'S Line' presents a world view that has become richer with a story different from the original.
On the afternoon of the 7th, a press conference and production announcement for the Wavve original drama 'S Line' took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul. Actors Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Da-hee, Arin, Lee Eun-saem, and director Ahn Ju-young attended the event to discuss the project.
'S Line', based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Kkomabi, is a fantasy thriller that reveals hidden truths and forbidden desires as the red line, known as the S Line, becomes visible among people who have established sexual relationships. Director Ahn Ju-young explained, "The main setting is that a red line appears on the heads of people who have established sexual relationships, which everyone can see. We adapted the story to an alternate world where only some can see the S Lines before everyone else does, a bit differently from the original."
He noted the importance of focusing on adaptation, saying, "When I first encountered this work and started the project, I loved the original, but I thought realistically it might be challenging to visually depict a world covered by S Lines. We discussed carrying over the world view but in a way that we could realistically portray it. So, I suggested using glasses as a medium to create a world where only some can see it. Of course, we couldn't incorporate all the original episodes because the settings are different. However, I believe what we tackle in 'S Line' fundamentally concerns human stories. I thought that the original dealt extensively with how humans change when a line appears and someone sees it. I believed that the emergence of new desires is the main theme, and we tried to depict how people change through the characters in this way, ultimately creating new characters. "
In the work, Lee Soo-hyuk plays the role of detective Ji-wook, who is tracing the truth behind a murder case. He expressed his excitement about his casting, saying, "When I got the offer, I felt I could show a different charm through a detective role, so I was very pleased while reading the script. When I met the director, I gained a sense of trust. I found the webtoon entertaining and thought that after filming hard, I could show a side of myself that I hadn't revealed before."
Director Ahn Ju-young revealed that the casting decision for Lee Soo-hyuk was based on his plausible appearance, stating, "Although he is a detective, the role had to embody aspects associated with S Lines, so I thought the audience would definitely find it difficult to accept unless he had a certain visual appeal." Lee Soo-hyuk added, "Filming overlapped with 'Queen Woo'. Since they are two different characters, I prepared a lot on my end, but I relied heavily on the director. I also had the desire to show a diverse range as an actor, which the director recognized as a potential challenge but supported, helping me do my best."
Despite her attractive appearance, Lee Da-hee plays the role of a high school teacher, Kyu-jin, who has no S Line whatsoever. Lee Da-hee shared, "Kyu-jin is warm and quirky, giving her all to her students. I thought that she should not exhibit the coldness I possess initially, so I aimed to show as much warmth from within as possible. Kyu-jin appears very warm on the outside but has an unknown inner world. I discussed with the director how to express the contrast of temperatures and emotions at those fleeting moments. I thought it would be nice if the viewers watched this together with her story, and as the episodes progress, Kyu-jin's character will gradually unfold. I hope viewers can see how her story connects to the S Line. My wish is for you to watch up to episode 6, and I hope you enjoy it."
Oh My Girl's Arin portrayed Hyun-heup, a girl who could see S Lines since birth. Arin explained, "Hyun-heup has a lot of dark and lonely qualities, so I thought about how to express those traits early on in the story. As the story progresses, she becomes a strong and resilient character, so I studied the juxtaposition of her delicate exterior and her inner strength. While I have portrayed a bright image as Arin when I was with Oh My Girl, it may feel unfamiliar, but I have worked hard to show a different side of myself. It might feel strange, but I hope you view it beautifully."
Director Ahn Ju-young mentioned casting Arin for her inner strength, saying, "While I can't fully see it, when we first met, she seemed quite shy and introverted compared to the Arin I had seen in previous broadcasts. Nevertheless, she displayed a strong will, suggesting that she could jump into anything for the character I was creating. This made me think I could work with her on anything." Arin continued, "When we were building the character together, the director suggested changing my appearance, specifically cutting my hair short, and I really liked that idea—it's a memory I have of immediately agreeing with him. I thought, when else would I get to try something like this outside of a project? Once it was done, the reaction was quite good, so I was very satisfied."
