Director Kim Chul-kyu Unveils the Visual Secrets Behind tvN's 'Siren'

'Siren' captivates viewers with its unique and artistic direction.

tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Siren' is making waves with its aesthetic direction, meaningful mise-en-scène, striking visuals, and a captivating OST. Among these, the directing techniques have received high praise, with director Kim Chul-kyu revealing hidden elements in 'Siren' that pique curiosity for the next episode.

Director Kim Chul-kyu stated that he aimed to create a work filled with "innovative settings, unpredictable developments, and distinctive mise-en-scène." He emphasized "suspicion, secrets, and allure" as the main directing points, explaining that he chose large LED screens and beam projectors to visually portray the captivating image of Han Seol-ah (played by Park Min-young), a character who is both a suspect and irresistibly charming.

Whenever Han Seol-ah appears on screen, the LED screen behind her displays captivating visuals. Director Kim explained, "By projecting impressive and striking visuals on the large LED screen behind Han Seol-ah, we aimed to highlight her ethereal beauty and evoke curiosity about her through the intense light of the beam projector."

To enhance the mysterious and unique atmosphere of 'Siren,' including its romantic and unexpected elements, the production utilized anamorphic lenses, a rare item with only one set available in Asia. Director Kim expressed satisfaction, stating, "These lenses were widely used in 1980s Hollywood blockbusters, but it's the first time they're being used in Korea. They excel at conveying a vintage and romantic feel, enriching the overall atmosphere of the drama."

The director also mentioned extensive discussions with the cast about tone, expressions, and subtle actions before filming. "The characters in 'Siren' each harbor their own secrets and stories, so we had to carefully consider how much emotion to reveal in each scene. Over-expressing emotions or failing to control the intensity could inadvertently disclose too much information, reducing tension," he explained.

Among the various scenes completed through the collective effort of the cast and crew, Director Kim's favorite is the first encounter between Han Seol-ah and Cha Woo-seok. "When Cha Woo-seok, who resides in the realm of reality, meets Han Seol-ah, he steps into an unreal space, marking the beginning of their fatal, precarious, and sweet romance. We've hidden various devices and symbols within the scene," he said, sparking curiosity.

Director Kim has hidden numerous devices throughout episodes 1 to 4 and highlights "discovering the hidden meanings within the drama" as a key viewing point. He added, "As more deaths occur, Han Seol-ah's collection of bird sculptures grows, and we've placed various devices in the art, costumes, and props for viewers to discover and enjoy," making the anticipation for the next episode of 'Siren' even greater.

'Siren' airs its 5th episode on Monday, the 16th, at 8:50 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr