rumors claiming he "transferred to Galaxy Corporation after receiving a massive contract fee" are "unrelated." He remarked, "There are parts of film production that are difficult to do alone," adding, "I believe I can receive a lot of help since Galaxy has such infrastructure established." He also noted that he expects the necessary support to expand his activities into new content areas, such as YouTube.

Ryu's transfer was made official last July. At the time, Galaxy Corporation announced it had signed an exclusive contract with him, stating they would support his overall activities to ensure his acting skills and artistic capabilities shine on the global stage. The company's roster includes singer G-Dragon, Kim Jong Kook, SHINee's Lee Tae-min, and actor Song Kang-ho.

The nature of Galaxy Corporation, which has expanded its business into entertainment and content production beyond traditional talent management, aligns with Ryu's vision. As he moves beyond the role of an actor who simply selects and performs in works to someone interested in film planning, importing, and production, attention is focused on the creative results this partnership will yield.

Ryu has already followed a distinct growth path as an actor. After making a name for himself with the 2015 film "Socialphobia," he secured public recognition through the tvN drama "Reply 1988." Since then, he has established himself as a versatile actor by appearing in works ranging from commercial hits to artistic projects, such as "The King," "A Taxi Driver," "Believer," "Money," and "The Night Owl."

Because Ryu has consistently expanded his filmography by moving between independent and commercial films rather than relying solely on stardom, his recent interest in production is seen as a natural evolution rather than a sudden shift. It is viewed as an attempt to transition from an actor who selects works to a creator who directly discovers and produces them.

The project he presented first under his new agency is also significant in terms of this professional expansion. The Netflix series "Mousetrap," released on August 28, is a mystery thriller that modernizes the traditional Korean folktale "The Field Mouse That Ate a Fingernail." It follows novelist Mun-jae, whose life is stolen by a mysterious entity, a loan shark named No-ja seeking lost money, and a detective named Sun-yong as they track down the unidentified presence.

In "Mousetrap," Ryu took on a dual role for the first time since his debut. Because he had to portray both Mun-jae and the mysterious entity sharing his face, the role required meticulous acting to differentiate the two characters through subtle changes in gaze, voice, expression, and physical detail. He noted that the most memorable part of the process was the intense schedule, sometimes requiring up to four makeup changes a day.

"Mousetrap" showed immediate presence in the global market. According to the global OTT ranking site FlixPatrol, the series reached No. 8 in the Netflix TV shows category worldwide on August 30, just three days after its release. As Ryu's first project with his new agency, it serves as a testament to both his current talent and his future potential for expansion.

Ryu also worked alongside Sul Kyung Gu in "Mousetrap." While the two had previously been with the same agency, this marked their first time working together on a project. Ryu expressed his respect for the veteran, noting that he learned a great deal from him both as an actor and as a person, and that he was able to meet his senior with a broader perspective than in the past.

His plans for film production are also taking shape. Ryu revealed that he is actively writing and participating in meetings. While he is not currently looking to direct, he explained that he is interested in a production model where he can gather great staff and actors to create the specific types of films he wishes to see based on strong planning and ideas.

This move is significant as it suggests an actor's career is not just a collection of credits and box office numbers, but a process of expanding one's perspective on content. As more actors expand into production and planning amid the growth of OTT platforms and changing distribution structures, interest is mounting to see how Ryu's journey will shape the future of Korean cinema.

Rather than focusing on external interpretations regarding his contract, Ryu is focused on what he wants to create. For an actor who has already built a substantial career, this move to Galaxy Corporation represents more than a simple management change; it marks his transition from a consumer of film to a producer of content.

Having successfully tackled the challenges of "Mousetrap," the next chapter for Ryu Jun Yeol will be how he expands his name into the realms of film import and production.