[Interview①] "Weight Loss and Transformation = Destiny" Kim Mu-yeol Reveals Thriller, Song Ji-hyo, and the 'Kkang' Craze (feat. Rain)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Kim Mu-yeol has once again earned the title of thriller master with 'Intruder.' He shared various stories, from his wife Yoon Seung-ah's YouTube appearances to the popularity of his Anyang Arts High School classmate Rain (Jung Ji-hoon).

On the morning of the 1st, Kim Mu-yeol spoke about the film during an interview held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the movie 'Intruder' (directed by Son Won-pyung).

'Intruder' is a mystery thriller about a family whose missing younger sibling Yoo-jin returns home after 25 years, causing the family to gradually change. The older brother Seo-jin, suspicious of these changes, pursues the secret of his sibling and faces a shocking truth.

On this day, Kim Mu-yeol revealed his reason for starring in the film: “Director Son Won-pyung gave me a copy of his novel 'Almond' at our first meeting. After reading the novel, I watched his directed film 'A Man Who Feels No Affection.' I was impressed and chose the project.”

He added, “'Almond' was easy to read. Although it’s a full-length novel, I could finish it in a short time, and events kept unfolding one after another, so shocking that I wanted to read it again. It had a good pace and attractive characters. I expected the director’s world to be clear.”

Regarding working with director Son Won-pyung, Kim Mu-yeol said, “He gave detailed acting direction. We had deep conversations about the characters. He caught parts that I might have missed. Overall, he had a good grasp of the mood and tone, so just fitting into that was both enjoyable and challenging. Being a writer himself, his worldview was very well established.”

Kim Mu-yeol especially expressed strong trust in the 'Intruder' screenplay. He said, “I liked the hysterical feeling after reading the script. I hoped that if the thriller and suspense were not used mechanically but the atmosphere was well maintained, a unique film would come out.”

At the end of the film, there is a depiction related to religious issues, which reminds one of recent social controversies. Kim Mu-yeol confessed, “Honestly, I was most worried about the part dealing with religion. The suspense starts to break down there, and the religious theme is strong. I was concerned that this strength might cause resistance among the audience.” He continued, “I worried it might be too much of a cinematic setting. But recently, similar things have happened in real life. We live in a world more cinematic than movies. I thought it was okay to create a story with more absurd imagination than I initially thought.”

Kim Mu-yeol plays Seo-jin, the older brother who has been waiting for his younger sibling who disappeared 25 years ago to return but treats him as a stranger after their reunion. Song Ji-hyo plays Yoo-jin, the younger sibling with a kind and gentle personality but sometimes chilling and eerie expressions that send shivers down the audience’s spine.

Previously, Song Ji-hyo described Kim Mu-yeol as a ‘thriller master.’ Regarding this, Kim Mu-yeol laughed, “It feels like showing off in front of a pupa. I’ve never called myself a ‘thriller master,’ but it just happened.” He added, “Seo-jin is the narrator in this film, so the audience focuses on his perspective. That was actually a big burden. I got a lot of help from Song Ji-hyo. She’s easygoing and nice, so we could focus on the work without worrying about anything else. She’s really kind. She made me comfortable as a co-actor, so I could just focus on acting. When the camera rolled, her gaze was so intense it surprised me.”

About the intense action scenes, Kim Mu-yeol said, “Song Ji-hyo told me to feel comfortable. She’s famously clumsy but does action very well. Reacting is difficult, but she received it well. When acting, you can tell right away she’s a really good actress. I realized it after acting with her once. She gave strong reactions, which made the scenes feel real. I was surprised to see the Y-shaped veins on her forehead standing out. She acted so well that I think I actually received help from her.”

Regarding his frequent appearances in YouTube videos run by his wife Yoon Seung-ah, Kim Mu-yeol said, “I don’t dislike it. People seem to like it. But I don’t think I can do it like Rain.” He laughed and added, “I didn’t consciously decide to appear. I do read the comments. Sometimes film staff ask if they watch it. Maybe because I talked about it on the variety show ‘Knowing Bros.’ People around me keep bringing it up, so I said, ‘It’s been 10 years since that happened.’ I don’t know how long it will last. Maybe forever,” he laughed.

About being classmates with singer Rain (Jung Ji-hoon), Kim Mu-yeol said, “I don’t think I can do it like Rain. He seemed more excited than enjoying it. (laughs) Since we’re friends, I can say this. I saw his stage when he released ‘Gang.’ But I never thought it would become a culture over time. ‘Gang’ became a hot topic and a syndrome. He’s truly a world star.”

On this day, Kim Mu-yeol appeared at the interview site with his hair cut short. He said, “I’m currently filming ‘Confidential Assignment.’ I cut my hair for the character. I’m not a soldier, but people say I look like a soldier on leave,” he laughed. He continued, “We are filming cautiously while following quarantine rules, and we try to shoot in places with few people. When filming in residential areas, we are especially careful. Fortunately, there have been no accidents.”

Kim Mu-yeol, who also gained weight for the role, said, “There were many things to be mindful of, so I ended up dieting naturally. I feel like I’m forgetting what my original self looks like. When I watched the film at the press screening, I was so thin I was surprised. Who was I? I feel like I’m forgetting.” He added, “Compared to ‘Intruder,’ I gained 10kg. This is my job, so I accept it and do it. I think this is how an actor’s career develops.”

‘Intruder’ will be released on June 4.

Photo = Ace Maker Movie Works