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Director Yeon Sang-ho said, “The success of Yeonniverse is always a burden, and I think it’s not long before I retire.”
Director Yeon Sang-ho met with Ten Asia at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th and told various stories about the Netflix original series 'Seonsan'.
'Seonsan' is a work that depicts the story of a series of ominous events that occur when a person inherits a mountain left behind after the death of his uncle, whom he had forgotten even existed, and secrets related to it are revealed. Director Yeon Sang-ho participated in the planning and script, and director Min Hong-nam, who worked with director Yeon Sang-ho as an assistant director for 'Train to Busan', 'Telekinesis', and 'Peninsula', took charge of directing and writing.
Director Yeon Sang-ho, who worked with Kim Hyun-joo in succession from 'Hell', 'Jeongi', and 'Seonsan'. He said, "I did four works, including the unreleased works with actor Kim Hyun-joo. Due to the timing of the release, it seemed like I was doing them in succession, but 'Seonsan' is not a work I directed. I think it's because of the time of release." “At that time, I personally had the feeling that I saw a different side of Kim Hyun-joo. I was surprised to see a different side of her that was different from how she acted when she was very young, different from her righteous image, and a different side that sometimes revealed her desires.”
Director Yeon Sang-ho recalled his first collaboration with Kim Hyun-joo in 'Hell' and said, "I needed an image that wouldn't go through the twists and turns of the character Jin-soo Jeong (played by Yoo Ah-in), and I was worried about whether there would be an actor who would be suitable for the action scenes in the latter half of the film. “The actor came to mind. The credibility he showed to the public had an impact,” he said.
Wouldn't the combination of director Yeon Sang-ho, Kim Hyun-joo, and Ryu Kyung-soo seem familiar? When asked if he was worried about déjà vu, Yeon Sang-ho said, "I didn't expect that part. I thought the work 'Parasite: The Gray' would come out sooner. That work finished filming first. Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo appear in 'Parasite: The Gray.' “I think you might feel differently when you see it,” he said.
He continued, "I am working with the cinematographer, whom I first met on 'Telekinesis', on 'Hell', 'Parasite', and 'Hell 2' in succession. When we become close friends, there is something enjoyable about being on set. There is a camaraderie, and the actor I worked with “When we meet, there is such camaraderie,” he added.
As Yeonniverse continues, is there any pressure about box office success? Director Yeon Sang-ho said, "It's always there. Video work requires investment. I always work with the thought that there is not much time left before I can automatically retire regardless of my will." He added, "I can't work with that fear alone." "I can't do it. If I work only with fear, I feel like I can't move," he said.
“I once did an interview when I was a young chick. When asked what kind of director I wanted to be, I said, ‘If I get the right amount of respect and the right amount of ridicule, I want to become a director who works for a long time.’ It seems like that’s exactly what’s happening. (Laughs) "
Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
