'Project Y' director Lee Hwan said the film's completeness was enhanced by the real-life friendship between lead actors Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo.
On the 16th afternoon at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, an interview was held with director Lee Hwan, who directed the film "Project Y" (provided by Plus M Entertainment, Pencher Invest Co., Ltd., distributed by Plus M Entertainment, planned by WOWPOINT, Climax Studio, produced by Climax Studio, WOWPOINT | co-produced by Plus M Entertainment).
"Project Y" is a work about Miseon (Han So-hee) and Dogyung (Jeon Jong-seo), who dreamed of another tomorrow in the middle of a glamorous city and, at the edge of their lives, steal dirty money and gold bullion, setting off the events that follow.
When asked about the casting process for the actors Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, who led the work in the roles of Yoon Miseon and Lee Dogyung respectively, director Lee Hwan opened by saying, "Actually, I gave the script to those two first. The reason is that my previous two films mostly dealt with the dark side of society and stories of the vulnerable, so there were many hurdles in approaching audiences in that regard. I don't mean that the subject itself creates a hurdle, but I think it was because of the emotions and extreme situations I handle. Those things were a bit difficult."
He continued, "In fact, this film could also be a story about the dark side of society and dark characters. But since this is not an independent film this time, when I thought about how to approach it, I wanted actors who take on these roles to be persuasive and appealing when communicating with audiences. When I thought about who the best actors for that would be, Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo came to mind, so I gave them the script. Fortunately, they seemed to enjoy it, contacted us to meet, and after the meeting they immediately expressed their intention to appear."
In particular, within the work Yoon Miseon and Lee Dogyung appear as soulmates, and in reality Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo are also close friends. Director Lee Hwan, who said he proposed casting without knowing this fact, answered frankly, "I was lucky." He said, "When we gave the scenario to the two through the production company, I remember the actors' side suggested having a meeting together. I thought, 'Is that okay?' but they were close so they read the script together. They met and talked for quite a long time. I think they talked for four or five hours. The two are so close and their friendship when they talk is impressive, which made me feel more confident. I remember thinking that by leaving these things alone and only mentioning them when necessary, we could preserve their uniqueness and bring out even better things."
When asked about his thoughts on the two actors after filming, director Lee Hwan confessed, "I had only seen the two as members of the public until I met them through this work. I have also texted them, but I truly support and respect them. They work hard and are serious about the work. They think a lot about acting and do not seem to fear attempts or challenges. I am very grateful that when the two design and do things, I see them on set and if I say, 'I wish you would do this here,' they do it. Then Jeon Jong-seo comes and says, 'Isn't this fun?' Those things make me grateful not only to Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo but to all the actors."
He said, "It was the same with Park Hwayoung and Nobody Knows, but I like to run long workshops. I basically believe everything starts with intimacy. If there is intimacy, people can act freely and comfortably on set, and when you become close and talk a lot, you can try various things. If that is the foundation, trust and confidence are built. My method is to take what actors interpret and add a little to it as we co-create. This time, not only Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo but also the other actors all enjoyed and did that well, so it was fun," expressing gratitude toward the actors.
Regarding a scene he was satisfied with while filming, he pointed out, "It's the scene where Miseon and Dogyung collude to steal from Tosa-jang (Kim Sung-Cheol). Miseon is getting an IV and Dogyung rescues her, then they smoke and talk; the mood and their faces are good. I think that was when the true value of the two actors' agreement was revealed. That scene was shot mostly focusing on faces, and I think the emotions and sentiment of that moment give the power to follow these characters." He added that the interview continues in part 2.
[Photo] Plus M Entertainment
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