The beginning of the Asian eating show craze is revealed by Matsushige Yutaka, the lead actor and director of the first film 'The Lonely Gourmet: The Movie.'
At the press conference for the film 'The Lonely Gourmet: The Movie,' held on the afternoon of the 13th at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, director Matsushige Yutaka, known as 'Goro,' noted, "I felt that the Korean people loved the work as I traveled around Korea," and added, "Honestly, I think the young people in Korea love this work more than those in Japan."
One of the first things that catches the attention of Korean audiences in 'The Lonely Gourmet: The Movie' is actor Yoo Jae-myung. As the film boasts high popularity among Korean audiences, the grants of Korean actors and the appearance of Korean cuisine have always sparked discussions. In this project, which turns the series into a film for the first time, Yoo Jae-myung appears as a Korean immigration officer who helps Goro, stranded on an island in Korea, return to Japan. In particular, he is expected to elicit laughter by showcasing an act of experiencing extreme hunger after watching Goro eat Hwangtae Haejangguk right in front of him.
Director Matsushige Yutaka was captivated by Yoo Jae-myung while watching the film 'Silent Voice' (2020) and immediately proposed casting him to the production team. At that time, Yoo Jae-myung was busy with the drama 'Itaewon Class' (2020), but he gladly accepted the call from director Matsushige Yutaka.
Director Matsushige Yutaka explained, "I wanted to use Korea as a significant background for this work. I also pondered over what kind of situations to use the Korean background in and whether to use Korean actors." He added, "I have been watching a lot of Korean films for about three years, and among them, after watching 'Silent Voice,' I thought of 'this actor.' I believed he would grasp our piece well and perform, which is why I cast him." He noted, "Japanese audiences also really like the scenes featuring Yoo Jae-myung."
The director's love for Korea does not stop here. He initially wanted to have director Bong Joon-ho, with whom he connected through the 2008 omnibus film 'Tokyo!,' direct this project. The director stated, "When planning the film, I had a desire to create it on a larger scale, so I wanted to ask director Bong Joon-ho, with whom I've worked together, to direct it and sent him a letter." He mentioned, "Unfortunately, due to his schedule, director Bong was unable to join, but he offered warm words wishing for the film's success. So I thought I had to direct this film myself, which led me to take on the directing role."
He continued, "I never thought that my film would be released at the same time as director Bong Joon-ho's work 'Mickey 17.' It was surprising. I got a good opportunity to create this film in the sense of challenge." He also met Korean viewers alongside Sung Si-kyung with the Netflix culinary variety show 'Crazy Delicious,' which was released on the 27th of last month.
The director said, "While I am coincidentally doing entertainment with Sung Si-kyung through Netflix, I do not have the ambition to enter the Korean entertainment industry." He added, "I also aired an omnibus version of 'The Lonely Gourmet,' titled 'Each One's Lonely Gourmet,' on Netflix. I, on one hand, would like to create a Korean version as well."
Finally, director Matsushige Yutaka remarked, "Korea is a nearby country, and to overcome adversities, Japan and Korea should cooperate as a community of destiny. I believe my remaining mission is to play a role in continuing that connection. If there is something I can do, I would like to contribute sincerely."