'The lonely gourmet the movie' Yutaka Matsushige performs four roles and visits the Korean film industry.

On the afternoon of the 13th, a press screening and reporter meeting for the film 'The lonely gourmet the movie' took place at CGV Yongsan I Park Mall. Yutaka Matsushige, who directed, wrote, planned, and starred in the film, attended.

'The lonely gourmet the movie' begins in Paris, France, and travels to a remote island in Japan, as well as Namhaedo and Geoje Island in Korea, before returning to Tokyo, Japan! It depicts the unintended adventures of Goro, a professional solo eater, in search of the ultimate broth.

Yutaka Matsushige said, "I am truly grateful that this work is being screened before you in Korea across the sea. I feel the film's popularity even while walking on the streets. It seems that Korean people love it more than the younger people in Japan."

An anecdote emerged about writing a letter to director Bong Joon-ho while adapting a Japanese drama into film.

In response, Yutaka Matsushige noted, "When planning this film, I hoped to create something on a grand scale that transcended the framework of Japanese cinema. I wrote a letter to director Bong Joon-ho, who had participated in the project just once, thinking that he might enjoy cooking up this work, but unfortunately, our schedules didn't align. Nevertheless, he sent a warm message expressing his hopes for the project's success."

He continued, "I thought I should direct this film myself, but I never imagined that director Bong Joon-ho's work (Mickey 17) would be released around the same time. I didn't expect that we would be conscious of each other as audiences during this situation. However, it became meaningful to take on a challenge by making this film."

What does director Yutaka Matsushige think of actor Yutaka Matsushige? He replied, "As a director, I see that actor Yutaka does fairly well. But he doesn’t perform beyond expectations. So, I can trust him without worry."

Last year, when attending the 29th Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Yutaka Matsushige shared, "I was born and raised in the northern region of Kyushu, Japan. It’s close to Busan, so the fish and seaweed caught are similar. There are dishes that Japanese people simply cannot create due to differences in food preparation. I used to think mentaiko was definitely Fukuoka cuisine, but it turns out it came from Korea," he said. "Japanese cuisine does not incorporate spiciness or peppers as its essence. That is the biggest difference with Korea. I really love spicy flavors, so Korean cuisine is something I truly admire."

In the middle of the film, Korean actor Yoo Jae-myung also appears to greet the audience. Regarding this, Yutaka Matsushige remarked, "I wanted to use Korea as a major backdrop. That was the intention of the production. However, at the script stage, it wasn't decided how to have a Korean actor participate, or in what situation. I wanted to express a situation where everything could be communicated through expressions and movements, even if they didn't understand each other's words," and added, "I watched many Korean films for casting starting three years ago. While watching Yoo Jae-myung's performance in 'Voice of Silence', I thought, 'This is the person.' I sent a passionate love call, and Yoo Jae-myung accepted. He embraced the production intent beyond my expectations and performed well. Japanese audiences also said, 'This is the peak of the film, the fun.' I am proud of his participation," he expressed great satisfaction.

Earlier, Yutaka Matsushige sparked anticipation by frequently appearing in Korean content, including MBC's entertainment show 'What Do You Do When You Are Bored?' and currently with Sung Si-kyung and on Netflix.

In response, Yutaka Matsushige said, "Coincidentally, I am currently broadcasting with Sung Si-kyung on Netflix, but I have no intention of entering the Korean entertainment industry." He continued, "Since last autumn, 'Each one's lonely gourmet' has been airing, showcasing the lives of various office workers in different situations. It’s an omnibus-style work. I do have thoughts like, 'What if this work were made into a Korean version?"

Yutaka Matsushige added, "A very familiar and enjoyable work appears, and interesting elements emerge. When it was screened in Busan, audiences would get up as the credits rolled. However, there is a real message at the end. I hope everyone watches until the very end."

Meanwhile, 'The lonely gourmet the movie' will be released on the 19th.

[Photo] Lee Dae-sun, reporter

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