Actor Noh Sang-hyun Discusses His Immersive Preparation for LGBTQ+ Role in 'Laws of the City'

Actor Noh Sang-hyun revealed that he met with LGBTQ+ individuals to better understand and portray his character.

On the 23rd, a press screening for 'Laws of the City' was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. The event was attended by Kim Go-eun, Noh Sang-hyun, and director Lee Eun-hee.

'Laws of the City' is based on the novel by author Park Sang-young. It tells the story of Jae-hee (played by Kim Go-eun), a free spirit who lives without caring about others' opinions, and Heung-soo (played by Noh Sang-hyun), who is accustomed to distancing himself from the world. The film explores their unique way of loving while living together. It was invited to the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world's top four international film festivals, where it received critical acclaim.

Noh Sang-hyun, who plays the LGBTQ+ character Heung-soo, said, "Heung-soo has various repressed emotions such as frustration, isolation, and shame from his childhood. Before filming began, I met with LGBTQ+ individuals to hear stories that could serve as references, which was very helpful." He added, "I liked how Heung-soo grows by sharing his secret with Jae-hee."

Kim Go-eun described her character Jae-hee as "someone who initially wants to love and finds dating important." She continued, "What was pitiful about Jae-hee is that she wants to prove her love by being the top priority for her partner. She feels secure only when her love is confirmed. I wanted to capture the moment when she grows to exist as herself, not as someone's top priority."

'Laws of the City' is set to be released on the 1st of next month.

Seo Yoon Kim, TenAsia Reporter seogugu@tenasia.co.kr