‘Killers’ Shopping Mall’ Kim Hye-jun, “I received a lot of help from Lee Dong-wook to help me feel the character’s bond.”

Actor Kim Hye-jun of Disney+'s original series 'Killers' Shopping Mall' played the role of Jeong Ji-an, the nephew who became the target of killers after his uncle passed away.

‘Killers’ Shopping Mall’ is a stylish new wave action film about the survival story of nephew Jian, who becomes the target of suspicious killers due to the dangerous legacy left behind by his uncle Jinman. It is based on the novel ‘Murderer’s Shopping Mall’ by author Jiyoung Kang.

Actor Kim Hye-jun, who has appeared in the 'Kingdom' series, 'Gugyeong', 'Sinkhole', and 'Minor', is expected to show a variety of appearances, from a fresh college student to confronting suspicious intruders with fierce eyes. Kim Hye-jun plays the role of Ji-an, a confident college student who was raised by his uncle Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook). He portrayed a unique and powerful character who grew up receiving survival training from his uncle.

Kim Hye-jun said, "The story unfolded quickly, going back and forth between the past and the present, and what happened during the day in a single day. It was very interesting. I found the growth process fascinating. There was anxiety and fear, but I focused on the strength to overcome it." He said. Regarding actor Lee Dong-wook, who played the role of uncle, Kim Hye-jun said, "He was really like Jin-man. 'Doesn't he really think of me as his nephew?' He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Even though he grumbled like a tsundere to the point where I wanted to, he really cared for me. He gave me a lot of suggestions and ideas like, 'Let's try something like this.' I received a lot of help in helping me feel the bond between the characters."

Kim Hye-jun, who said that this was the first time he learned action properly, said, "I went to action school consistently for four months before filming and also received one-point lessons from the director at a Muay Thai gym. It was really not easy to fight an opponent two or three times my size. It was fierce and I had to fight with all my might. “I remember fighting with all my might,” he emphasized.

Martial arts director Jeon Jae-hyung, who has been with the training process, praised, "(Kim Hye-jun) was Jian herself. As she received training and immersed herself in the character, I saw a complete change. It was like (Jian's) growth." Director Lee Kwon, who was in charge of directing, also said, "He is an actor who always stimulates curiosity." He added, "When I see the look in his eyes when he acts, I am always confident. In a good way, I think, 'He is a strong actor.'"

‘Killers’ Shopping Mall’ will be released exclusively through Disney+ on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Reporter Ha-neul Lee, Ten Asia greenworld@tenasia.co.kr