Actor Kim Ji-hoon is successfully making his first Hollywood debut through "Butterfly," perfectly capturing the attention of viewers both domestically and internationally.
The Amazon Prime Video series "Butterfly," based on a graphic novel of the same name, is an American original drama that has garnered significant attention as it was entirely shot in Korea. In this work, Kim Ji-hoon plays the role of a stylish and deadly killer "Gun" (hereafter referred to as Gun), leaving a unique impression.
#An American drama filmed in Korea, with Kim Ji-hoon at the center
For Kim Ji-hoon, "Butterfly" holds more significance than just a work he appears in. Being part of an American drama filmed in Korea itself was a special opportunity for him as an actor, and experiencing the American production system directly was also very appealing. He noted, "It was an honor to participate in an Amazon original filmed entirely on location in Korea," and added, "It was a valuable experience to compare the production systems of the U.S. and Korea."
#Working with producer Daniel Dae Kim! "A big brother-like figure"
Collaboration with Daniel Dae Kim, who simultaneously serves as the lead and producer, also left a deep impression on Kim Ji-hoon. He reminisced about Daniel as "a big brother-like figure who offers warmth and trust on set," saying, "I learned a lot from his character." In high-intensity action scenes, mutual trust and consideration amplified the synergy on set. Kim Ji-hoon remarked, "The day before shooting, we always met separately to match our action choreography, and since even minor mistakes in action scenes could lead to injuries, we focused very carefully," stating that through this process, he not only learned to create great scenes but also respect for his colleagues and the authenticity of the set.
#The dual charm of the "gun-less killer" Gun
The character "Gun," portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon, outwardly presents as a cold and ruthless killer, but simultaneously possesses unexpected humanity and humor. The unique setup of being an assassin who uses only a knife, along with a small detail that he enjoys fruits, makes the character more three-dimensional.
He chose the scene where he eats a fruit alone in episode 2 as the most memorable episode. He said, "When I disguised myself as a delivery person to assassinate and entered the house, there was a scene where the homeowner peels a fruit for me. It wasn't in the original script, but I suggested, 'Since Gun eats fruit very deliciously, it would be interesting to bring a fruit and eat it in his personal space.'" Kim Ji-hoon's thoughtful approach, made possible by his suggestion, enriched the 'Gun's worldview' and maximized the character's charm.
#The result of thorough preparation… action, style, and authenticity
As expected from a global stage debut, Kim Ji-hoon's preparation was meticulous. Though there weren't many English lines, he completed a natural tone through repetitive practice, and he enhanced the quality of the action scenes by training repeatedly at an action school. Kim Ji-hoon stated, "I paid attention to details like the way I tie my hair and even the costume to create Gun's style," emphasizing that he not only focused on the external appearance but also worked to capture the essential charm and distinction of the character.
Kim Ji-hoon emphasized that through this work, he wanted to show global audiences that "there are actors in Korea who can perform such amazing action." He stated, "I aimed to differentiate by incorporating Korean action, such as spectacular kicking movements," intending to convey not only stunning action but also the emotional depth and details unique to Korean actors.
#Kim Ji-hoon, who will soar like a butterfly in the future
Kim Ji-hoon defined "Butterfly" as "a witty and warm spy action family drama." He remarked that this work injects family emotions into the unique tension of a spy narrative, delivering a different depth than existing genre works. He also expressed affection for the work, stating, "Although it's an American drama, since it was filmed in Korea, it can provide an exotic and fresh perspective to viewers from both countries."
Meanwhile, shortly after its release on the 13th, "Butterfly" has consistently ranked 2nd worldwide in the Prime Video "TV SHOW" category, receiving a heated response. The portrayal of the deadly killer Gun by Kim Ji-hoon has greatly contributed as a box office factor. "Butterfly" can be viewed on the online video service (OTT) Amazon Prime Video original series and airs every Friday and Saturday at 10:40 p.m. on tvN.
[Photo] Provided by tvN, Amazon MGM Studios
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