Jun Jong-seo Discusses Her Role in 'Project Y' and Bond with Co-star Han So-hee

Jun Jong-seo, known for her intense debut in 'Burning' directed by Lee Chang-dong, showcases a more relatable and down-to-earth charm in the film 'Project Y'. In a candid conversation, she shared her reasons for choosing the project and her connection with fellow actress Han So-hee.

On January 9, at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Jun Jong-seo discussed her upcoming film 'Project Y' directed by Lee Hwan, set to release on the 21st. The movie follows Mi-seon and Do-kyung, who, while dreaming of a different future in the heart of a bustling city, find themselves stealing black money and gold bars at the edge of their lives.

In the film, Jun plays the role of Do-kyung, who makes a living as a private taxi driver. She revealed, "I was offered the script during a time when it felt like people weren't going to the movies and the film industry was paralyzed."

Jun cited her co-star Han So-hee as a major reason for joining the film. She explained, "I thought if Han So-hee and I could really make this work, it could become a hot topic. Even just reading the logline, I was intrigued. Despite the challenging times for films, I decided to take on the challenge."

As the release date approaches, Jun expressed her calm mindset, saying, "Once the film is released, it's up to the audience to judge. Whether the feedback is harsh or kind, I'm ready to accept it all."

Regarding the casting process, Jun mentioned, "The script wasn't 100% complete when I first received it, and it needed more development. However, it was already interesting, and I felt I could bring more to the role than what was written."

Jun also noted a shared sense of ambition and goals with Han So-hee. "It seemed like Han So-hee was also experiencing a thirst for acting. I felt she wanted to portray a character she had never done before in a surprising way," she said.

Jun described her collaboration with Han as special, recalling, "(Han) So-hee used the term 'fateful connection' in an interview yesterday, and it stuck with me. Working with a peer actor is not as common as one might think, and I wondered if such an opportunity would come again. It felt like a rare experience."

Interestingly, despite recent revelations that Han So-hee was born in 1993 but had to work as a 1994-born due to family circumstances, Jun still considers her a peer. Upon learning this, Jun humorously reacted, "I just found out about that. She's a '93-born?"

Jun shared that she and Han connected through Instagram DMs, leading to their collaboration. "With friends in ordinary jobs, there's a lot to explain, but as fellow actors, there's an unspoken understanding. That shared empathy naturally brought us closer," she said.

When asked about her relationship with director Lee Chung-hyeon, Jun shyly responded. Given her close friendship with Han So-hee, she was asked if Lee was ever jealous. Jun replied, "Director Lee seems to support all my relationships," with a bashful smile.

Reflecting on her debut in 'Burning', Jun remarked, "The casting itself was a miracle." She added, "Debuting with 'Burning' left a strong impression. People still think of me as a cinematic actress, always composed, but that's not true. I was actually very nervous when I went to the Toronto International Film Festival."

Finally, when asked if she felt stressed by any unintended controversies, Jun briefly answered, "Yes," and added, "I focus on my duties and continue to move forward, keeping my eyes on the future."

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TENASIA haesmik@tenasia.co.kr