TV
Yoo In-sik PD "'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim' season 4? A problem to think about later... Please watch over it"
The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 3', which ended on June 17, is a real doctor's story that takes place in a poor local Doldam Hospital. In this season 3, Sabu Kim (as Han Seok-gyu)'s long-awaited Doldam Regional Trauma Center left an expanded worldview and a deeper romantic resonance in the home theater. The 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim' series, which has been loved by viewers for 7 years from season 1 to season 3, is also evaluated as opening up the possibility of a Korean season drama.
Along with this, director Yoo In-sik revealed various behind-the-scenes stories, from the moment when he felt extraordinary emotions while watching the growth of actors such as Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Min-jae, and So Joo-yeon, to the scene where tears flowed on the set. Above all, it draws attention by talking about the season-by-season directing points and the possibility of season 4 that appeals to series fans.
A. 'Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim' was not originally planned with a season system in mind. So (after the decision to make Season 2), we had to start by rebuilding the already demolished Doldam Hospital set and collecting the scattered props to recreate Doldam Hospital in the same way. The immaculate sunlight of the stone wall, the atmosphere permeating every corner, the characters of the stone wall family, and above all, I tried to reproduce the unique echo that was like the soul of this drama that viewers loved. Even so, there was a part where the feeling was slightly different from season to season.
Season 1 Doldam Hospital appears old and gloomy, like a homecoming lodge. This is because it was the place where Sabu Kim, who abandoned the world, was hiding, and where Dong-ju (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), who had caused trouble, was kicked out as if he were exiled. The characters were much more eccentric and traumatic, and the story was more classic and symbolic. At this time, the concept was established that the space and characters are somewhat fairy-tale, while the medical scene approaches tough and documentary like a field hospital. In season 2, the tone of the drama changed to a brighter and more routine according to the personalities of the new protagonists Woojin (played by Ahn Hyo-seop) and Eun-jae (played by Lee Sung-kyung). .
In the case of season 3, the biggest change occurred because the trauma center, which was Sabu Kim's dream, came to reality. It was a formidable challenge in directing, with a space divided between Doldam Hospital and the Trauma Center, many characters, incidents and accidents, and even a large-scale disaster scene. Medical reality was realized as much as possible thanks to the best advisory medical staff who put their heart and soul into it. While reflecting the reality of the medical world in Korea, which has recently become serious, there were many scenes in which the cold reality had to be saved. Nevertheless, I tried not to miss the warm humanism in every corner so that the identity of the series would not be shaken.
Q. There is a reaction that actors such as Han Seok-gyu, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Lee Sung-kyung look like real doctors. How was the acting of the actors you watched on set, and how did you feel working together for consecutive seasons?
A. All the actors asked questions and studied enthusiastically enough that the advisory doctors stuck out their tongues. The effort to reproduce not only simple hand movements but also the emotions the doctors felt in the situation was impressive. As the season went on, their skills improved, and in the final episode, the surgical scene of Woojin, Eunjae, and Euntak (played by Minjae Kim), watched by Sabu Kim, was performed by the actors without substitutes.
Actor Han Seok-gyu's acting continued to surprise even after three seasons. While playing the same character, he did not fall into mannerisms and expressed the continuity and change of the character so naturally. I also felt like a great actor. It was a wonderful experience to see the young actors of Doldam, such as Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Min-jae, and So Joo-yeon, grow beyond recognition through the seasons. The best thing was the chemistry of Doldamz, which felt like a perfect fit no matter who you put it with. As you already know, Doldamz has been friends with each other for a long time. The memories of making each scene together in a family-like atmosphere became unforgettable and precious memories.
Q. What did you pay the most attention to when filming a disaster scene such as a building collapse?
A. Since it was a scene that forced me to recall the tragic events that occurred in reality, I thought that the disaster scene should not be approached as a simple spectacle. I tried to secure as much reality as possible and maintain a serious atmosphere on set. I think that the tragic nature of the situation could be conveyed honestly thanks to the many supporting actors who sincerely performed passionately under the scorching sun for several days. The underground burial scene was implemented on the set, but it was dark and narrow and had to be filmed while dusting all the time, so the actors suffered a lot. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop celebrated his birthday, and I remember him grinning while holding a birthday cake with his handsome face covered in dust.
Q. What was the scene that was the most difficult or worrying for you while directing?
A. The night sea scene that appeared in the opening of episode 1 was the most worrying. This is because the risk and difficulty were very high, such as stowaway ships, Coast Guard traps, and helicopters landing on top of the traps. Thanks to meticulous preparation and fortunately the support from the Coast Guard, I was able to shoot safely. After the first and last joint surgery in the 15th episode of 'Team Stone Wall', Sabu Kim said, 'It was a really perfect team', and tears welled up in my eyes. The sight of the 1st disciple Dong-ju, the 2nd disciple Woo-jin and Eun-jae, the new student Seon-ung (Lee Hong-nae), and Eun-tak and Do-il teacher (Byeon Woo-min) who have been together in the history of stone walls all along were impressive in itself.
Q. I know that Doldamz' acting and teamwork are outstanding. Are there any scenes with actors' ideas?
A. It is not an exaggeration to say that the actors' ideas are melted into every scene. There were a lot of crowd scenes especially in the emergency room and trauma center, but it was a difficult scene where everyone had to move and coordinate their lines and actions. However, Doldamz always came up with ideas and communicated in search of the most natural movement and tempo. No matter which corner of the screen is enlarged, you will be able to see that all the characters' expressions and movements are vividly alive.
Q. Can you tell us about your impressions of completing season 3 and the possibility of season 4?
A. After the last filming, I looked around the Doldam Hospital set where everyone had left, and I stood there for a long time with indescribable emotions. It's like leaving the house where you once lived. I am a very lucky director. I gave my best to the drama 'Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim', but this drama gave me something much bigger than that. I met such a good script, and I was with such good actors in their heyday. I learned the happiness of the process of making it together. Above all, we are grateful that viewers sympathize with our story.
Regarding season 4, it is not easy to guarantee the possibility of the next season since it is not originally planned as a season-based drama. It is a matter to think about what kind of story can be told after the trauma center and whether all the actors can gather like a miracle once again, so I hope you will keep an eye on it. Thanks again to the viewers.
Reporter Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia kkk39@tenasia.co.kr
