Will the Netflix's most anticipated work of this year, 'I'm Really a Big Fan,' starring IU and Park Bo-gum, captivate the world?
On the morning of the 5th, a production presentation for the Netflix original series 'I'm Really a Big Fan' took place on the 3rd floor of the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included director Kim Won-seok and main actors IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon.
'I'm Really a Big Fan' unfolds the adventurous life of the 'feisty rebel' Ae-soon, born in the 1960s in Jeju (played by IU), and the 'odd idiot' Kwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) through the four seasons. The series has garnered excitement as it features writer Im Sang-chun, known for her relatable stories that resonated with viewers in 'When the Camellia Blooms' and 'Fight for My Way,' along with director Kim Won-seok, who provided empathy, comfort, and encouragement through works like 'The Man from Nowhere,' 'Signal,' and 'Misaeng.' It is reported that approximately 600 billion won was invested in production. Additionally, the ensemble cast of star actors IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon is expected to convey deep emotions across generations.
IU plays the teenage and 20-something Ae-soon, while Moon So-ri takes over the role as an adult. An interesting aspect is that IU also portrays the daughter born to Moon So-ri, showcasing her ability to play two roles. Kwan-sik's childhood is played by Park Bo-gum, while Park Hae-joon portrays the middle-aged version.
'I'm Really a Big Fan' means 'thank you very much' in Jeju dialect. Director Kim Won-seok noted, "This is a tribute to grandparents and parents, and it is designed to serve as an anthem of support for the younger generation. The invisible walls between generations and genders are growing higher these days. I hope this can help break them down a little."
Earlier, Netflix did not hold a preview screening, and there was strict confidentiality about the drama's content, leading to speculation that it might address the 'Jeju 4.3 Incident.'
In response, director Kim Won-seok said, "To make a long story short, the 4.3 Incident does not appear. We start exactly in the 1960s, right after the 4.3 period ends. Of course, the characters will live their lives with the 4.3 Incident in their hearts. However, it will not be directly expressed. Nonetheless, many people from various backgrounds lived together in Jeju at that time. This setting seems to be a more fitting expression."
IU recalled, "This is my second project with director Kim Won-seok since 'The Man from Nowhere,' and I'm such a fan of writer Im Sang-chun that as soon as I received the offer, I wanted to do it immediately. I was eager to participate even before reading it. After reading, I could hardly contain my excitement to do it and expressed my desire to join within a day."
Park Bo-gum also said, "I shot this project after finishing my military service. I really like director Kim Won-seok's meticulous filming style, and I wanted to work with him. The seasons depicted through Ae-soon and Kwan-sik's adventures were beautiful and stayed with me. I thought in the future, when I watch it with my family, I would be glad that I participated. I believe fans will also enjoy it, so I chose to take part."
Moon So-ri said, "I have always liked director Kim Won-seok, and I really loved writer Im Sang-chun's 'When the Camellia Blooms,' so I was thrilled when the script was given to me. I jumped for joy at the opportunity. When I turned the first page of the script, I cried every time I turned a page. It reminded me a lot of my parents. In terms of the amount of tears I cried just reading the script, this is the most I've cried since my debut. I felt that I had to do it if I cried that much."
She continued, "At that time, when I asked, 'Who will play young Ae-soon?' and heard that IU was doing it, I thought, 'This could be a bit difficult.' I wanted to do it so badly but wondered if it was possible to be paired with IU as my younger self. (Laughs) I felt hesitant and nervous about how to handle it, but I thought that the staff would help me, connect us, and that I needed to try my best to participate."
MC Park Kyung-rim said, "It was clear that this was a game changer, which is why Moon So-ri was cast, and Moon So-ri humorously responded, "I am grateful for your words."
Moon So-ri, who played the same character as IU, said, "When I saw IU, I noticed a small mole on her face. It is tiny and not noticeable, but to me, it felt like a sign. During makeup, I always asked to have it marked in the same spot. When that mark was made, I thought, 'From now on, I am Ae-soon.' I felt that IU had grown up to become Ae-soon. It became a marker for me, like a sign to get into character. The actions and way of speaking mentioned in the script were beautifully written by the writer, and I tried to connect those elements together."
IU expressed her gratitude, saying, "I was allowed to keep my mole, so I could erase it, but my senior took care to include it. It was suggested that I maintain my natural mole as part of my character, which opened up a space for us to find common ground in our conversations. I visited her home, and her studio, where we also shared various interesting stories about the overall work. As I got closer to her, we found our commonalities and naturally became intertwined."
Having formally worked with Park Bo-gum, IU said, "We were friends of the same age and had known each other since our teenage years. This was the first time we officially collaborated on a project. Strangely, from the very first shoot, I felt completely comfortable and not nervous at all. It felt like I was connected to Ae-soon and Kwan-sik, who have maintained their relationship since childhood. It's rare to feel this way with a partner—I could comfortably share ideas like, 'Is this version better? What if we tried it this way?' He was truly a great partner."
Park Bo-gum said, "I was also a bit sentimental. We first met as teenagers on an advertising set, and we had a brief encounter through a special appearance in the drama 'Producer.' Later, we officially worked together in our 30s, and as we age, it becomes rare to perform officially, and it's not easy to meet a friend of the same age. Through this working process, I was able to express the colorful and rollercoaster-like emotions of Ae-soon in a heartfelt and fierce manner, which helped me deeply immerse myself in Kwan-sik."
He added, "I had so much fun working with IU and became closer during promotional activities. I think it would be fun to meet again as different characters in the future."
Lastly, director Kim Won-seok said, "Everyone has poured their heart and effort into this project. Please take the time to watch until the end credits. There is a generous gift from the writer in those credits. I hope you'll enjoy watching from the opening to the ending credits slowly." Park Bo-gum said, "Life has moments of laughter and tears. I hope a warm spring comes into your heart. I hope the season arrives when beautiful flowers can bloom." IU said, "It's been a long time in production, and the content remained under wraps until just before the release. Many people are curious. I apologize for keeping it all secret. It will be released in two days. I believe this will be a series where we can continue to share stories. I thank all the many people who have patiently waited. The English title of our drama means 'life gives you sour oranges, but we make sweet orange tea to warm your heart.' I hope you can take time to look at life calmly while enjoying a cup of our warm orange tea."
'I'm Really a Big Fan' will premiere on Netflix on March 7, and it consists of 16 episodes that will be released weekly on Fridays over four weeks, meeting viewers worldwide.
[Photo] Ji Hyung-jun, Reporter
[OSEN]