The film "Project Y" is raising expectations with its casting combination alone.
On the 23rd, the film "Project Y" (director Lee Hwan, provided by Plus M Entertainment·Fenturingvest, distributed by Plus M Entertainment, planned by Wowpoint (WOWPOINT)·Climax Studio, produced by Climax Studio·Wowpoint (WOWPOINT), co-produced by Plus M Entertainment) revealed the behind-the-scenes casting stories of the actors.
"Project Y" is a work that depicts the story of Mi-seon and Do-gyeong, who dreamed of an ordinary life in the middle of a glamorous city and, at the edge of their lives, steal black money and gold bullion. The film raises expectations with the perfect chemistry of Han Sohee and Jeon Jong-seo, the intense energy of trusted actors Kim Shin-rock, Jeong Young-joo and Kim Sung-Cheol, and the fresh vitality that Lee Jae Kyoon and YooA will bring.
Among them, Han Sohee, who plays Mi-seon, who dreams of an ordinary life and risks danger, said she chose the film because "when I first read the script, I felt both doubt like 'Can I do this?' and in some ways 'I can really do this well.' Above all, I thought it was a character I could play with the boldness of youth now, so I decided to take on the challenge with actor Jeon Jong-seo" as her reason for participating.
Jeon Jong-seo, who plays Do-gyeong, who makes a dangerous choice at the edge of a cliff, added expectation for the sparkling chemistry to be shown in "Project Y," saying, "I decided to appear immediately because I know it's not easy to film with peers. Just having actor Han Sohee, a friend and colleague, on set was a source of strength."
Director Lee Hwan, who proposed the casting to the two actors, said that while writing the script he envisioned Han Sohee and Jeon Jong-seo and explained the reason for casting: "I thought that if the two actors portrayed the characters, the characters would convince the audience and come across more appealingly."
Regarding the casting of Kim Shin-rock, who delivered a frenzied performance as Ga-young, who seizes the one chance that comes, director Lee Hwan said, "I was so impressed by Kim Shin-rock's performance in 'Sweet Home.' I wanted Ga-young to have her own sense while instinctively showing desire, and Kim Shin-rock came to mind," raising expectations for the intensity Kim Shin-rock will portray as Ga-young in the film. Kim Shin-rock said she joined the project because "I thought I could play fun character interactions with various actors, including the two bold and iconic actors. I jumped in with the mindset of taking on a challenging work," further heightening anticipation for her role in the film.
Jeong Young-joo, who delivered a charismatic transformation as Hwang-soo, who mercilessly deals with everything, was an actor Lee Hwan had earmarked for the Hwang-soo role early on. After seeing a photo of Jeong Young-joo when she had shaved her head in the past, director Lee Hwan thought she was the character of Hwang-soo itself and sent a casting love call. Responding to the casting request, Jeong Young-joo said, "I found the script fun to read. It has a sense of speed, and I thought it would be great if it came together brilliantly, and after hearing about the casting of the other actors there was no reason not to do it," stimulating curiosity about the perfect sync with the character.
Lee Jae Kyoon, who joined the project as Seok-gu through a bond built while working with director Lee Hwan on a previous work, completed Seok-gu, who moves instinctively following desire, in his own style with a performance beyond expectations, earning high praise from director Lee Hwan. YooA, who plays Ha-kyung, was cast after director Lee Hwan discovered potential to bring out a new side of her from her activities with Oh My Girl, stimulating YooA's spirit of challenge. Regarding the casting of Kim Sung-Cheol, who is overwhelming by his presence alone as boss To, he said, "Kim Sung-Cheol from 'Sweet Home' season 1 left an impression. I wondered what it would be like to take that image into an everyday space and push it to the extreme," a behind-the-scenes remark that amplifies curiosity about boss To.
Director Lee Hwan, who completed such a splendid casting lineup, asked audiences to look forward to the actors' passionate performances, saying, "You will be able to enjoy the clash between characters that bring out the unique flavors and styles the actors possess. It's a lively, fast-paced film, so I hope you enjoy it energetically."
"Project Y" opens in theaters on Jan. 21, 2026. <
[photo] Provided by Plus M Entertainment.
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