(Following Interview ②) Actress Chae Won-bin of the film "YADANG: The Snitch" expressed her feelings about making her first movie lead role following the drama "Close Betrayer."
Chae Won-bin conducted the interview on the morning of the 16th at a cafe in Palpan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. She spoke with domestic journalists about the film "YADANG: The Snitch" (directed by Hwang Byung-guk, provided/distributed by Plus M Entertainment, produced by HYBE Media Corp.) and recent updates.
"YADANG: The Snitch" is a crime action film that unfolds as broker Lee Kang-soo (Kang Ha-neul), who designs the drug distribution in South Korea, prosecutor Koo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin), who aspires to rise higher, and detective Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon), who is determined to eradicate drug crimes, become intertwined with different motives. Released nationwide today (16th), it has recorded the number one advance booking rate for five consecutive days, generating high expectations. Among them, Chae Won-bin appeared as Eom Soo-jin.
Prior to the film, Chae Won-bin, who received high praise for her performance as a father-daughter duo with actor Han Suk-kyu in the drama "Close Betrayer" (abbreviated as "C.B."), showcased a different side as she took on a female role in "YADANG: The Snitch." She said, "The makeup team sisters said, 'Soo-jin is an actress, so you have to make her look prettier,' and they made me look prettier. They styled me well. However, since the character Eom Soo-jin has a strong raw feeling, it was challenging to express that point. It was different from characters I usually portray."
Additionally, regarding working with seniors Han Suk-kyu in "C.B." and Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-joon, and Kang Ha-neul in "YADANG: The Snitch," she noted, "There were learning points at every moment. The fun of watching the seniors monitor was immense. During filming, we would take multiple takes, and every time, I learned a lot by seeing how they breathed with the same energy but in a different feeling. When I watched the finished film, I thought, 'They are indeed remarkable.' So, I think my shortcomings were more prominent, which made me want to run away. It seems I had a great experience that is not easy to come by."
In terms of timing, filming for "YADANG: The Snitch" took place from July to November 2023, followed by the release of "C.B." After receiving praise, was there no burden in showcasing past performances? Chae Won-bin confessed, "I feel burdened every time. I wonder if I can see my face well. So, it seems that my shortcomings stand out more. There are times I think that I could do better if I were to do certain scenes now."
Additionally, she expressed gratitude, stating, "I've been in touch with senior Han Suk-kyu even after "C.B." I've asked how he's doing, but I couldn't invite him because I thought he would be too busy. I mentioned to him that I filmed this project when he was doing the drama. We exchanged various stories on set. At that time, he asked what kind of character I was playing, and I told him, and he encouraged me by saying it must have been tough. He said, 'You worked hard.'"
Moreover, she opened up about her feelings after shooting "C.B." and watching "YADANG: The Snitch," saying, "I was so nervous on set that I couldn't see some things, but those parts became apparent to me belatedly. The parts I missed at that time are now clear to me."
Putting humility and regret behind, Chae Won-bin has been nominated for the Best New Actress award at the upcoming Baeksang Arts Awards for her role in "C.B.". Regarding this, she said, "It's my first time attending the Baeksang. I feel very honored. I was so happy just to be nominated. I didn't even think about winning. I couldn't imagine it at all. Since the Baeksang takes place after the (project), and right now, I'm focused on promoting "YADANG: The Snitch," I just have "YADANG" on my mind," she said with a smile.
[Photo] Provided by Plus M Entertainment.
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