Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo Unite for Female-Led Noir 'Project Y'

Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo have teamed up for the female-led noir film 'Project Y'. The two close friends expressed their affection and trust for each other, adding warmth to the collaboration.

On the 18th, an open talk for the film 'Project Y', invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere' section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Udong. Director Lee Hwan, actors Han So-hee, Jun Jong-seo, Kim Sung-cheol, Jung Young-joo, Lee Jae-kyun, and YooA attended.

'Project Y' tells the story of Mi-seon and Do-kyung, who have nothing but each other, as they attempt to escape their harsh reality by stealing hidden black money and 8 billion won worth of gold bars. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Director Lee Hwan explained his casting choices, saying, "While writing the script, I thought of Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo as actors who could overwhelmingly convey and persuade the audience with these characters." He added, "Aren't they iconic actors to the public? I wanted to capture the collision point when such icons express the raw, animalistic emotions of a harsh reality. I think the work turned out well."

Han So-hee, who attended the Toronto International Film Festival, shared, "We had many scenes where we laughed during filming. It was gratifying to see everyone laughing together in those scenes, and it allowed us to enjoy the film more." Jun Jong-seo added, "We watched the film properly for the first time at the Toronto Film Festival. The response was good. People laughed at the right moments, and we finished the screening in a good atmosphere."

Han So-hee remarked, "When I first read the script, I felt that the story of the youth living in this era was grounded. Mi-seon, although different in means and methods from Do-kyung, dives headfirst into achieving a single goal, which felt fresh to me."

Jun Jong-seo shared her reasons for joining the project, saying, "I received the script last year and thought it was rare to encounter a female-led film with peers of the same age. I was surprised such a project existed and found it enjoyable to read, so I decided to do it. The characters and the script were fun, but I thought working with So-hee would allow us to go beyond what was written, with a lot of chemistry."

Han So-hee, who plays Mi-seon, explained, "I thought more about the chemistry we would create rather than just focusing on the Mi-seon character." Jun Jong-seo, who plays Do-kyung, introduced her character as "someone aiming for a big score."

When asked about their relationship in the film, Jun Jong-seo said, "In the movie, we are like family, with no one but each other. However, as events unfold, we become 'pros'. We develop a professional mindset and risk our lives." Han So-hee added, "I think it's a relationship that can break the saying 'blood is thicker than water'. Both Do-kyung and Mi-seon have clear goals for their dream lives. In that sense, these friends have lived closely together, forming a complementary relationship."

Kim Sung-cheol shared, "I wanted to stand on the red carpet yesterday, but I hesitated and didn't go out because I was embarrassed," he laughed. Although he hasn't seen the film yet, Kim expressed his anticipation, saying, "I discussed a lot with the director about how to carry the energy when fighting absolute evil. We aimed to 'kill with energy and laser from our eyes, to suppress them'. I also talked a lot with senior Young-joo. We went through trial and error."

Jung Young-joo, who plays Hwang-so, expressed her gratitude, saying, "It's my first time entering the Busan Film Festival in my 31-year acting career. Thank you for the warm welcome." She added, "I haven't seen the film yet, so I'm curious about how my character Hwang-so will be portrayed. Whether it's a black Hwang-so or a yellow Hwang-so, please look forward to it and give lots of compliments." Jung Young-joo boldly attempted a shaved head for the role, showcasing charisma with a short haircut and black outfit at the event.

Lee Jae-kyun greeted the audience, saying, "Thank you for coming early. Please look forward to it." YooA shared, "The first thing I felt about the character Ha-kyung in the script was 'this will be fun'. For those who remember Oh My Girl's YooA, I felt, as the director said, that it could give a 'fresh betrayal'. I thought I could show a different side to the audience and prepared diligently. Since 'Project Y' is my first acting project, I think I can show a stronger presence as an actor." She added, "I'm thrilled to greet you as an actor. It's an honor to work with actors I admire and whose works I've followed. Please support my first project and watch 'Project Y' a lot."

Regarding the meaning of 'Y', Director Lee Hwan explained, "There are various meanings like young, youth, etc., but I hope the audience completes their own 'Y' after watching the film. It also means 'why? why? so what?'" He described the film as "noir but funky, neo-realistic, with a prominent female narrative."

Director Lee emphasized, "It's entertaining and fast-paced, so I hope you board this film well and enjoy it with the gem-like actors. I hope you complete your own movie and leave."

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