In Yeon Sang-ho's latest film 'The Hive', actress Kim Shin-rok takes on the role of a character with disabilities who embodies goodwill and courage.
'The Hive' is a film about isolated survivors in a building sealed off due to a mysterious infection outbreak, facing off against infected individuals evolving in unpredictable ways. A still of Kim Shin-rok's character, Choi Hyun-hee, an IT company employee and sister to Hyun-seok, has been released.
Kim Shin-rok, who has showcased her solid acting skills and unique presence on stage for years, left a strong impression on the public through her role as Park Jung-ja in 'Hellbound'. She has since gained attention, appearing in dramas like 'Reborn Rich', 'Queen of Tears', and films such as 'Jeon, Ran' and 'Project Y', demonstrating her versatile acting across stage, screen, and OTT platforms. With each project, Kim Shin-rok has established herself as an actress who dominates scenes with her wide acting spectrum, and she promises another transformation in 'The Hive'.
In 'The Hive', Kim Shin-rok's character Choi Hyun-hee is one of the survivors trapped in the building while on a rare vacation to have lunch with her brother Hyun-seok. Kim Shin-rok shared, "Director Yeon Sang-ho described Choi Hyun-hee as a character who trusts in human society and goodwill, which helped me shape the character's direction," raising expectations for a character who will show courage beyond survival instincts.
Director Yeon Sang-ho expressed, "I wanted to portray the character Choi Hyun-hee, who has a disability, in a multi-dimensional way. After considering how to express this differently, I thought Kim Shin-rok was perfect for the role." To embody the character, Kim Shin-rok not only familiarized herself with using a wheelchair but also lost weight for action scenes where she is carried by her on-screen brother, played by Ji Chang-wook. Ji Chang-wook commented, "Though I carried her, I found myself relying on Kim Shin-rok." Jun Ji-hyun, who plays the leader of the survivor group, Kwon Se-jung, also shared, "Acting alongside Kim Shin-rok, who is the same age, brought us closer and I learned a lot."
The released stills capture the multi-layered emotions of Choi Hyun-hee as portrayed by Kim Shin-rok. In contrast to her bright demeanor while navigating the building, her cold gaze as she surveys her surroundings reveals the tension of being isolated due to the infected. Her desperate expression while on a phone call raises curiosity about whether Choi Hyun-hee and her brother can escape the crisis.
'The Hive' is set to be released in theaters this May.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr