[Exclusive] Song Kang-ho and Director Han Jae-rim Met at Cannes: "We Fulfilled Our Promise from 14 Years Ago" (Interview)

74th Cannes Film Festival On-site Coverage
Exclusive Interview with Song Kang-ho and Han Jae-rim

Song Kang-ho, Director Han Jae-rim / Photo by Showbox

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Jury member Song Kang-ho, whom we met in Cannes, said, "I can feel the global film industry's trust in Korean cinema." Perhaps that is why he looked happier than ever when we met him on site. Despite his face being half-tired from the grueling schedule, pride was evident in his bright expression. A sense of ease flowed through his entire body.

On the evening of the 16th at 10:15 PM (local time), Song Kang-ho walked the red carpet at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre for the premiere screening of the non-competitive section film "Emergency Declaration" at the 74th Cannes International Film Festival. Director Han Jae-rim visited Cannes for the first time in his life. Although he earned trust from domestic audiences through works like "The Elegant World" (2007) and "The Face Reader" (2013), this was his first invitation to Cannes.

On the official last night of Cannes Film Festival's official day, actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, and director Han Jae-rim splendidly adorned the red carpet side by side. When their red carpet appearance was displayed on the Lumi?re Theatre monitor, the audience stirred. Song Kang-ho carefully took care of director Han Jae-rim, who was showing his film at the Lumi?re Theatre for the first time. Throughout the walk toward the theater entrance, he looked at him warmly with encouraging eyes. It was impressive how he silently stood by his side, showering him with glory.

It was a special moment. Song Kang-ho said that walking the Cannes red carpet with Han Jae-rim was a particularly meaningful experience. For both of them, the event of donning tuxedos together and receiving the invitation to Cannes for "Emergency Declaration" was extraordinary.

Song Kang-ho and director Han Jae-rim met with our publication at a caf? in Cannes, the southern French city where the 74th Cannes Film Festival was held, sharing their impressions of coming to Cannes with "Emergency Declaration" and revealing untold behind-the-scenes stories. It was a moment when the solidarity of two people sharing the same dream of cinema and looking toward the same direction bore fruit.

That day, Song Kang-ho said, "I can feel the trust toward Korean films here in Cannes. The attention toward 'Emergency Declaration' is the same. There is trust in Korean cinema, but with excellent actors like Lee Byung-hun and Jeon Do-yeon, I expect more people will come to watch. Director Han Jae-rim is presenting his work at Cannes for the first time, so I think he will become even more famous," expressing his expectations.

Director Han Jae-rim, who was invited to Cannes for the first time, said, "I received a surprise gift. Every film director dreams of having their film screened at the Lumi?re Theatre. I dreamed of it too but did not expect it, so I am grateful to have been invited by luck. I think it is thanks to actors like Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Jeon Do-yeon, all of whom have been invited to Cannes. I am thankful for this great opportunity," he said.

Song Kang-ho shared an episode from his past Cannes Film Festival experience. He recalled, "When I came to Cannes with 'Miryang' (2007), a programmer told me that director Han Jae-rim's 'The Elegant World' (2007) was also a strong candidate but was excluded from the final selection. It meant that Han's work had been closely watched from his first film," he said. "As soon as I arrived at Incheon Airport after returning home, I immediately called director Han and told him, 'I heard this story,' and 'You should know that Cannes is paying close attention to you,'" he recalled.

Director Han Jae-rim said the moment he received the call from Song Kang-ho was as vivid as yesterday. He said, "That programmer said after watching 'The Purpose of Love' (2005), 'Why didn't you submit it to Cannes?' and invited me to a private film festival. At that time, 'The Elegant World' was disappointing in terms of box office, but after receiving the call from Song Kang-ho who returned from Cannes, I gained tremendous strength. He encouraged me, saying that although it didn't do well commercially, I shouldn't lose courage and should keep going. I have never forgotten that kindness," he said.

Fourteen years have passed since then. During that time, Song Kang-ho and director Han Jae-rim succeeded at the box office with "The Face Reader" (2013), which attracted 9.13 million viewers, and entered Cannes with their third collaboration, "Emergency Declaration." Their promise was fulfilled. Director Han recalled, "When I heard the news of the Cannes invitation, I called Song Kang-ho first. He was really happy and congratulated me," he said. "At that time, I had no idea he was serving as a jury member this year," he added.

Han said, "Later, I met him briefly, had a drink, and he told me, 'I feel reassured.' Since he has been to Cannes many times, he must be very familiar with it. Song Kang-ho took good care of me, who was new to Cannes, introduced me to many people, and shared various stories," he said.

Song Kang-ho and director Han Jae-rim said they sometimes clink glasses and share life stories. Han said, "I have directed five films since my debut, and three of them were with Song Kang-ho. He is the actor who has influenced me the most artistically," he said. "Through 'Emergency Declaration,' I also learned a lot from Lee Byung-hun and Jeon Do-yeon, but I learned a lot about the perspective and attitude toward filmmaking from Song Kang-ho," he expressed special affection. He added, "If he agrees in the future, I definitely want to work together again," he said.

Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon. Bringing together three leading actors who carry tremendous weight in Chungmuro (Korean film industry) in one film. When news of the start of filming was announced, people said, "Just by the casting, it will reach 10 million viewers." How was this dazzling casting achieved?

Director Han Jae-rim said, "I received the script 10 years ago but couldn't prepare immediately because I was directing 'The Face Reader.' Maybe because I have a severe fear of flying, 'Emergency Declaration' kept coming to mind. A few years ago, I co-produced it with a production company and prepared it. Just as we were about to cast and start filming, COVID-19 broke out," he said.

He continued, "Before writing the script, there was only the original work, so I asked Song Kang-ho if he was interested in this subject. He happened to have a free schedule during a certain period, so I said, 'I'll write the script for a month' and showed it to him. I thought no one else could play this role but Song Kang-ho. The story takes place within a single day and requires urgency. In that sense, I believed Song Kang-ho had to hold the center. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have made 'Emergency Declaration,'" he said.

Director Han added, "I gave the script to Lee Byung-hun hoping he would play Jae-hyuk, and luckily, he agreed. Then, feeling encouraged, I gave the script to Jeon Do-yeon. After watching 'The World of the Married,' I found Park Hae-joon attractive. I liked how he created an unconventional and unique atmosphere, so I definitely wanted to work with him," he said.

Regarding the casting of Im Si-wan as the mysterious passenger, he said, "Im Si-wan's gaze was good. The film needed that kind of gaze. I thought my intention would be accurately conveyed through him. I wanted to give an unknowable feeling," he said.

Earlier, director Han Jae-rim introduced in the English director's letter distributed to global journalists at Cannes Film Festival that "filming took place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and we are premiering this summer in Cannes," and explained that "Emergency Declaration" contains spoilers connected to the current situation the world is facing. We aim to provide the audience with minimal information to maximize the enjoyment and immersion in the story.

He also requested, "I would like to humbly ask everyone watching the film at the world premiere not to reveal important details about the plot, climax, or ending," urging restraint on spoilers.

Director Han said, "'Emergency Declaration' depicts the stories of people confronting disaster. It contains the hope that we can overcome the many disaster traumas we have, reflect, and move forward," he said.

Regarding "Emergency Declaration," Song Kang-ho said, "After the disaster occurs, I think the film will help us discover the precious values of our neighbors and family, and the valuable values of people and society," he said.