Actor Ha Jung-woo stated that there is absolutely no external pressure in casting lead actors.
On the 16th, a video titled "We never laugh when people make us laugh," featuring Ha Jung-woo and Park Byeong-eun, was released on the YouTube channel 'Yeojeongjaehyeong'.
In the video, Ha Jung-woo and Park Byeong-eun promote 'grants' while gifting wine and other items, saying, "It's lobbying. Please take good care of us," while bombarding Jung Jae-hyung with dad jokes. When Jung Jae-hyung mentioned his absence at the end-of-year party in 2024, Ha Jung-woo explained, "I was really busy then. I shot for 25 days each month." Ha Jung-woo added, "I am charging full speed ahead on promotions. It's the first time in my life that I've promoted this much," conveying a different mindset when appearing as an actor compared to when directing.
Park Byeong-eun and Ha Jung-woo shared a commonality in being from Ansung. Ha Jung-woo said, "Our school had very strict rules, but Park Byeong-eun was New York style. He didn't quite fit in. He was a very funny and unique guy. I was impressed when I saw him acting in a play. We became close after graduating and going to auditions together." Park Byeong-eun recalled, "We met about 20 years ago on our way to an audition. Starting from 'Color Me True,' there were many occasions. Back in school, I really walked alone. I got scolded by the security guard for fishing in the school lake and even heard rumors about getting expelled."
Ha Jung-woo mentioned that he has become more perceptive since becoming a director. After 'grants,' he has more directorial works, stating, "'Grants' should serve as a foothold. 'Grants' inherits the spirit and philosophy of 'Roller Coaster.'" Park Byeong-eun, who has collaborated with Ha Jung-woo in films like 'Assassination,' 'Parallel Theory,' and 'War on Crime,' shared, "Our relationship is similar to that in college. Sometimes we tend to watch each other for a long time."
Park Byeong-eun shared his hobby of fishing, saying, "I've liked it since elementary school. We also did things like pebble fishing, and when we were young, kids liked to play by the water. Elderly people in the neighborhood were fishing there. I followed them, and when I caught something, it was fascinating. When you're young, there's excitement the day before a picnic, but I think that excitement fades with age. However, when I say I'm going fishing tomorrow, I feel excited while preparing for it." He added, "When I did 'Assassination' around age 40, things started to pick up. I spent 20 years in obscurity, and fishing was something I could do without spending much money."
Park Byeong-eun said, "In middle school, my teacher asked if I wanted to try acting, so I looked into it and started by taking the exam for Anyang Arts High School's theater and film department. I went directly to Anyang Arts High School without any lessons. I did free acting, and I got in, which surprised the teacher. In high school, I learned a lot about acting and even built stages. Those experiences helped me later when going for auditions. During 'Assassination,' I borrowed money from a friend to rent a costume from the theater association, wearing a Japanese officer's outfit, and my friend took all the photos. Even when I was taking pictures at places like an izakaya, I wasn't embarrassed because my desire was so strong."
Park Byeong-eun noted, "The stress of being obscure was not great. I thought if I worked hard, I could surely have some position as an actor, but I was not overly confident. In my late 30s, I became a bit anxious. I worried about what would happen if I didn't make it after turning 40 and also wanted to show my parents. Before 'Assassination,' I lived at my parents' house, wanting to meet their expectations. After 'Assassination,' I became independent."
Park Byeong-eun, who took lead roles in works like 'Eve' and 'This Life is My First,' reminisced about his time in 'Eve,' saying, "It felt like I was entering another project. I didn't feel overly joyful or anything. I had to take off my upper clothes for the project, so I started personal training for the first time. I couldn't get my body in shape. Even though people around me congratulated me, I felt the same about every project, big or small. I didn't feel nervous or anything like that."
Park Byeong-eun stated, "I believe that if the people around me do well, I can also do well and guide them. I felt very happy watching the people around me become famous and secure their positions." Ha Jung-woo remarked, "Whether it was during 'The Yellow Sea' or 'War on Crime,' when I met Park Byeong-eun, he had a relaxed demeanor. While I couldn't tell what was on his mind, he seemed relaxed. But looking back, Park Byeong-eun had a tremendously impactful role in 'The Yellow Sea,' and it was similar in 'War on Crime,' always leaving a lasting impression."
Ha Jung-woo emphasized, "In 'Grants,' the casting was done while working alongside Park Byeong-eun. I learned later that we were in the same project during 'The Yellow Sea' and 'War on Crime.' People often think that lead actors have influence, but that's absolutely not true. The casting is the director’s sole authority; I cannot invade or comment on it."
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