The action comedy drama 'High Five,' which carries the risk associated with Yoo Ah-In's 'drug imprisonment,' is coming.
On the 12th, a production briefing for the film 'High Five' (directed by Kang Hyoung-Cheol, provided/distributed by NEW, produced by Annapurna Pictures) was held at the Lotte Cinema in Konkuk University, Seoul. MC Park Kyung-Rim hosted the event, which was attended by director Kang Hyoung-Cheol, actors Lee Jae-In, Ahn Jae-Hong, Ra Mi-Ran, Kim Hee-Won, Oh Jung-Se, and Park Jin-Young.
'High Five' is a comic action drama that depicts the story of five individuals who accidentally gain different superpowers through organ transplants and face those who seek to exploit their abilities. This new work by director Kang Hyoung-Cheol, known for his previous films 'Speed Scandal' and 'Sunny,' has attracted early attention in the film industry for its unique premise of ordinary people gaining superpowers through organ transplants.
However, it also carried the risk associated with lead actor Yoo Ah-In. Yoo Ah-In was indicted without detention for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances) after receiving propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022 and illegally obtaining sleeping pills under another person's name 44 times from 2021 to 2022. He was later released after being sentenced to one year in prison, two years of probation, a fine of 2 million won, a forfeiture of 1.548 million won, and requirements to perform 80 hours of community service and attend 40 hours of drug treatment lectures. However, the prosecution has filed an appeal, and a ruling from the Supreme Court is pending.
In this regard, director Kang noted, "It's unfortunate. It would have been better if it hadn't happened," adding, "At that time, the film was not yet complete, and I was immersed in post-production. I remembered a line I read when I was young: 'When a big problem arises, a capable leader must address it first.'" He continued, "At that time, my determination was to diligently work on finishing the film as the director and the person responsible. I focused on completing the work of the actors and did not make many changes editorially. This allowed me to present the film today."
In addition, expectations are high for the strongest team play as this lineup of talented actors including Lee Jae-In, Ahn Jae-Hong, Ra Mi-Ran, Kim Hee-Won, Oh Jung-Se, and Park Jin-Young all possess acting skills, charm, and presence.
Lee Jae-In, who plays the role of 'Wan-Seo,' remarked, "I have loved hero movies and grew up watching them. I also had a desire for action, and I am very grateful to the director for giving me the opportunity to do action for the first time. I remember even doing a footwork performance during our first meeting. I was just lucky to get to participate." He described his character, stating, "After receiving a heart transplant, I gained tremendous power and speed, allowing me to take on many aspects of the action in this work. Wan-Seo had a weak heart since childhood and lived under the protection of her father, but after gaining these abilities, she secretly meets her friends.
He did not miss the action behind the scenes either. Lee Jae-In explained, "I started with exercises to build my basic strength and practiced a lot for scenes involving taekwondo and wires. I also got to practice martial arts in combat with Young-Chun." He added, "Since it was my first time, I was concerned about the other person's safety, but they definitely helped ensure no one got hurt, allowing me to have fun getting into the character of Wan-Seo."
In response, Park Jin-Young stated, "When Jae-In was going, I worked really hard to keep up with her. I had a busy schedule before and after. However, when I heard she had gone to the mountains with the martial arts director, I couldn't keep up with her." He added with a smile, "Jae-In is really good at high kicks."
Ahn Jae-Hong, who plays the role of 'Ji-Seong,' reflected, "What attracted me most was that this work belongs to director Kang Hyoung-Cheol and that I could participate. I was so curious about what story he would show this time, and I was impressed as soon as I saw the script. I wondered how he came up with such a story with this material and development. It was a very exciting script."
Regarding his character, he said, "I am a character who can exhale and inhale superpowered wind after receiving a lung transplant. I can exhibit superhuman abilities utilizing the wind. In fact, Ji-Seong's full name is 'Park Ji-Seong.' I think I can show my oxygen tank aspect." He described the character as someone who has lived alone and has a somewhat prickly side, but "because he has a taste for superpower genres, he contributes significantly to the formation of 'High Five.'"
Ra Mi-Ran, who plays the role of 'Seon-Nyeo,' stated, "I had faith and expectations in the director, but the role was also a big part. It's a pretty role. The idea that I could become pretty using superpowers if I wasn't pretty made me think, 'This is the last opportunity in my life; when would I get to do this?'" She explained her motivation for choosing the project. She added, "Seon-Nyeo receives a kidney transplant that improves her skin, and she hears that she has become beautiful before she meets these characters. However, being unaware of her true abilities, she goes on a quest to discover them," joking, "They say my acting skills are high, but I'm not sure. I just read it as it was written."
I really wanted to work with actress Ra Mi-Ran. I described my character as a beauty reminiscent of first love, and that was true. It was my first time working on a project like this, and it was touching. The director has to do some work on set, yet somehow turns into an audience member, making it hard for him to work; I was a bad actor who just left him in a daze." Ra Mi-Ran responded, "The director praised me a lot, which made me a bit burdened," bringing smiles to the room.
The chemistry between Ahn Jae-Hong and Ra Mi-Ran, who met as colleagues after starring in 'Reply 1988,' also drew attention. Reuniting as Ms. Cheetah in 'Reply 1988,' Ahn said, "I have always dreamed of and waited to reunite with Ra Mi-Ran. Just seeing our pictures together makes it seem we fit well. I'm so happy and excited to match breaths with Mi-Ran in the same scene."
Ra Mi-Ran responded, "I completely forgot after 'Reply 1988' ended. But still, some call me 'mother.' Since I never know when I might meet an actor again in a different project, I don't feel like I'm her maternal figure; it just feels like we're peers. Plus, in this drama, I'm single and would like to be seen that way." She added, "We've been meeting so often, so it felt very comfortable. It was so fluid that it was hard to tell if we were acting or just hanging out."
Kim Hee-Won, who plays the role of 'Yaksun,' said, "The moment I saw the script, I thought, 'I'm finally becoming a superpowered individual.' That was the most attractive point for me. The script itself is remarkable. It's funny and very fresh." He explained that he plays a character with the power of universal healing, addressing allegations of being a villain: "I don't play villains these days," and clarified, "Yaksun is a faithful person. He is kind and diligent, and in my view, doesn't lack flexibility but always lives honestly."
He also talked about the atmosphere on set, saying, "Due to the heavy use of CGI, there were many times we acted in front of nothing. I was the one coordinating the gaze." Ahn Jae-Hong added, "Since our work is an action drama made up of team play, we often perceive when the ground shakes with varying intensities. This makes it look quite strange, but Hee-Won played a pivotal role in unifying that level of intensity." Kim Hee-Won then remarked, "The director praised me for being good at that part rather than acting," and director Kang added, "I got to enjoy thanks to you, senior," evoking laughter.
Oh Jung-Se, who reunited with director Kang after 'Swing Kids' and 'Tazza: The High Rollers,' remarked, "Even now, when asked what genre I want to explore next, I would say, 'A film by director Kang Hyoung-Cheol.' It seems to be a piece that retained both the atmosphere of film romance and the people involved. Therefore, I enjoyed working on it."
In response, director Kang said of Oh Jung-Se, "Honestly, it's a bit burdensome. I've never been able to write without imagining the actor. However, as I write, one character always raises their hand. One of those characters is certainly Oh Jung-Se. It's inevitable. I must meet Oh Jung-Se, who is like a destined persona."
Additionally, Oh Jung-Se described his character 'Jong-Min' as "a legendary taekwondo player who now runs a small gym and is a father solely focused on his daughter Wan-Seo. He has a lot of concern and love for her."
Park Jin-Young, who plays the role of 'Young-Chun,' stated, "Naturally, I wanted to do it because of the director, and when I heard that all the seniors here would be involved, there was no reason not to. I thought about how I could do it from the moment I heard the story, and I'm honored to participate." He joked with the director, who had returned as a villain after 'Yuba-Bi,' saying, "There's no need to be that handsome. But if you are handsome, I can't help it."
Furthermore, Park Jin-Young described his character as "a young man who has undergone a pancreas transplant. He holds a high position and is a very ambitious individual." Regarding his first villain role, he said, "You'll know once you see the movie, but there were certain characteristics I had to maintain. So, I met with the director multiple times before filming to coordinate and create the character."
Lastly, director Kang expressed, "I believe that films also have destinies, and I sincerely hope everyone enjoys our film." Park Jin-Young added, "I'm so glad it's finally being released. I want to gladly introduce it to the audience as a well-made film."
Meanwhile, 'High Five' will be available in theaters nationwide on May 30.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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