Ryu Seung-wan's 'Humint' Blends Action, Romance, and Humanity in a Thrilling Winter Tale

The film 'Humint' directed by Ryu Seung-wan combines intense action, passionate romance, and heartwarming humanity. Jo In-sung's dynamic action scenes and Park Jung-min's fiery love story are set against the cold and harsh winter, making the drama even more compelling.

On the 4th, a press screening for 'Humint' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Ryu Seung-wan, along with actors Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung, attended the event.

'Humint' tells the story of individuals with different motives clashing in Vladivostok, where secrets and truths are buried in the icy sea. The title 'Humint' stands for 'Human Intelligence.'

Director Ryu Seung-wan expressed his nervousness, saying, "I've been making films for quite some time, but I can't remember a day as nerve-wracking as this. I even had trouble sleeping last night." He added, "It's probably because this film is special and unique. We worked closely together, and the set was united around these actors. I have more memories of gratitude than good ones. The local crew in Latvia also worked hard," showing his appreciation.

Jo In-sung plays the role of a National Intelligence Service agent, Chief Jo. He recalled, "Around this time last year, I was in Latvia. We relied on each other a lot during the cold winter days of filming." He expressed his excitement for the release, saying, "Around February last year, when we were filming the last sequence, I was eagerly waiting for the day we could show it to the audience. That day seems to be approaching, and I'm thrilled."

Working with Director Ryu for the third time, Jo In-sung said, "I had faith in the director. I decided to join the film even before reading the script. We discussed and modified the script according to the situation on set. Our work started from a solid trust." Regarding his bromance with Park Jung-min, he said, "We worked together in 'The King.' I've watched and supported him for a long time. We had an internal closeness, so we could act without hesitation or awkwardness."

Jo In-sung delivered a performance that blended seamlessly with the narrative and various characters without standing out alone. He said, "In the past, I thought strong acting was necessary to stand out. Working with Director Ryu and writer Noh Hee-kyung, I pondered about acting that blends in without standing out and the power to lead the drama. It's a challenge I will continue to work on. It's the direction I aim for in my acting. I will keep thinking about this and hope to grow through this process." He also vowed, "I will strive to become an actor who can deliver quiet yet strong performances."

Park Jung-min plays Park Geon, a North Korean State Security Department officer. He said, "All the projects I've worked on are precious, but there are some that I emotionally connect with and miss dearly. This was one of those sets. Especially now that it's winter, I miss that cold winter. It's precious to gather together again after a long time. We encouraged each other during filming, so please watch it fondly."

Park Jung-min portrays a passionate romance, risking everything to protect his former fiancée, Chae Sun-hwa. He said, "I believe Park Geon's sole purpose in this film is Sun-hwa, played by Shin Se-kyung. I focused on Sun-hwa throughout the filming." He added, "Shin Se-kyung was the first actor I met on this set, and I'm really grateful that she opened up to us early on. We talked a lot about the project, relied on each other, and focused. I'm so thankful that Shin Se-kyung played Sun-hwa."

Park Jung-min, who hasn't often showcased melodramatic acting, humorously evaluated his performance, saying, "It wasn't as awkward as I thought." He continued, "As Park Geon, I could make choices and decisions that I couldn't as a human being. It was a scene that made me think about how far a person can go and what they can give up for one person."

Regarding his chemistry with Jo In-sung, he said, "He's a senior I trust. The atmosphere naturally emerged on set, and I was able to perform comfortably." He added humorously, "This is my third project with him, and I've always been beaten or hit from behind, but now we face off head-to-head. I think it's the right thing." He also praised Jo In-sung, saying, "In-sung has long limbs and is nice to look at. I tried to follow suit." When Jo In-sung jokingly asked if he was confessing, Park Jung-min replied, "Yes," causing laughter.

Park Hae-joon takes on the role of Hwang Chi-sung, the North Korean consul general in Vladivostok. Known for his tear-jerking father role in the Netflix series 'My Liberation Notes,' Park Hae-joon transforms into a villain in this film.

Park Hae-joon humorously commented, "Last year was quite something," causing laughter. He added, "While eating, people would say I reminded them of their father and tear up. But I also thought I needed to erase that image. As an actor, I have ambitions. This film fulfilled another of my desires."

Shin Se-kyung stars as Chae Sun-hwa, a North Korean restaurant worker. She shared her thoughts on the release, saying, "We spent a significant amount of time overseas, creating intense and beautiful memories. I'm excited but also quite nervous."

Regarding her intense romantic scenes with Park Jung-min, Shin Se-kyung said, "It was a different kind of romance from what I've done before, so I was excited. Knowing that Park Jung-min would be my co-star made it even more thrilling and enjoyable." She added, "While the emotional line between me and Park Geon is important, I thought the overall harmony and balance of the film were crucial. I'm grateful if you enjoyed it."

Director Ryu Seung-wan commented on Shin Se-kyung's beautifully captured appearance, saying, "We didn't specifically try to make her look pretty, nor did she try to look pretty. Her dedication to immersing herself in Chae Sun-hwa was captured on camera." He added with a laugh, "The cinematographers shot it, not me, but she looks beautiful no matter how she's filmed."

The actors shared behind-the-scenes stories of the natural gun action scenes. Jo In-sung revealed, "We received basic training." Park Jung-min added, "I practiced at home with a similar BB gun to look skilled." Park Hae-joon explained, "I wanted Hwang Chi-sung to handle it more freely rather than professionally."

'Humint' shares some of its universe with Ryu Seung-wan's past work 'The Berlin File.' Director Ryu explained, "While there are connections to 'The Berlin File,' 'Humint' has its own story. I wanted to convey that personal choices are influenced by larger forces beyond one's control." He added, "The script was written a long time ago. When I decided to bring 'Humint' back with Jo In-sung and Park Jung-min in the lead, I wanted to push forward with their seriousness. Typically, it would be the opposite, but having Jo In-sung allowed us to push Park Jung-min's romance further."

'Humint' is a film that offers a mix of action, drama, and romance. Director Ryu stated, "The relationships between characters, like Chief Jo who can't escape his past and Hwang Chi-sung who disrupts relationships, were important. It's hard to say which was more important, action or romance. Both were crucial."

'Humint' is set to be released on the 11th.

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