At the production presentation of SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Our Movie' (written by Han Ga-eun and Kang Kyung-min, directed by Lee Jung-heum) held at CGV in Yongsan I'Park Mall, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th, director Lee Jung-heum, along with actors Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo-been, Lee Sul, and Seo Hyun-woo, asked for viewers' anticipation for their new drama.
'Our Movie' tells the urgent love story of a film director, Lee Je-ha (played by Namkoong Min), who has no future projects, and an actress, Lee Da-eum (played by Jeon Yeo-been), who believes today could be her last. Director Lee Jung-heum described, "'Our Movie' is a drama without grandiose adjectives or flowery language. It focuses on the characters' emotions, offering a genuine melodrama about love and separation that lingers in your mind."
Director Lee Jung-heum and Namkoong Min previously collaborated in the 2017 SBS drama 'Falsify'.
Director Lee started, "‘Falsify’ was my feature debut, and it was also when Namkoong Min was just starting as the lead actor. We shared a camaraderie back then and had fond memories." He added jokingly, "Meeting again after 8 years, Namkoong Min has become a superstar, while I'm just a humble broadcaster. So, I was hoping to ride on his coattails a bit."
Namkoong Min shared, "I first met the director during 'Falsify', and I have great memories from that time. To put it simply, we were both fresh and pure, passionately learning about each other." He continued, "This project retains that innocence but also feels more seasoned. We shared stories, and I, as an actor, listened well to the director, and we filmed together." Praising Director Lee, he added, "You'll see when you watch it, but he directed brilliantly."
Director Lee Jung-heum is venturing into melodrama for the first time with 'Our Movie'. He explained, "Melodrama ultimately hinges on emotional aspects, so we focused on delivering the actors' performances accurately to the audience. Unlike my previous dramas, which had a lot of camera movement, this time we aimed to shoot honestly, focusing on the actors' expressive faces."
Namkoong Min revealed, "Initially, I declined the offer to participate in this project." Director Lee then explained, "When the production company first approached Namkoong Min with the script, he refused. So, I personally called him, suggesting, 'Have you seen the revised script? Take a look at the revision, and there's no pressure to accept.' After seeing the revised script, he agreed to join in just two days." He detailed the casting process of Namkoong Min.
Namkoong Min expressed his amazement, "It was surprising. I wondered how the changes made it more interesting. Clearly, with Director Lee at the helm, even the script improved." He showed strong trust in the director, adding, "The final script wasn't your typical melodrama. It was filled with sophistication and a modern vibe. That drew me in. I always trust my instincts when choosing projects, and this one was incredibly appealing and fun."
Namkoong Min's character, Lee Je-ha, is a director who received much attention for his genius in his debut but hasn't released a new work in five years. He decides to remake his father's film for his next project and casts Lee Da-eum, an actress facing her life's end. Initially, their relationship starts as director and actress but deepens into profound love.
"I gave it my all, with no regrets," said Namkoong Min, who did not prepare anything special for the role of a film director. He explained, "I'm always observing directors, so there wasn't anything particular to prepare. On the first day of shooting, I came in acting like a real director, but the director told me, 'The male lead in a melodrama has to look good,' so I paid more attention to my appearance." He added, "Rather than preparing as a director, I prepared as a man in love."
Namkoong Min praised his co-star Jeon Yeo-been, emphasizing the importance of realistic and understated performances in melodrama. "I was truly surprised working with Jeon Yeo-been for the first time. She brought so much dedication and energy, marking a turning point in my drama career," he lauded. "Rather than acting, it felt like real love on set. This naturalness, not the tension from pushing the situation to its limits, but a delicate expression of emotions through great chemistry with my partner, is something I hope the audience will appreciate," he added.
Jeon Yeo-been expressed her admiration for Namkoong Min, "Didn't he win awards from all three major networks? It's no ordinary feat for an actor, and as a junior, I've always respected him." She also shared her curiosity about the relationship between Namkoong Min and Director Lee after 'Falsify'. "Reading the script for 'Our Movie', I could hear Namkoong Min's voice in the role of Lee Je-ha. I was curious and excited to see this character come to life through his portrayal," she explained her interest in the project.
On set, Jeon Yeo-been said, "My respect for him as a senior and as a person made it natural for me to develop feelings for Lee Je-ha. He treated me as an equal partner, encouraging me when I was confused or lacked confidence, without forcing anything. It felt like our emotions built up layer by layer naturally," sharing the positive synergy in their acting.
Jeon Yeo-been plays Lee Da-eum, an actress who, despite her terminal illness, strives tirelessly to achieve her dream of acting. She gets a chance to audition for Lee Je-ha's film, eventually landing her first leading role as she faces the end of her life.
Describing her character, Jeon Yeo-been said, "Da-eum is aware of her life's finiteness due to her genetic disease, making her live every moment with all her might, more than anyone else. She was a vividly alive character in the script. Trying to connect with her desperation to live made me reflect on my own life. Da-eum is like the sun, shining brightly during the day and leaving a beautiful glow even as it sets. I was curious about her and wanted to experience life as she does. Playing Da-eum made my heart healthier," she shared her affection for the character.
Lee Sul portrays Chae Seoyoung, a top star in the Korean film industry who rose to fame through Lee Je-ha's film five years ago. When she learns of Lee Je-ha's upcoming project, old feelings begin to stir.
Playing a top star, Lee Sul said, "This was my first time taking on a role where I could dress up. I've always played more modest characters, so getting to wear beautiful clothes and makeup was a delightful experience."
She also shared her learning experience working with Jeon Yeo-been, "I've always wanted to act with Yeo-bin, and the director made it happen. I was so happy to have many scenes with her. Every time we met on set, I felt there was so much to learn from her," expressing her love and appreciation.
Seo Hyun-woo plays Boo Seung-won, a film producer and a diligent maker who has debuted in commercial films with Lee Je-ha, producing a hit every year. Known as a hitmaker in the film industry, he finds charm and potential in the most ordinary items, leading to numerous box office successes.
Seo Hyun-woo mentioned, "I didn't add much to my character this time. I fully expressed my cheerful and pleasant sides," pinpointing his acting focus. Regarding his chemistry with Namkoong Min, he said, "It felt like meeting a master. Like a true expert, he seemed to read everything about me, making me strive to vary my performance. Looking back at the scenes we filmed, I realized how much I was still learning. Working with him this time, I gained a lot."
In a drama landscape filled with thrilling plots and sensational scenes, 'Our Movie' emerges as a traditional melodrama. It's a melodrama, yes, but not one to make you cry; rather, it's like a bowl of plain cold noodles, offering a refreshing charm and a 'sophisticated' feel, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the characters' emotions. Whether 'Our Movie' will capture the hearts of viewers remains to be seen.
Having delivered multiple hits on SBS, Namkoong Min confidently stated, "I've returned to SBS after 3 years. I'm confident. Please look forward to it." Jeon Yeo-been added, "Filming 'Our Movie', I pondered a lot about what happiness we should feel in life, what it means to live lovingly. Through this project, my heart became incredibly clear. I hope to convey to you all the happiness, love, and life I felt."
'Our Movie' will follow 'The Haunted Palace' and premiere on the 13th at 9:50 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)