Why Actor Noh Jae-won is Winning Hearts as ‘Bangul’ in Netflix’s ‘Giringo’ – A Deep Dive

Translation result [Herald Muse = Kim Minji] No Jae-won, who plays Bangul in the Netflix series Girigo, says he has a deep affection for the project that introduced him to a wider audience.

No made a strong impression in Girigo as Bangul, a quietly protective presence who senses unseen malevolent forces.

After a photo shoot that captured Bangul’s dual nature, No spoke candidly about the series’ sudden popularity and his experience with the role.

Asked how it felt to see Girigo reach No. 1 on both domestic and global charts, he admitted, “I never imagined this.” He added, “When I first read the script, it felt so fresh and inventive I worried whether I could do it justice. I’m truly grateful that so many people have embraced the show.”

He also described a special connection to Bangul. “On the surface, Bangul looks lighthearted and playful,” No said, “but at heart he wants to ease other people’s anxieties and make them feel safe. His core is the desire to be a source of strength for others.”

No said he centered his performance on faith—faith in himself and the character. “I kept telling myself, ‘It’s all inside me,’” he said. “I pictured my beloved grandmother watching over me and believed I could protect someone. I acted from that belief.”

When asked what he would wish for if the show’s wish-granting app existed in real life, No replied, “I’d ask for the capacity to love wholeheartedly.” He confessed, “Loving and being loved isn’t always easy. You can be afraid of getting hurt. Lately I’ve realized how precious it is to love fully without expecting anything in return.”

His most memorable moment on set came when Bangul lifts the new sword and chants a spell. “When I said, ‘Save us, Moonjeonshin,’ I literally got chills,” No recalled. “It made me feel the real power of words.” About the rooftop scene in which he chases Minsu and kicks the door open, he laughed that “in the final take the door actually broke. Everything aligned perfectly—it was thrilling.”

He explained that the shot where a metal rod appears to pierce his body was filmed using a specially made vest and costume effects.

No worked with many younger actors on this project. “It was the first time people called me ‘senior,’ but everyone felt like friends,” he said. “I often felt I had the most to learn, so I focused on improving myself and received a lot of care and support from the juniors.”

The role that left him feeling the emptiest after filming ended was Namgyu from Squid Game. “After we wrapped, I felt like there was a hole in my chest,” he admitted. “Letting go of a character you’ve lived with and thought about for a long time creates a profound emptiness.”

By contrast, the character who stayed with him the longest was Seowan from Morning Comes to the Psychiatric Ward. He imagined that Seowan and Bangul would make a good match: “I think Bangul could help heal anxious Seowan in a healthy way.”

He smiled shyly at the passionate support from overseas fans. “It still feels like a dream,” he said. Hearing that he’s especially popular in Mexico and India, he added, “I want to visit someday. I’m studying English and Japanese more so I can travel freely and communicate.”

Meanwhile, having successfully reshaped his image with Girigo, No Jae-won is preparing for the release of Made in Korea Season 2. “Please look forward to Pyo Hak-su’s transformation,” he said. “We’ve wrapped up more storylines than in Season 1, so the plot will be even more compelling.”