Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Jung-eun Shine in 'The Woman in the White Car' Amidst Harsh Conditions

In the film 'The Woman in the White Car,' Jung Ryeo-won braved the freezing cold, running barefoot in -20°C, while Lee Jung-eun faced her fear of water. Released three years after filming, this movie intricately portrays the chilling yet detailed journey of two women healing from shared traumas.

On the 27th, a press screening for 'The Woman in the White Car' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Christine Ko, along with actors Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Jung-eun, attended the event.

'The Woman in the White Car' is a suspense thriller where Do-kyung (played by Jung Ryeo-won) arrives at a hospital with her bloodied sister and gives a confusing statement to detective Hyun-joo (played by Lee Jung-eun), unraveling the truth about the perpetrator and the events of that day.

Director Go expressed her excitement about the release, stating, "We shot the film in just 14 days during the peak of COVID-19 in February 2022. It was a challenging experience for both actors. It's an honor to see the film not only in festivals but also in theaters."

Making her directorial debut with this film, Go added, "I started as a novice director with ambition, and I am a thriller enthusiast. I thought I could do well, but I realized how challenging thrillers are during filming. The rhythm of even a single frame can affect the tension. I focused heavily on editing, which I believe is my strength."

Director Go expressed satisfaction with casting Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Jung-eun, saying, "I had both of them in mind from the planning stage. I felt I couldn't make my directorial debut without them." She continued, "Jung Ryeo-won often plays cheerful career women, but the sister I know is delicate and lovable, evoking a protective instinct. I thought she would excel in a victim role." She also praised Lee Jung-eun, saying, "She was supportive on set when I struggled. She's steadfast and reliable, perfect for a character representing the audience. Her ability to drive the story is remarkable."

Jung Ryeo-won plays Do-kyung, a writer searching for the truth amidst chaotic memories. Presenting this film three years after filming, she said, "It feels like an unexpected bonus. I'm grateful and moved that it's being released now."

This marks Jung Ryeo-won's return to the big screen after seven years. She expressed, "It's been a long time since I've greeted audiences on screen. I never imagined it. It feels like receiving a huge gift. While the score is important to those who helped bring this film to life, I'm just happy to present it." She added, "The film industry felt distant and unreachable to me, but this opportunity came. I've been thinking, 'If you wish and hope, it comes true.'"

Jung Ryeo-won shared behind-the-scenes stories of filming barefoot in the harsh winter, saying, "It was so cold that I tried to keep my shoes on as long as possible." Having previously worked with Director Go on 'Diary of a Prosecutor,' she laughed, "I promised to do her directorial debut, and then I ended up running barefoot in -20°C. But I'm glad we did it together."

Lee Jung-eun plays detective Hyun-joo, who uncovers the dark truth of the case. She said, "Despite the cold weather during the COVID-19 period in 2022, we put our hearts into it. It was filmed when women's narrative films were starting to emerge. I found the script interesting and enjoyed working with Director Go on her directorial debut. It's an honor to see it on the big screen."

In the film, Hyun-joo is a character with a past of abuse by her father. Lee Jung-eun shared, "I have a slight fear of water, and Hyun-joo's character was abused in water-related incidents, which was challenging. I realized you could drown in a dish of water. It was a bit terrifying, but seeing the result, I think I endured well."

Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Jung-eun expressed mutual admiration for each other. Jung Ryeo-won said, "Meeting an actor with such depth made me feel secure, like I could lean on them. I was happy to work with a senior actor I admired and became even more of a fan as a person. I had no worries about working with my co-star."

Lee Jung-eun humorously added, "Jung Ryeo-won didn't eat for days and got thinner, while I looked huge. On the big screen, all I could see was my nostrils. I wondered why they shot so much from below." She continued, "Watching a co-actor's spontaneous and momentary acting is a wonderful thing as an actor doing action-reaction. Jung Ryeo-won's performance, balancing Do-kyung's vulnerability and strength, was excellent. I'd love to work with her again in a different role."

'The Woman in the White Car' is set to be released on the 29th.

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