'Assassin(s)' director Heo Jin-ho explained why he cast Jung Woosung as Lee Minho's older brother character.
On the afternoon of the 8th at Megabox COEX in Seoul, a press screening for the film "Assassin(s)" was held. Director Heo Jin-ho, lead actors Yoo Hai Jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Minho attended the event.
The film "Assassin(s)" (director Heo Jin-ho, produced by Hive media corp, distributed by Hive media corp) tells the story of the suspicions and the forces behind the first lady shooting that shocked Korea on Aug. 15, 1974. Heo Jin-ho, who opened a new horizon for Korean melodrama with "Christmas in August" and directed "The Last Princess," "The Map Against the Sky" and "A Normal Family," completed this film with meticulous direction that spans eras.
Using a historic event that shook Korea as its motif, the film expands the incident's background through cinematic imagination, adding tight tension and deep emotional textures to create a high-density mystery pursuit. It was officially invited to the gala section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, receiving recognition for its artistry, and delivers intense immersion and a deep aftertaste.
Yoo Hai Jin plays Cheol-gu, the detective who witnessed the first lady shooting; Park Hae-il plays Jae-hwan, a reporter and director general of the Dongsung Ilbo social affairs department; and Lee Minho plays Young-il, a rookie reporter at the Dongsung Ilbo who pursues the truth of the case.
The film features numerous famous actors including Jung Woosung, Um Tae-woong, Lim Won-hee, and Shin Hyun-been. From substantial supporting roles to small parts, they enhance the viewing experience.
Director Heo Jin-ho said, "Originally I did not plan to do that. I was cautious because when actors who have greater presence than their roles appear, it can create a sense of dissonance or make viewers think of the actors before the characters, which can be uncomfortable."
He added, "Lee Minho's character as the older brother appears as Chairman Han, and I thought he carried a certain symbolism. I wanted that actor to be someone who would bring a greater weight to the audience, so it began that way," and said, "But many actors found the script interesting and agreed to appear even if it was one or two scenes. While working, I thought I should bring a certain truthfulness so no one felt alienated."
Director Heo Jin-ho also said, "Although it was one scene, before filming we met several times during the script stage to discuss and contemplate what kind of person this character is," and added, "I'm curious how they viewed so many of these actors. I think I viewed them positively to the point of thinking, 'This is enjoyable to watch actors.'"
Meanwhile, "Assassin(s)" opens on the 23rd.
[Photo] Reporter Ji Hyeong-jun
[OSEN]