Inside the Tense World of 'The Murderer Report': Jo Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il's Captivating Performances

The intense energy of Jo Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il fills the confined space in 'The Murderer Report'. This film captivates with its unique premise of an interview between a serial killer and a journalist, relying solely on the actors' performances to engage the audience without elaborate visual effects or scene changes.

On the 28th, a press screening for 'The Murderer Report' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Jo Young-jun, along with actors Jo Yeo-jeong, Jung Sung-il, and Kim Tae-han, were in attendance.

The film follows veteran journalist Sun-joo (played by Jo Yeo-jeong), who is eager for a scoop, as she receives an interview request from psychiatrist Young-hoon (played by Jung Sung-il), who confesses to serial murders. Director Jo Young-jun stated, "I focused on controlling the rhythm of tension throughout the film."

A standout feature of 'The Murderer Report' is its setting—a single suite room where the interview takes place, with minimal changes in location. Director Jo expressed, "When I first discussed this script, people thought I was crazy. They questioned who would invest or act in it. But I felt it could be done, offering a chance to create something unseen before." He added, "The lack of spatial change could be a weakness, but it allowed us to focus more on the tension between the two characters, enriching the narrative by showcasing their dilemmas rather than relying on visual effects typical of suspense thrillers."

Jo Yeo-jeong plays Baek Sun-joo, a journalist who accepts the killer's interview request for an exclusive story. She shared, "This film, with its unique format, was unlike anything I'd seen before. It seemed daunting, but I wanted to take on the challenge. I'm glad I did." She continued, "We had to intensely portray events occurring within a few hours in the suite. While we shared our concerns off-set, we kept the atmosphere light and fun, working together like siblings to make the film enjoyable."

Jo Yeo-jeong admitted, "With such a unique format, there was nowhere to hide if my acting fell short. The script was so well-crafted that I feared any lack of effective expression on my part would create a significant gap in the film. That's why I was hesitant." She also noted, "This film allowed me to showcase a rare side of myself, portraying both a journalist and a mother. It was a worthwhile adventure." Despite the challenges, she humorously added, "The abundance of dialogue was another reason I hesitated."

In the film's tense narrative, Jo Yeo-jeong described the initial scenes as "intense enough to give me a headache from the power struggle. It was physically demanding." She added, "Later, my character is psychologically broken by Young-hoon, leading to a shift in dynamics. I relied heavily on Jung Sung-il's performance, which was a great support."

Jung Sung-il plays Lee Young-hoon, the psychiatrist and serial killer who initiates the interview game. He recalled, "It was an exhausting but enjoyable shoot." He humorously mentioned, "There was a barn next to the set, and the smell woke me up every morning."

Both actors memorized their lines in full. Jung Sung-il joked, "The amount of dialogue made me want to kill the director. It was absurd to expect us to deliver it soberly, so we had to memorize it all."

Jung Sung-il expressed gratitude towards Jo Yeo-jeong, saying, "Young-hoon's character evolved significantly thanks to Sun-joo. Her approach allowed for a wide range of changes in Young-hoon. Much of the emphasis and nuance in my lines were shaped by Jo Yeo-jeong and the director."

Kim Tae-han plays Han Sang-woo, Sun-joo's lover and a detective. He shared, "As my first lead role, I was nervous but trusted the director and crew." He added, "I joined the project through an audition, and from the moment I heard I was cast, I've been excited and overwhelmed."

Kim Tae-han revealed his behind-the-scenes role as the 'production manager'. Jo Yeo-jeong shared, "Even on days he wasn't filming, Kim Tae-han was present, earning him the nickname 'production manager'."

Kim Tae-han noted, "The interview format will feel more intense in theaters. I hope audiences come to experience the thrill of 'The Murderer Report'."

Jo Yeo-jeong concluded, "The film offers a cinematic experience as if you're sitting in the suite with us. Watching in theaters allows for focused engagement. I hope our sincere effort and this new format draw many viewers to the cinema."

'The Murderer Report' is set to release on September 5th.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr