[CinemaY] 'HI-FIVE': Lee Jae-in Shines as a Korean Heroine, Unleashing the Power of a Taekwondo Girl

Actress Lee Jae-in has successfully transitioned from child actor to leading lady in commercial cinema, showcasing her dynamic presence.

In the upcoming movie 'HI-FIVE', set to premiere on May 30th, Lee Jae-in plays 'Wan-seo', one of the five heroic characters, taking center stage with her performance.

'HI-FIVE' is a comedic action film about five individuals who, after undergoing organ transplants, accidentally acquire unique superpowers. They find themselves up against those who seek to exploit their abilities. Alongside Lee Jae-in, actors Ahn Jae Hong, Yoo Ah-in, Ra Miran, and Kim Hie-won form an ensemble cast, each portraying one of the superpowered characters.

While not the sole lead, Lee Jae-in's role is pivotal to the narrative, earning her top billing. This marks her first major lead role in a film.

The intriguing premise of individuals gaining superpowers through organ transplants makes 'HI-FIVE' a character-driven movie. The distinct personalities and charms of the five heroes are crucial, highlighting the importance of the actors' performances.

Lee Jae-in's character, Wan-seo, gains incredible strength and speed after receiving a heart transplant. If compared to an 'Avengers' character, she might remind you of Quicksilver. Influenced by her father Jong-min (played by Oh Jung-se), who runs a taekwondo dojo, she embodies the 'Taekwondo Girl', complete with fitting action sequences.

To prepare for the dynamic action scenes spanning from the beginning to the end of the movie, Lee Jae-in reportedly attended action school for an extended period. She mentioned, "Action is a crucial part of our movie. I had to prepare extensively to deliver impressive action scenes. I focused on building my foundational strength and meticulously learned taekwondo, considering my background as a taekwondo athlete."

Equally important was character design. Lee Jae-in crafted a heroine who, while showcasing the energy and emotions of a teenager, remains grounded in reality. The film explores her relationship with her overprotective father Jong-min, and her friendships and bonds with the other four superpowered characters, offering audiences a dose of positive energy.

Having debuted in the 2012 tvN drama 'Yellow Scarves', Lee Jae-in has now been in the industry for 13 years. Now 21, she has crossed into adulthood. Noted for her compelling performance in 'Svaha: The Sixth Finger' (2019), Lee Jae-in has consistently demonstrated her versatility in films like 'Midnight Runners' and dramas such as JTBC's 'Beautiful World' and SBS's 'Racket Boys'.

However, it's true that her breakout role in 'Svaha' left her with a somewhat dark image. With 'HI-FIVE', Lee Jae-in presents a performance that aligns with her age, turning a new page in her career.

With a budget of 20 billion won, 'HI-FIVE' is a major release from the distributor NEW, marking the start of this summer's cinematic offerings. Despite completing filming in 2021, the movie's release was delayed for four years due to a drug scandal involving one of the lead actors.

Concerns over the film being perceived as outdated were dispelled at a press screening on the 26th. Directed by Kang Hyung-chul, known for his unique B-movie sensibility and retro music choices, 'HI-FIVE' emerged as a distinctly Korean superhero movie. Its blend of action and comedy, along with an overall sense of vitality, was particularly noteworthy. However, when compared to Hollywood superhero movies with their massive scale and sleek CGI, some might find it lacking.

'HI-FIVE' is set to premiere on May 30th.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)