(Following Interview①) Director Hwang Byung-guk of the movie 'Yadang' expressed his thoughts on the '300,000 won attorney' in the film 'Unjust,' which has attracted attention as an actor.
Director Hwang Byung-guk of 'Yadang' conducted an interview on the morning of the 8th at a cafe in Seocho-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He spoke with domestic reporters about the upcoming film 'Yadang' (directed by Hwang Byung-guk, provided/distributed by Plus M Entertainment, produced by HYBE Media Corp.).
'Yadang' is a crime action film that unfolds as a broker, Yadang (Kang Ha-neul), designs the drug scene in South Korea, an investigator (Yoo Hae-jin) aiming for a higher position, and a detective (Park Hae-jun) who stakes everything on eradicating drug crimes, each with different objectives. Director Hwang Byung-guk, who has played supporting roles in various works such as 'Inside Men' and 'Seoul's Spring,' will unveil a new work after 14 years with 'Yadang' following 'Special Investigation Team.'
Director Hwang Byung-guk reflected on his long hiatus, saying, "I came out of the shadows after 12 years. I have been preparing films for 14 years, but as three projects fell through, 10 years passed. During that time, I was fortunate to engage in acting activities, but I was continuously preparing for films. It was a period where I felt the preciousness of film direction even more."
As for the next project, the wait was long for the director, but as an actor, Hwang Byung-guk was busier than anyone else. He had special appearances and supporting roles in many successful films, including 'Seoul's Spring,' 'Hitman,' 'Money,' 'VIP,' 'Battleship Island,' 'Asura,' 'Tunnel,' 'The Outlaws,' 'Inside Men,' and 'Veteran.'
Above all, as short videos were spreading through social media, scenes from the past where Director Hwang Byung-guk played a public defender in the film 'Unjust' became associated with the term '300,000 won attorney,' leading to numerous parodies.
Regarding his rare challenge as a director again, Hwang Byung-guk said, "I was offered 'Yadang' first and also appeared in 'Seoul's Spring.' 'Seoul's Spring' was also something I was formally offered by the casting director. However, I'm a director, I studied film, and I have been continuously preparing my works as a director," he laughed.
He humbly stated, "So, I never even thought about appearing in 'Yadang.' Of course, there are many people who do both acting and directing, and I think those people are smart. Moreover, I have not directed for 14 years. It seems that doing both simultaneously is not something I am capable of, so I couldn't do it."
So how did he view the attention the '300,000 won attorney' garnered? Director Hwang Byung-guk smiled, saying, "It was both interesting and fun," and added, "I did wonder if my way of speaking was that strange." He continued, "I said it comfortably, but I found it curious and funny that it might have sounded so enjoyable to others," while laughing.
He then noted, "As an actor, I will consider casting proposals that come in," suggesting that he will continue to bridge his roles as an actor and director. He also mentioned the new Disney+ original series 'Polaris,' which has generated anticipation due to the meeting of actors Jeon Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, stating, "Recently, I appeared in 'Polaris'," thus heightening curiosity.
'Yadang' will premiere in theaters nationwide on the 16th.
[Photo] Provided by Plus M Entertainment.
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