The 'Kedehun,' which swept global awards and popularity, shared its reflections in Korea.
On the 1st at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, a press conference was held to commemorate Netflix's 'K-pop Demon Hunters' Academy award. The event was attended by director Maggie Kang, director Chris Appelhans, Lee Jae, and IDO (Iyoo, Kwak Jung-gyu, Nam Hee-dong).
The original soundtrack 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters' won the best original song at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards and won 'Best Song Written for Visual Media' at the 68th Grammy Awards, achieving the historic milestone of being the first K-pop winning work. In addition, on the 98th Academy Awards (commonly called the Oscars) held in Los Angeles last month, it won best original song, writing an unprecedented record in K-pop history.
Interest in season 2 has risen due to the enormous attention and popularity. Especially recently, news broke confirming production of season 2, and on that day director Maggie Kang said with a smile about the season 2 confirmation news for 'Kedehun,' "I don't think I can reveal it." She explained, "I just want to keep that a secret. With no spoilers at all." She continued, "Honestly, we have a big idea right now. I don't know the details yet. But like the first film, Chris and I will make the movie we want to see. Expect it. It will be bigger than the first and have more events," asking audiences to look forward to it.
Director Maggie Kang, who earlier said she wanted to include genres like heavy metal and trot in season 2, explained, "My view hasn't changed, but the story hasn't been decided. Trot is a unique style of Korea. I want to introduce it more to the world. Heavy metal is also part of K-pop's base, so I want to show it."
Personal affection for the 'Koreanness' that shares the roots of 'Kedehun' was also evident. Maggie Kang said, "The reason I wanted to make this movie is because of the films I watched as a child, like 'Mulan.' I saw Chinese and Japanese culture and animation through those. I felt we didn't have that kind of film for Korean culture. So I wanted to give that kind of film to Korea. I needed it, but I felt all Korean people needed it. We make and watch a lot of animation and like it. I felt we didn't have our own project, so I wanted to make one."
She continued, "And one thing I thought was that there are misunderstandings about people we call overseas Koreans. There are many cases of people born in Korea, but commonly overseas Koreans seemed to think, 'I'm not fully Korean.' Especially in the entertainment industry, they've entered the true global market, and as people like me and Mr. Lee Jae who belong to both cultures, I thought we could serve as a real bridge between them. So I wanted to speak for all people like me and Mr. Lee Jae. Even if we weren't born and raised in Korea, we're part of Korean culture, and having a different upbringing doesn't diminish being 'Korean,'" she said sincerely.
Director Chris Appelhans also spoke about season 2. When asked in 'season 2' whether 'Jin-woo can be saved,' he wittily replied, "Jin-woo is of course alive. In our hearts. Beyond that, I don't think I can say more," and said, "Our relationship with the film and the fans seems special. Fans discovered the film and brought it to the world to introduce it. So to me, fans feel like family. So even while working on season 2, the source of inspiration is the heart with which we started the film. That doesn't mean we'll repeat what we did at first, but we want to surprise fans, break rules, and expand limits. But underneath it is that 'Koreanness' is the soul. That's why we want to base it on that, whether it's the story or the mythic parts in the story, because 'Koreanness' is the soul," he explained.
He added, "Netflix has given full support and is enthusiastic about the next project. As directors, we have great responsibility in executing the given budget. We think about that when writing, designing characters, and developing them. Whatever is given to me, I plan to provide as much spectacle as possible. But the most important thing is the story itself and the soul within it. Only when that foundation is solid can you add spectacle," previewing an upgraded season 2.
Chris Appelhans also spoke about what he thinks 'Koreanness' is. He said, "I've lived as part of my wife's family for 20 years. Living together I think I've come to know Koreanness. But that process wasn't study or observation; I think it was living as part of it. Watching how affection is expressed and how pain is endured was astonishing. And more than half of my life has been with Korean expressions, so I think I learned Koreanness through my wife's ways," and added, "And I think 'Koreanness' comes from the people sitting beside me. Looking at Rumi's story, she endures pain and through that gains strength. What I felt was that Koreans have been through a lot, but they take pride and strength from gaining resilience. I'm proud that can be shown through Rumi," expressing his convictions.
Lee Jae shared behind-the-scenes stories about the Academy celebration stage, which was full of Korean colors. He began, "I cried a lot during rehearsal," and said, "Singing together. Especially the two people didn't know Korean culture well. This was finally on a big stage, in America. Being able to be with our nation's gugak and pansori was a moment to be very proud as a Korean. It was truly satisfying and moving. We were hidden backstage and came up after the pansori ended, and then I gained confidence. It was wonderful," he said.
When asked about the audience reaction, he exclaimed, "I purposely didn't look. I was afraid my voice would shake, so I didn't look and watched afterward. It's so amazing. To have Leonardo DiCaprio hear my live performance in my lifetime. It's so amazing. I felt this is the power of K. Emma Stone really liked it," he marveled.
Especially as the singer of 'Golden' and a co-lyricist and composer, when asked about the settlement payment, he joked, "For now, I don't know yet. It will take some time. But for now, I'm just happy the song did well. And I look forward to the settlement. I'll buy my mom a gift. I'm getting married too," he said with a tease that drew laughter.
IDO spoke about their feelings regarding the 'award acceptance interruption' incident that unfolded at the Oscars. At the time, when 'Golden' won the award, the composers went on stage, and after Lee Jae spoke first, composer Lee Yoo-han tried to give his remarks but a signal sound played and his remarks were cut off, sparking controversy over 'racial discrimination.' Regarding this, Lee Yoo-han said, "At that time I wanted to say everyone did well and congratulations to all the families, The Black Label, Teddy P.D., and our members. It was a short speech, and although I regret not being able to say more, it was an honorable moment and I enjoyed it," he revealed.
Nam Hee-dong, asked about remarks he couldn't say, said, "Actually I agree with Yuhan. It was something we discussed together. There wasn't anything left unsaid, but as someone watching from the back, I just enjoyed it. Including the unexpected events, from watching to going up on stage and seeing many actors, the moment itself was fun and an honor," he said.
Hearing this, director Maggie Kang reported, "As far as I know, among the three they decided who would speak by rock-paper-scissors," and Kwak Jung-gyu laughed, "We decide everything by rock-paper-scissors. Totally Korean style." Lee Yoo-han said, "I won the Oscar and I also won the Golden Globe, so I went up," making people laugh. Afterwards the three actually played rock-paper-scissors over the Oscar trophy. When Kwak Jung-gyu won, the two corrected themselves, saying, "We'll put it in our shared studio," drawing laughter.
Finally, director Chris Appelhans said, "To make a film like this you need 600 to 700 people. In that process there were Koreans, and people who, even if not Korean, fell in love with Korean culture. Above all, without you, we could never have come to this place," expressing gratitude to the fans.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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