(continuing from interview ①) Actor Ryu Seung-ryong praised actress Kim Si-ah, who played his daughter in "Bikwang."
On the afternoon of the 25th, at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, an interview was held with lead actor Ryu Seung-ryong of the film "Bikwang" (director/writer: Lee Ji-won; provided by: Geo Content Co., Ltd., Playgram; distributed by: Playgram, Geo Content Co., Ltd.; produced by: Ace Factory Co., Ltd., Geo Film Co., Ltd.).
"Bikwang," set to open on the 2nd of next month, is a gripping family saga in which top-star couple Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Jiwon) experience a breakup after Jung-gu's suddenly appearing daughter Dong-ju (played by Kim Si-ah) leads to their separation, and eight years later Jung-gu risks everything to uncover the truth to save Dong-ju, who becomes embroiled in a shocking incident.
In the film, Ryu Seung-ryong plays Jung-gu, a father who fights to the end to protect his daughter. Jung-gu was a successful baseball player who separated from his wife Nam-mi because of the sudden appearance of their daughter Dong-ju. Known offscreen as a master of "dad jokes," Ryu Seung-ryong said when asked about the atmosphere on set, "I can't stand awkward atmospheres. But this is a serious work, so throughout the shoot I tried to maintain that emotional density and temperature even off camera through conditions and environment and my own approach. And when promoting it, you shouldn't be too serious, so I'm keeping it fun."
He continued, "When I started in the media, Ha Jiwon was already a senior. I thought she was truly a pro. Look at her body even now. She said she's been drinking lemon water as part of her diet for more than 10 years. Her exercise and stretching routines, when she starts something she keeps at it for more than 10 years. She stretches for a very long time. She does this and stays for 10 minutes. She seems like an amazing person. It didn't happen suddenly in a short time; she really is consistent. From YouTube to painting, the scope and depth of her thinking are very wide," he marveled.
Ryu Seung-ryong said, "It was really hard throughout the production. The director is not an ordinary person. It was hot, destructive, and emotions were constantly at the bottom. Yet even when it would have been natural to show (the painful) emotions on his face, he was truly professional. I was surprised. I think audiences will have many opportunities to see sides of Ha Jiwon they haven't seen before. Ha Jiwon also seemed very satisfied and felt rewarded about that."
He also praised Kim Si-ah, who plays his daughter, saying, "Actors seem to have a certain degree of innate talent." He said, "She looked at me and said, 'Dad, I didn't do that. It wasn't me,' and I just thought, 'She's not the one.' I was so surprised because she was so good. So I told her, 'You mustn't engage in school violence. I want to see you for a long time. You have to be careful.' Even now, she really feels like a daughter," he said, expressing affection.
Especially, Ryu Seung-ryong said, "That kid is extreme I on the MBTI. If you don't talk to her she won't speak first. That kind of person now laughs whenever I open my mouth. I wanted to get close, and when that kind of person laughs and talks it gives me great satisfaction. I naturally become like that because of that feeling. Ha Jiwon's reactions are good too, aren't they?" he said, explaining why he performs "dad jokes" in front of the two.
Since the filming of "Bikwang" was five years ago, Kim Si-ah has grown a lot in the meantime. Ryu Seung-ryong said, "Kim Si-ah is the same age as our second son, who is a high school senior. She went to university early through the qualification exam. She still can't drink alcohol, so we sent her home early from the wrap party last night," and added, "She's admirable. I feel she's walking that path very well," showing his pride. (continued in interview ③)
[photo] Playgram
[OSEN]