Kim Young Dae, one of the stars of the tvN and Tving original drama No Gain No Love, recently opened up about his views on love and marriage in a roundtable interview.
The actor sat down with the media to commemorate the conclusion of the drama and discuss his experience playing Kim Ji-wook, as well as his personal beliefs about relationships and marriage.
No Gain No Love revolves around the unusual romance between Son Ha-young (Shin Min Ah), a woman who gets married because she doesn’t want to feel lost, and Kim Ji-wook (Kim Young Dae), a man who becomes a groom for the same reason. The story plays with the theme of “fake marriage,” with the characters entering into a relationship that, at first glance, is based on convenience rather than genuine love.
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During the interview, Kim Young Dae revealed that he had mixed feelings about the concept of a fake marriage when he first encountered the script. “When I saw the keyword ‘fake marriage,’ I had some negative thoughts,” he admitted. “I take marriage seriously, so I worried that the idea of a fake marriage might make the institution of marriage seem less meaningful.”
However, as he delved deeper into the story and its characters, he realized that the drama’s realistic depiction of personal struggles and emotional growth made the theme more relatable. “I began to understand Ha-young’s feelings because the problems they face are so realistic,” he explained. “I was curious about how they would resolve a relationship that started under false pretenses. I thought the story was smart in how it brought them together, even though it began with a lie.”
Reflecting on the progression of the plot, Kim expressed his satisfaction with how the characters’ relationship evolved. “In the second half of the series, after their breakup, the two characters really confront their true feelings, and I think the timing of ending the fake marriage worked out perfectly. It felt like a genuine and satisfying conclusion,” he said, noting that the characters had the opportunity to explore their emotions honestly and maturely.
The conversation then turned to Kim Young Dae’s own views on marriage, which he takes quite seriously. “For me, marriage is something I will only do with someone I want to spend my entire life with,” he said. “There’s still some romance left in the idea for me. I’m uncertain about when I’ll get married, and I don’t think it’s something that can just happen overnight when you meet someone you love. I believe you have to be very thoughtful and cautious because it’s a lifelong commitment.”
Kim also spoke about the romantic ideals he holds regarding married life, highlighting the bond he believes forms between two people who choose to become family, even though they aren’t related by blood. “When you date, get married, and become a family, you form a relationship that gives you a sense of stability and connection, like what you feel with your own family. It’s as if the other person becomes your ‘side,’ your life partner,” he mused. His views on marriage reflect a belief in deep emotional ties and mutual support, which align with the themes explored in the drama.
As No Gain No Love portrays a romance between a woman who doesn’t want to lose out and a man who avoids getting hurt, Kim touched on how this idea connects with his own personality. “I think I’m about fifty-fifty on that,” he said with a smile. “I’m not the type to hate suffering a loss. In my view, love sometimes involves a willingness to take losses. Whether in a relationship or in other aspects of life, I believe love means making sacrifices when necessary.”
However, Kim emphasized that this doesn’t mean enduring unnecessary pain or self-degradation. “Love isn’t about constantly seeing losses or lowering yourself while allowing someone else to get hurt. I think a healthy relationship involves both people communicating honestly and being there for each other. That’s my perspective on love and marriage,” he shared.
In No Gain No Love, Kim Young-dae’s character navigates a relationship based on a lie, but ultimately, the story reflects a deeper truth about love—one that resonates with Kim’s own values. The drama and his role allowed him to explore both the light-hearted and serious aspects of romance, while also connecting with his more personal thoughts on relationships, marriage, and what it means to build a life with someone. As Kim Young-dae continues his acting career, his reflections on love and commitment suggest that he approaches both his work and his personal life with care, depth, and sincerity.
