Iconic actresses Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo team up in the crime noir film 'Project Y'. The film has sparked interest as the two actresses, who became close friends through this project, bring their chemistry to the intense storyline.
On the 16th, a production briefing for 'Project Y' was held at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Director Lee Hwan, along with actors Han So-hee, Jun Jong-seo, Kim Shin-rock, Jung Young-ju, Lee Jae-kyun, and YooA, attended the event.
'Project Y' tells the story of Mi-seon and Do-kyung, who, while dreaming of a different tomorrow in the heart of a bustling city, find themselves on the edge of life, stealing black money and gold bars.
Director Lee Hwan explained the meaning behind the title 'Y', stating, "I wanted it to be grand. It stands for young, you, and yearn." He added, "In some ways, it can be abstract, but I hoped audiences would leave the theater having completed their own 'Y'."
The casting of Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo has been a hot topic. Director Lee commented, "I think these two actresses are iconic and symbolic to young people in their 20s. I believed that Mi-seon and Do-kyung, as portrayed by Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, would be more persuasive and appealing to the audience. Their images fit well with the characters, and I thought they could challenge themselves with new performances."
Han So-hee plays Mi-seon, who dreams of a normal life but gets involved in dangerous activities. She shared, "I enjoyed 'Park Hwa-young', and it turned out to be the same director. This is essentially my commercial film debut, so I approached it with a serious and cautious mindset." Regarding her debut in commercial films, Han So-hee said, "Every project is precious to me, so none is particularly special. However, being my first commercial film, I am nervous and excited. I'm curious about how audiences will perceive everything being encapsulated in one film. It's nice to see my face on the screen."
Describing her character Mi-seon, Han So-hee said, "She is someone who dreams of freedom and a normal life more than anyone else. The only person she trusts in the world is Do-kyung. The two find themselves in difficult situations and navigate their way through them."
Han So-hee used her actual pouch as a prop in the film. She revealed, "I filled it with various cosmetics. I wanted it to look realistic, so I brought what I actually use."
Jun Jong-seo plays Do-kyung, who makes a living with her exceptional driving skills and ends up stealing black money and gold bars. Jun Jong-seo said, "I knew I could work with Han So-hee. It's rare to have the opportunity to work on a road movie-like project with a peer of the same age, so I decided to join without hesitation."
In the film, Mi-seon and Do-kyung are best friends. How was the chemistry between Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo? Han So-hee said, "We filmed smoothly, like flowing water. We talked a lot before filming. Mi-seon and Do-kyung have strong personalities, and their fusion resulted in many interesting scenes."
The two actresses became close friends through this film. Han So-hee described Jun Jong-seo as "wild and rough as Do-kyung, but in reality, she is pale and slender. It was refreshing not to see any of Jun Jong-seo in Do-kyung, which means she absorbed the character completely." She added, "We share a laid-back nature, which I found appealing. It enhanced our on-set immersion and became a driving force to create scenes more interesting than what's in the script."
Jun Jong-seo praised Han So-hee, saying, "Having Han So-hee as a colleague and friend was a source of strength and comfort. That strength helped us push through the project." She continued, "We filmed many scenes in the cold. It was a dynamic film that required a lot of energy, and seeing her take the lead, I realized she throws herself into filming without holding back. It was surprising." She also admired Han So-hee's artistic side, saying, "She draws, and I received some of her artwork. She's a friend with talents I don't possess."
The two actresses filmed a 'shoveling scene' on a cold day. Han So-hee laughed, "I almost died." Jun Jong-seo added, "So-hee must have felt the same. It was my first time shoveling in my life. We actually dug a grave-like set." Despite the hardship, she said, "It's one of my favorite scenes in the movie, and it ignited the filming process. It was tough but memorable."
Kim Shin-rock plays Ga-young, who seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Kim Shin-rock confessed, "I initially declined, unsure if I could handle such an intense project." She explained her change of heart, "When they reached out again, I believed it would be a fun character play with the iconic and dynamic cast. I decided to take on the challenge."
Kim Shin-rock described Ga-young as "a character who was once successful but is now in decline, driven by desire."
Jung Young-ju plays Hwang-so, a ruthless fixer who never misses a target. Appearing with short hair, Jung Young-ju said, "I knew the director, and when he suggested a meeting, I suspected it was for 'that role'. As expected, it was the role I had in mind. He showed me past photos and asked me to try the short hair style again." She added, "There was a sense of speed in the script. I felt it would be brilliantly made."
When a still cut of Hwang-so with intense eyes and a buzz cut was revealed, Jung Young-ju joked, "My father might be shocked." To portray Hwang-so's strong image, she said, "There was no other way than the buzz cut. I filmed with a refreshing spirit."
She also commented, "It's not an easy opportunity for an actor to perform with a shaved head. Being able to act with a buzz cut in front of the camera is 'lucky' for an actor." She continued, "People around me worried, saying, 'Isn't it too cold?' and 'Consider your age.' I hope my bald performance convinces the audience. The visible veins due to the shaved head added to the effect."
Lee Jae-kyun plays Seok-gu, who will do anything for money, regardless of who he works for. He explained, "Seok-gu is a friend who pursues only profit and money without any guilt."
Lee Jae-kyun previously worked with Director Lee Hwan on the film 'Park Hwa-young'. He shared, "I worked with the director on the previous project. I wondered when we would work together again. During the next project, I was in the military, and for this one, I smoothly joined."
YooA plays Ha-kyung, the wife of Tosa-jang (played by Kim Sung-cheol), who engages in daring escapades at night. YooA, a member of the idol group OH MY GIRL, begins her acting career with this project and the role of a married woman. She said, "Ha-kyung is a married woman. She is at the starting point of Mi-seon and Do-kyung's money-stealing project."
YooA expressed her excitement, "I was thrilled to hear that So-hee and Jong-seo were doing this project through the media. I didn't expect to get a meeting opportunity. The director's words, 'We need a fresh sense of betrayal, how about you, YooA?' sparked my desire to take on the challenge."
Regarding her meeting with Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, YooA said, "I admired both sisters, and they were even more beautiful in person." She continued, "I had a scene with Jun Jong-seo, and watching her command her scene, I realized, 'This is what acting is, it's different from being an idol.' I learned a lot." She also shared, "I visited So-hee's set. She approached me first and started a conversation, saying, 'You must not be ordinary to choose this.' Her approach helped us get closer."
Jung Young-ju requested, "It's been a while since I've seen a sexy and sensual film. I hope you feel it too." Kim Shin-rock added, "There's a line that says, 'Let's go big.' I hope you watch this impactful film in early 2026 and feel energized." Han So-hee wished, "Everyone may have grand or modest wishes for the new year, and I hope this film brings a little joy."
'Project Y' is set to release on January 21.
Kim Ji-won, TENASIA Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr