Director Kang Yoon-sung Unveils New Disney+ Project 'Fine: Country Bumpkins' with Star-Studded Cast

Director Kang Yoon-sung is set to release another project on Disney+ following the success of 'Casino.' The new series, titled 'Fine: Country Bumpkins' (hereafter 'Fine'), features actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Im Soo-jung as they embark on a quest to find treasure lost off the coast of Sinan.

On November 21, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific (APAC) hosted the 'Disney Content Showcase 2024' at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The event offered a sneak peek at upcoming theatrical releases and streaming content for 2025-2026, featuring top global stars from the U.S. and APAC regions.

On the second day of the event, Disney unveiled its lineup of original content from Korea and Japan under Disney General Entertainment. A press conference for 'Fine' was held in the afternoon, attended by Director Kang Yoon-sung and actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Im Soo-jung.

Based on the webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho, 'Fine' tells the story of a treasure ship buried off the coast of Sinan and the greedy villagers who strive to uncover it. Director Kang Yoon-sung stated, "Multiple characters assert themselves simultaneously, moving as if alive within the story. The actors have put in a lot of effort to express this, and I didn't want to miss any of these moments in the direction. I wanted to capture each character's lively moments on film. It was a joy to shoot."

Yang Se-jong shared, "I discussed a lot with the director and reviewed the script extensively. Since there isn't much information about the 1970s, I also referred to YouTube." Im Soo-jung added, "The director paid attention to depicting Korean society in the 1970s. We tried to incorporate the era's background into various elements like art and costumes." She continued, "The character I play, Yang Jeong-sook, is glamorous, money-savvy, and loves wealth. To portray her outward appearance, I worked closely with the costume, makeup, and hair teams."

The actors shared behind-the-scenes stories from the enjoyable shoot. Ryu Seung-ryong recalled, "It's a story about finding treasure in the tidal flats off Sinan. The Sinan tidal flats are a unique location, listed as a UNESCO site. It was fun for the actors to go there and bring the scenes to life."

Im Soo-jung noted, "The actors immersed themselves in their diverse and charming characters, delivering excellent performances. As an actor in this project, I also enjoyed watching other actors portray their characters." Playing an ambitious character, Im Soo-jung said, "This role was very different from any I've played before. It was a new challenge for me. Yang Jeong-sook is the young wife of Chairman Cheon, who appears to support him but harbors immense ambition behind the scenes. She acts meticulously and strategically, eventually funding the treasure excavation led by Oh Kwan-seok (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and forming a subtle relationship with Oh Hee-dong (played by Yang Se-jong). This role was a new challenge and joy for me. Living as Yang Jeong-sook brought me great pleasure."

Director Kang commented, "The excavation takes place underwater. The production team and actors worked hard, and I think these scenes will feel fresh to viewers."

Director Kang previously achieved success with Disney+'s 'Casino.' His collaboration with Ryu Seung-ryong began through Facebook Messenger.

Ryu Seung-ryong shared, "While filming 'Moving,' I enjoyed watching 'Casino.' I didn't have the director's contact, so I messaged him on Facebook Messenger, saying, 'I hope to work with you someday.' The response was 'Fine.'" He humorously added, "I'm fine," eliciting laughter.

Director Kang said, "After 'Casino,' I met with Ryu Seung-ryong. It was a time when 'Moving' was also doing well. Working on the same project for Disney+ felt like destiny." He continued, "During 'Casino,' Disney+ gave us a lot of creative freedom. They didn't interfere much in the production process and allowed creators a lot of leeway. I appreciate and value that."

When asked about the driving force behind his creativity, Director Kang replied, "The most important thing when creating a work is to craft a story that the audience and viewers will be curious about. The story is the most crucial aspect, and it should feel fresh." Ryu Seung-ryong emphasized, "Yesterday, a Disney representative also spoke about the importance of storytelling. 'Moving,' 'Fine,' and other Korean works have rich stories."

The project also features Jung Yun-ho (U-Know Yunho) from the group TVXQ. Director Kang said, "I met him through an acquaintance. I had doubts about his ability, but during the project, I witnessed Jung Yun-ho's tremendous growth as an actor. I am confident that many viewers will recognize him as a true actor, not just a singer from TVXQ."

Director Kang admitted, "There was a lot of pressure in creating this project after the success of 'Casino.' My debut work was 'The Outlaws,' but the next project didn't do well. I felt a sense of reality and worked with the mindset of always being serious and doing my best." Ryu Seung-ryong added, "Like the director, I always have healthy expectations and tension for every project. I approach each one with the mindset of working hard without regrets, regardless of its success or failure."

Ryu Seung-ryong hinted, "While 'Moving' involved a lot of physical action, 'Fine' is filled with unpredictable strategies and tactics. You can look forward to it." Director Kang concluded, "Set in the 1970s, the story revolves around excavation. The 1970s was a time when the world, not just our country, wasn't affluent. It was a time when fathers, breadwinners, and parents dedicated themselves to their children. I believe this aspect will resonate with audiences worldwide."

During the two-day 'Disney Content Showcase 2024,' Disney introduced upcoming theatrical releases and streaming content for 2025 and beyond. The event featured previews and exclusive footage from Disney Creative Studio's projects, along with new Korean and Japanese content. Top global stars from the U.S. and APAC regions attended, with over 500 journalists and partners from 12 APAC countries, including Korea, present.

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