Director Kim Won-seok explained the background of casting IU and Park Bo-gum as the main characters 'Ae-soon' and 'Gwan-sik', along with Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon, during the production presentation of the Netflix original series 'Bokssak Sogassuda' (written by Im Sang-chun, directed by Kim Won-seok) held on the morning of the 5th at the Conrad Seoul Hotel Grand Ballroom in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
Anticipation is high for 'Bokssak Sogassuda', a collaboration between writer Im Sang-chun, known for dramas like 'When the Camellia Blooms' and 'Fight for My Way', and director Kim Won-seok, famous for 'Misaeng', 'Signal', and 'My Mister'. The series tells the adventurous life story of 'Ae-soon', a 'charming rebel' born in Jeju, and 'Gwan-sik', a 'clumsy but kind-hearted' character, unfolding through the four seasons. Although they grew up together in Jeju, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik are completely different in every way. The story spans their innocent teenage years, unpredictable young adulthood, and the challenges of middle age, covering their tumultuous 70-year lives from 1960s Jeju to 2025 Seoul. IU and Park Bo-gum will portray the young Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, while Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon will take on the roles of the middle-aged versions.
Director Kim Won-seok first discussed why he cast IU as 'Ae-soon'. He stated, "The script by Im Sang-chun requires exceptional acting skills. Ae-soon needs to display a range of emotions―from being charming and playful to crying deeply at times, requiring detailed performances. I couldn't think of any other actress who embodies Ae-soon's charming image." The term 'charming' in Jeju dialect means 'smart' or 'clever'.
He continued, "After casting IU, I chose Moon So-ri for the older version of the character, as she is also an incredibly talented actress."
Director Kim emphasized, "Both of them give off a 'literary girl' vibe. They both love books," explaining that IU and Moon So-ri were perfect for the role of Ae-soon, who dreams of being a 'literary girl'. He added, "I couldn't think of any other options."
Regarding the casting of 'Gwan-sik', he mentioned, "While acting skills are important, I believe it's even more crucial for the actor to be genuinely kind. To portray Gwan-sik's kindness, the actor's real-life kindness is essential."
Having worked with Park Hae-joon on 'Misaeng' and 'My Mister', Director Kim praised him, saying, "He is the kindest actor I've worked with. Even his dry jokes are forgivable because of his kindness."
As for Park Bo-gum, he noted, "I've heard so many rumors about his kindness. I thought that if he could show a side of himself that he hasn't revealed before in this role, it would create a powerful Gwan-sik. Combining Gwan-sik's kindness and steadfastness with the sensitivity that only Bo-gum possesses would be ideal. That's why I decided to cast him."
The life story of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik in 'Bokssak Sogassuda' is divided into four acts, each consisting of four episodes, to be released over four weeks, covering spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The first four episodes of 'Bokssak Sogassuda' will be available on Netflix starting on the 7th (Friday).
[Photo by Baik Seung-Chul]
Kang Sun-ae can be reached at sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)