Directors Lim Dae-woong and Park Hyung-won, along with writer Kwak Young-im, revealed their unique affection for the work in cooperation for 'Cheongdam International High School 2'.
The new drama 'Cheongdam International High School 2' (directed by Lim Dae-woong and Park Hyung-won, written by Kwak Young-im), which is set to premiere on domestic OTT platforms on July 3, is a high-teen psychological thriller drama that incorporates a youth romance into the power games unfolding at the elite Cheongdam International High School.
Today (30th), just three days before its premiere, directors Lim Dae-woong and Park Hyung-won along with writer Kwak Young-im shared the A to Z of 'Cheongdam International High School 2'.
First, writer Kwak Young-im noted, "It was a very meaningful and important challenge for me as a writer to make characters that already have vitality more attractive and alive," expressing a distinct sense of responsibility. She added, "In addition to showing viewers an entertaining season 2, I wanted to share a long concern about 'conforming to or overcoming fate.'"
Writer Kwak said that the character sync rate of all actors is 100%, praising, "It wasn't the story that moved the characters, but rather the characters and actors who carried the story," while choosing 'Cha Jin-wook' as her favorite character. She added that there were many considerations regarding Jin-wook's character, which had to harmonize with the existing characters, but her concerns disappeared with the appearance of actor Kim Min-kyu, raising expectations for the new character Cha Jin-wook's performance in season 2.
Meanwhile, director Lim Dae-woong mentioned regarding the directing approach, "I focused on delicately capturing the emotional texture of each character," and conveyed, "I designed it so that viewers can empathize with the various perspectives of the characters." He further stated that he concentrated on the dramatic density created by the collisions of individual desires, wounds, and choices, as well as the cracks in relationships that gradually crumble within that context.
In addition, director Park Hyung-won showcased the passionate filming atmosphere and his unwavering trust in the actors. He remarked that actors Lee Eun-saem and Kim Ye-rim, who had worked together in season 1, had a deep understanding of each other. He also noted that actors Lee Jong-hyeok, Park Si-woo, Jang Deok-su, and Jang Seong-yun heightened the focus on set with deeper emotional expressions. Furthermore, new joiners Kim Min-kyu and Won Kyu-bin added vitality by immersing themselves in their respective characters, while the intense energy of actors Ryu Tae-ho, Lee Do-yeob, Oh Ji-ho, and Ha Yeon-joo maximized the tension on set, further enriching the ensemble.
Additionally, director Park cited 'power', 'choice', and 'trust' as keywords for the work, explaining, "The key keyword 'power' penetrates the small society of Cheongdukgo; 'choice', a strategy for survival that goes beyond mere emotions; and 'trust', the only safety net to prevent disaster and at the same time the starting point for the most fatal betrayals, will drive the main narrative of season 2," thereby increasing anticipation for the work.
Finally, writer Kwak Young-im expressed, "I hope 'Cheongdam International High School 2' will be remembered as a work that reflects the characters' thoughts." Director Lim Dae-woong commented, "I hope it will be remembered as a beautiful work that confronts the essence of true emotions, capturing not only wounds and pain but also love and growth," while also encouraging viewers to watch with a request for much interest and love.
'Cheongdam International High School 2' will be concurrently released on July 3 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. on platforms including Netflix, Wavve, and Tving. Moreover, episodes 1 and 2 will be broadcast together on the comprehensive channel MBN at 12:10 a.m. on July 4 (Friday).
[Photo] Provided by Why Not Media, Lian Contents
[OSEN]