Why cast Lim Ji-yeon in "A Wonderful New World"? Director Han Tae-seop's steadfast trust in actress Lim Ji-yeon was revealed.
SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama A Wonderful New World director Han Tae-seop revealed his faith in and casting behind-the-scenes for the one-and-only Lim Ji-yeon.
The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama A Wonderful New World, which premieres on May 8 at 9:50 p.m., directed by Han Tae-seop / written by Kang Hyun-joo / produced by StudioS, Gil Pictures, is a romantic comedy drama like a powder keg between evil conglomerate Cha Segye, called a monster born of capitalism, and Hyejin, an unnamed actress Shin Seori possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess. Director Han Tae-seop, who directed dramas such as Stove League and Cheer Up, teamed up with new writer Kang Hyun-joo, and reliable actors Lim Ji-yeon (as Kang Dan-sim/Shin Seori) and Heo Nam-jun (as Cha Segye) are set to share their first romance chemistry, drawing intense interest.
Meanwhile, director Han Tae-seop, who directs A Wonderful New World, expressed his trust in Lim Ji-yeon, who plays Shin Seori. Director Han said, "Lim Ji-yeon was the top casting choice for me and the writer," and added, "Lim Ji-yeon's unique charm proven through various filmographies resembles Shin Seori's spirit, who steadfastly believes in and pioneers her life amid the whirlpool of harsh fate," explaining his casting reason. He added, "I think it's a 'one-and-only' casting because Lim Ji-yeon herself possesses the cute yet exhilarating and consistently lovable aspects of Shin Seori."
He continued, "We filmed a scene in the cold winter where Dan-sim in the story drinks poison and ends her life, and I became so immersed in Lim Ji-yeon's passionate performance that I forgot the cold in an instant," and added, "Watching her acting on the monitor, I felt as if my bones ached. She is an actor who provides realistic immersion and creates a character that only she can portray," he highly praised.
In particular, director Han Tae-seop expressed great satisfaction with Lim Ji-yeon's passionate performance as she takes on full-fledged comic acting for the first time in A Wonderful New World, saying, "It was a fierce expressiveness." He said, "Scenes such as Seori slapping Segye with a bouquet, her rising to become a top seller on home shopping, and the Kim Doo-han possession scene—Lim Ji-yeon's comic performances are the best. I guarantee they will cause viewers to roll with laughter," boosting expectations. He also said, "Please pay attention to the big and small moments and phrases when Shin Seori, an 18th-century Confucian woman, delivers sharp rebukes to modern people in the story. It will create moments that give thrilling satisfaction and emotion to those of us who have forgotten the values of ethics, morality, loyalty and recognition."
He said of Heo Nam-jun, who plays Cha Segye, "I cast him for his homme fatale charm, but Heo Nam-jun turned out to have comedic talent," and added, "Cha Segye, born from the exquisite blend of Heo Nam-jun's comedic talent and masculine charm, will create taut fun without being pushed back when he clashes with the strong-willed Shin Seori." He went on, "Please look forward to how Heo Nam-jun will portray the no-holds-barred romance narrative of the chaebol character Cha Segye, who ignored the value of love," foreshadowing the birth of a new rom-com king.
Director Han Tae-seop said, "I believed Heo Nam-jun's acting style was flexible and delicate, so it would achieve optimized chemistry with his co-star," and conveyed the pleasant atmosphere on set. He said, "Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, with open minds, communicated with colleagues and created pleasant fun and deep emotion. Even when they joked around on set, once the camera rolled they focused on and supported each other's acting, and as a director I was grateful to see that," raising expectations for the chemistry Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun will show.
Director Han Tae-seop also hinted at actor Jang Seung-jo's performance, raising expectations. He said, "Jang Seung-jo beautifully realized the three-dimensional character Choi Mun-do, who grounds the story with a weighty presence amid light and pleasant developments," and added, "I spent a long time talking with Jang Seung-jo, focusing on how the 'villain' is similar to and different from us. The Choi Mun-do character, created through Jang Seung-jo's passion and dedication, will feel very attractive and chilling, and at times pitiful."
Director Han Tae-seop also expressed his trust in writer Kang Hyun-joo. He said, "The thing I paid special attention to in directing was the script first and the script second," and added, "A Wonderful New World is a project launched to move and persuade many people with the deep emotions drawn from within by new writer Kang Hyun-joo and her delightful comedy. I trusted the power of the script and paid attention to conveying the script's detailed texture without leakage. I thought that was ultimately the way to realize the 'original yet universal love story' I want to depict."
Director Han Tae-seop boasted of the teamwork, saying, "For the common goal of wanting to show a good work, the A Wonderful New World team became one and filmed hotly and fiercely on cold winter days," and shared his feelings ahead of the premiere, "We are joyful and overwhelmed just at the thought of overcoming the waves with one heart and unveiling it to the world."
Finally, director Han Tae-seop pointed out the viewing points of A Wonderful New World. He said, "The clash of vivid characters and the performances of top-tier actors provide intense immersion. The delightful comedy will energize the end of a tiring day, and the unique comfort that only romance can offer will soothe viewers' hearts," suggesting that lively characters, a top-tier cast and the charms of romantic comedy will produce explosive synergy in A Wonderful New World. He added, "Look forward to the endings. If you see each episode's ending, you'll definitely want to watch the next episode," promising restaurant-quality endings and raising anticipation.
[photo] SBS A Wonderful New World
[OSEN]