[Interview②] 'Call' Jeon Jong-seo "Prepared by Listening to All Seo Taiji Albums, Got Inspired"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actress Jeon Jong-seo revealed that she created her character while listening to songs by Seo Taiji and Boys.

Jeon Jong-seo shared various stories during an online video interview on the morning of the 30th for the Netflix film "Call" (directed by Lee Chung-hyun).

"Call" is a mystery thriller depicting a mad obsession that begins when two women from different time periods connected by a single phone call change each other's fate. Set between the past of 1999 and the present of 2019, the intense confrontation between Seoyeon (Park Shin-hye) and Youngsook (Jeon Jong-seo), connected solely through the phone across a 20-year time gap, unfolds.

On this day, Jeon Jong-seo recalled, "The gap between past and present progressed with a sense of speed. While reading the script, I felt a vivid sensation as if watching a movie."

Jeon Jong-seo cited the script and director Lee Chung-hyun as reasons for starring in "Call." She said, "A few years ago, I was surprised after watching director Lee's short film 'Bodyguard,' and when I heard he was directing 'Call,' I decided to join."

In the film, Jeon Jong-seo portrays Youngsook, who goes on a rampage after learning about her future, showing a mad side. She plays a character with duality, from a pure girl who loves Seo Taiji in 1999 to a ticking time bomb who could change at any moment.

When asked if she referred to any works or characters, Jeon Jong-seo answered, "No," adding, "During filming, I watched a lot of singer Billie Eilish's songs and music videos."

She continued, "I found many answers in Seoyeon's (Park Shin-hye) words and situations," and said, "I thought a lot about Youngsook based on Seo Taiji's songs and music videos."

Jeon Jong-seo said, "I did not personally experience the Seo Taiji craze at the time, but I encountered it through online videos and felt a lot. I wondered what it would have been like if I were actually in that situation. I could feel why many people were enthusiastic about Seo Taiji and the intense passion through it."

She added, "I prepared by listening to Seo Taiji's songs from start to finish, all albums. I liked the stories that are not found in today's songs. It felt like a single work containing emotion and story, and I was greatly inspired. My heart pounded while listening."

Jeon Jong-seo also said, "I listened a lot to 'Ultramaniya,' which is included in 'Call.' The creepily intertwined lyrics were impressive. When Youngsook and the song's lyrics are intertwined, there is a creepy feeling."

Regarding Youngsook's appearance 20 years later, Jeon Jong-seo said, "I was curious about how Youngsook would have changed 20 years later. I imagined her still alone in a small room. I inferred the character based on her clothes, the cigarette in her hand, hairstyle, and the scar on her neck."

"Call" was released on Netflix on the 27th.

Photo = Netflix