[Interview] Jang Hyuk "First Korean Film in With Corona Era, Honestly Cautious"

Movie 'Gangneung' Opens on the 10th

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Now, you can enjoy late-night movies with your family and friends while holding popcorn. Since the government’s phased daily recovery guidelines took effect on the 1st, cinemas have stretched their legs and prepared screening rooms where eating and sitting together are allowed, ready to return to pre-pandemic times. After COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), the film industry experienced a slump as online streaming service (OTT) platforms rapidly grew and content consumption patterns changed. Will cinemas be bustling with audiences again? The industry is paying close attention to whether warmth and vitality will return along with 'With Corona.' We spoke with Jang Hyuk, the lead actor of 'Gangneung,' the first Korean film to light up the marquee.

In a non-face-to-face interview on the morning of the 2nd for 'Gangneung' (directed by Yoon Young-bin), Jang Hyuk asked, "I am cautious about presenting the film in theaters, but please watch the movie while strictly following quarantine rules."

The film, opening on the 10th, is a crime action movie depicting the ambitions, conspiracies, and betrayals of different organizations surrounding the construction of Gangneung’s largest resort. Jang Hyuk plays Minseok, who stops at nothing to achieve his goals, opposing Yoo Oh-sung.

Having received the script two and a half years ago, Jang Hyuk said, "It was refreshing to encounter the noir genre after a long time. Minseok is the axis of evil, but he had a sense of color. I thought that if I gave a sharp, linear character some room for a different approach, it would become a three-dimensional character." He added, "Compassion was well reflected not only internally but also externally."

He pointed out the prominent relational dynamics as the charm of 'Gangneung.' He said, "It starts simply but becomes sharp, then from sharp to fragile. The relationships between people resonated more deeply than the action. The loneliness felt when solidarity breaks was impressive. That’s why the Gangneung sea, the filming location, felt even lonelier."

Jang Hyuk reunited with Yoo Oh-sung, with whom he played adversaries as Cheon Bong-sam and Gil So-gae in the KBS2 drama 'God of Commerce - Gaekju 2015.' In the film, Yoo Oh-sung plays Gil-seok, a member of Gangneung’s largest organization, opposing Minseok. This time, the roles of the good and bad guys are reversed, adding fun.

"Yoo Oh-sung has a certain weightiness. Having filmed the drama together for a year, we developed a sense of solidarity and trust. I tend to act comfortably with actors I have worked with. We had rational and deep conversations and expressed a lot. Since he is an actor specialized in the noir genre, I expected synergy."

His action scenes using a sword were impressive. When asked how they were completed, Jang Hyuk replied, "I worked with the martial arts director on the action design. We focused more on emotion than technique. I wanted to show the feeling of a beast moving forward even while being captured. I expressed a sharp feeling holding the sword, and thanks to long training, it wasn’t difficult."

Major cinemas such as CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox have been operating 'Vaccine Pass Theaters' since the 1st and scheduling movies during late-night hours. The film industry, which has experienced ups and downs, is expected to gradually regain vitality following the phased daily recovery guidelines.

Regarding this, Jang Hyuk began cautiously, saying, "Honestly, I am cautious." He said, "We cannot predict what situations may arise. Since we are still accustomed to the previous situation, we cannot let our guard down. I hope the allowed range will expand a lot in the future," expressing his concerns. He also said, "I hope audiences watch movies while strictly following quarantine rules."

Previously, major events were converted to non-face-to-face or canceled, and everyone had to keep their distance. Jang Hyuk said he enjoyed spending time at home with his family but missed the audience. "Last year, when 'The Swordsman' was released, I was disappointed not to be able to do stage greetings. I was surprised and somewhat scared by the spaced seating at the press screening. After 'Gangneung' is released, I want to greet the audience face-to-face through stage greetings."

Photo = Studio Santa Claus