[Interview②] Lee Jung-hyun "Thanks to Director Park Chan-wook's Acting Advice, I Found Confidence"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Actress Lee Jung-hyun expressed her gratitude by naming director Park Chan-wook as the driving force that allows her to continue acting.

On the morning of the 16th, at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, she shared various stories about the film ahead of the release of the movie "Peninsula" (directed by Yeon Sang-ho) in an interview.

"Peninsula" is an action blockbuster film depicting the final battle of those left on the ruined land four years after "Train to Busan." It stars Kang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Min-jae, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Do-yoon, Lee Re, and Lee Ye-won.

Following "Seoul Station" and "Train to Busan," "Peninsula" expands director Yeon Sang-ho's universe and has attracted global attention early on. "Train to Busan" was invited to the Midnight Screening at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in 2016 and was recognized as the bible of K-zombie films. It attracted 11.56 million viewers domestically and achieved worldwide box office revenue of $140 million. Subsequently, "Peninsula" was officially selected for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first series film to be consecutively invited to Cannes.

"Peninsula" broadens its setting from a moving train to the heart of a ruined city, showcasing a larger scale and overwhelming visuals. It is the first post-apocalyptic universe film set in South Korea. Four years after the disaster, the number of zombies has become uncontrollable, and their senses have developed further. The zombies' appearances have changed over time, and their movements have become faster. The film portrays survivors who endured an unprecedented disaster and the post-apocalyptic world from Incheon Port to Seoul.

Regarding the news of the film's confirmed worldwide release, which garnered great interest, Lee Jung-hyun said, "Singapore also reopened theaters starting with 'Peninsula,' and many viewers came. Filmmakers worldwide are having a hard time. I'm glad it can be a little source of strength." She added, "I hope everyone wears masks and watches safely."

In "Peninsula," Lee Jung-hyun plays Min-jung, a survivor turned wild dog on the ruined land. Min-jung spares no effort to protect her family from zombie and 631st unit attacks. She risks her life to seize the last chance to escape the peninsula. Through this film, she takes on her first action blockbuster challenge.

On the day, Lee Jung-hyun said, "I had to get used to handling guns, so I carried a gun around on set. I learned how to shoot from the martial arts director, and since it had to look natural, I stayed with it throughout filming."

Lee Jung-hyun gained significant attention for her bold performance in the 1996 film "The Flower Petal." She continued her strong presence in films such as "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014), which attracted 17 million viewers, "Alice in Earnestland" (2015), and "The Battleship Island" (2017). In fact, she was also active as a popular singer, recently being mentioned again in online "Topgol Park" and other places. She said, "I was amazed and grateful to see young fans joining the fan club. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I just want to do my best with the given tasks." She laughed, saying, "The mother of Ye-won, who appeared as my daughter, is two years younger than me but was my fan. On the wrap party day of 'Peninsula,' Lee Re and Ye-won practiced 'Jullae' and performed. It was cute."

Earlier, ahead of the film's release, Lee Jung-hyun appeared as a master on SBS variety show "Master in the House," where she gained attention by passionately singing "Wa." Notably, film director Park Chan-wook appeared as a hint fairy and introduced her as "Korea's Lady Gaga," helping the members guess. She said, "I personally called and asked him to be the hint fairy, and he gladly agreed, so I am thankful." She added, "I like and am honored by the nickname 'Korea's Lady Gaga' given by director Park. I'm actually a fan of Gaga, so I'm happy."

Lee Jung-hyun showed strong passion for acting and expressed a thirst for various genres and characters. She began, "I still receive scripts for somewhat strong characters, but I want to try works in various genres."

She continued, "I really love movies. After 'The Flower Petal,' I thought I would act in many films, but that was not the case. At that time, my age was awkward, and I was not fully grown, so the roles I could take were limited. Even while challenging myself as a singer, I hoped to do various acting later. However, after my music activities, stronger roles came in. I was even offered roles in horror films, including ghosts. Although I filmed dramas in China and Japan, when I felt a thirst for domestic works, I met director Park Chan-wook. He advised me to keep acting and later offered me a role in 'The Handmaiden.' I am truly grateful to him. Thanks to him, I found confidence," she said.

Expressing gratitude toward director Park Chan-wook, Lee Jung-hyun said, "'The Flower Petal' was something I felt I could never do again. Director Park praised me and sent me a DVD version through the Korean Film Archive. He told me it was an important work for me and instilled confidence. Honestly, I had given up a lot. I had no confidence, but his advice was a great help," she shared.

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