[Interview②] Director Jo Jung-rae Reveals Next Work "Hokkaido Indigenous People 'Ainu'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Jo Jung-rae revealed that he is preparing his next work titled "Ainu" (working title).

On the 24th, Director Jo Jung-rae shared various stories about the film "Sorikkun" during an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"Sorikkun" is a musical film set in the Joseon Dynasty, portraying the sorrow and humor of the low-class sorikkun (traditional Korean singers) through the beautiful landscapes of the eight provinces of Joseon and the beautiful melodies of folk music. It reinterprets traditional Korean music and newly arranges it using a modern music system. It is the new work of Director Jo Jung-rae, who directed "The Attorney" (2016). Renowned gugak master Lee Bong-geun plays the protagonist Hak-gyu, and Lee Yu-ri plays Hak-gyu's kidnapped wife, Gatnan. Kim Dong-wan plays a character who, although dressed as a nobleman, is penniless and sets out to find his wife, traveling the eight provinces with Hak-gyu.

In 2016, Director Jo Jung-rae delivered a powerful message with "The Attorney," which revealed the truth about the Japanese military's sexual slavery. At that time, 3.58 million viewers empathized with its sincerity, achieving miraculous box office success. Four years later, through the musical film "Sorikkun," which centers on pansori, he fulfilled his 27-year dream of gugak.

On this day, Director Jo Jung-rae said, "After writing the 'Sorikkun' script and showing it to people around me, some said, 'Why do you live like this?' and 'Why are you so stubborn and obstinate?'" He laughed heartily, saying, "Maybe I lack ability."

He added, "I was passionate about our traditional music and fascinated by 'Seopyeonje,' so I really wanted to tell related stories. Honestly, I had no confidence. Who would readily invest in a pansori film? Thanks to the public's love for 'The Attorney' and their bold investment and trust, we have come this far. I am grateful," he said.

He continued, "The net production cost was about 5.7 billion won. It is a large amount for me but an average amount for general commercial film production. Historical dramas inevitably have higher production costs. It was a risky figure. We put all our strength into filming diligently," he said.

Director Jo Jung-rae hinted that he has a next project in mind. He said, "I have been preparing 'Ainu,' which deals with the story of the Ainu, the indigenous people believed to be the original inhabitants of Hokkaido, for a long time. I want to tell the world about the records that Japan massacred millions, including the Ainu, forced Korean laborers, and Chinese, during the colonization of Hokkaido," he said.

"Sorikkun" will be released on July 1.