(Screen captured from "Talk Asia")

Gong Yoo of the tvN’s mega-hit drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” had an interview with CNN International’s “Talk Asia,” revealing his reason for acting.

Gong‘s 30-minute interview with the show’s host Anna Coren hit the small screen on Monday.

“Acting job can create a fantasy or stereotype for others. That’s why we try not to show our personal lives so much,” he said.

(Screen captured from "Talk Asia")

Gong Yoo revealed the reason why he chose to stay as an actor, despite the difficulties that come with it.

“It’s not because I want to make some decent money or earn honor, but because there are fans who love and support me, I cannot stop my acting career,” Gong Yoo said.

The actor also talked about what he misses the most about having a ‘normal’ life, not as an actor.

(CNN International)

“I want to walk around the streets freely in crowded places just like anyone else and have street food without getting attention from others,” he said. “I can’t even recall when the last time I went swimming at the beaches in Korea was.”

The 37-year-old actor had a serious conversation on the tension between South and North Koreas and mandatory military service.

(Captured from CNN's website)

Gong Yoo has been enjoying huge popularity after starring in the romance film “A Man and A Woman,” zombie blockbuster “Train to Busan,” thriller film “The Age of Shadows” and “Guardian” in 2016.

“Talk Asia” is a weekly interview show on CNN International. It is produced at CNN’s Asia-Pacific region headquarters in Hong Kong. The talk show focuses on prominent figures in the arts, politics, sports and business. Each week, a newsmaker and the show’s host have an in-depth conversation.

By Jie Ye-eun (yeeunjie@heraldcorp.com)