Lee Eun-saem, who plays Seon-ah, a high school girl who witnesses S Lines through a mysterious pair of glasses she accidentally acquires, stated, "Seon-ah is a character with many wounds. She experiences bullying at school and has a cool uncle, but as the story unfolds, more significant stories begin to reveal themselves. I hope viewers watch up to episode 6 to find out what kind of wounds Seon-ah carries. When she was being bullied, Seon-ah never shows a smile. She embodies sadness and loneliness. After her transformation, she smiles for the first time, and I wanted to portray that scene with great detail. Prior to this change, she held back her emotions, but after donning the glasses, I acted as someone who fully expresses their emotions."
'S Line' was officially invited to the long feature competition at the 8th Cannes International Series Festival last April before its formal release and it won a music award, marking the first time for a domestic content to do so. Director Ahn Ju-young shared, "It's obvious, but I was so happy. I was hoping for good news, but when the representative called, it felt hard to believe. And when we went to the festival, the venue was packed with locals, and afterward, we received tremendous applause. It was an unforgettable experience as a director."
Lee Soo-hyuk, who walked the pink carpet at Cannes, remarked, "I didn't imagine this at all. When we heard that we were going to Cannes, I still couldn't believe it while on the plane. After landing, I met so many officials, foreign actors, and directors, and it felt unreal. It's a place we all want to go, but I felt like I wasn't quite prepared for such a big event. After returning, my affection for the work grew, and I have an increasing desire to show it as soon as possible."
When asked if he felt burdened by the setting that S Lines were prevalent in the drama, Lee Soo-hyuk replied, "I was taken aback when I heard the title. It was provocative, and I wondered what the character settings and the story were trying to convey. I found the original very enjoyable and thought about it a lot as I watched. I somehow often end up in projects where adaptations of original works are made into dramas, and I always proceed with caution from the preparation stage. Creating a new drama based on a popular work could be a different undertaking. The character Ji-wook serves a role that goes along with the audience. The original is a simultaneous narrative, an omniverse story, whereas we created a unique existence in Hyun-heup, and Ji-wook pursues her."
He added, "It wasn't just an awkward number; it was a lot, so I eventually found myself thinking less. During filming, we attach something small to our heads for the CG work. It felt very Teletubby-like. In a serious emotional scene, I found myself looking up at times unconsciously, and there was a funny aspect to it. The more we filmed, the more I read the script and the original, I realized it was provocative material, but the point we wanted to make was how people change when private matters that they could conceal reveal themselves. There are many angles to consider, and I adapted a lot during filming."
He also discussed the key points of watching 'S Line', stating, "Even when the same situations are presented, the fields utilized can vary. It creates events with a provocative theme, showcasing the characters, but as the story progresses, it prompts viewers to consider how secrets become known, or how misdeeds that go unexposed may not be seen as wrong, and the disparity in individuals wanting to be confident regardless. These aspects are points to focus on when watching. Whether or not to view the personal realm and how that is engaged with makes a significant difference."
Finally, Lee Soo-hyuk stated, "This is a project I worked hard on as the protagonist. I'm very nervous and happy to be able to reveal it. I hope many people watch it, and I believe it's a work that offers points to ponder, so please enjoy it." Lee Da-hee added, "Fans of the original may not feel a 100% match, but I believe they will find it enjoyable in a new way. The director, who won the music award at Cannes, paid attention to each episode, so I hope you enjoy both the music and the viewing experience."
Director Ahn Ju-young stated, "There are differences from the original, but ultimately, like the original, it is a story about people. I hope viewers find it intriguing to see how much the characters in the drama can change. It might be fun to consider how these S Lines could actually manifest."
Meanwhile, 'S Line' will release two episodes on July 11 (Friday), two episodes on July 18 (Friday), and two episodes on July 25 (Friday), totaling six episodes.
[Photo] Reporter Kim Sung-rak
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