[Interview] Overcoming Controversy, Director Byeon Seong-hyun's DJ Movie "I Did My Homework"

Interview with Director Byun Sung-hyun of the Movie 'Kingmaker'

Director Byun Sung-hyun. Photo by Megabox Joongang Corp. Plus M

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Byun Sung-hyun, who was embroiled in controversy over the term 'hongeo' in 2017 and accusations of being associated with Ilbe, returns with the political film 'Kingmaker,' which deals with the story of the late former President Kim Dae-jung.

In a video interview with Asia Economy on the 26th, Director Byun said, "I feel sorry for causing great damage to the film (The Merciless) at the time," but added, "I didn't really care much about how audiences would receive the political film (Kingmaker) I directed."

In 2017, Director Byun posted on his social network service (SNS) the phrase "Eat hongeo before a date. You'll be intoxicated by the smell," and retweeted a post saying, "There is no woman with a big OOO (body part) who has a bad personality," which sparked controversy.

He also faced backlash for making disparaging remarks about a specific candidate during the 19th presidential election. Some speculated that he might be a regional and gender discriminator or an Ilbe (far-right internet community) user.

As the director's remarks became controversial ahead of the release of the film 'The Merciless: The World of Bad Guys,' an online boycott movement even emerged. In response, Director Byun appeared in interviews wearing a Sewol ferry memorial bracelet and explained that he liked hongeo.

'The Merciless' drew 960,000 viewers at the box office, which was a modest performance, but it was praised for the outstanding performances of Sol Kyung-gu and Im Si-wan. The two actors' excellent acting, which blended perfectly into their characters, led to the creation of a fandom called 'Merciless members.' Despite the director's careless remarks and the disappointing audience numbers, the film can be considered to have achieved meaningful success.

Director Byun Sung-hyun's new work 'Kingmaker,' released after five years, tells the story of politician Kim Woon-beom (played by Sol Kyung-gu), who challenges the world to change it, and election strategist Seo Chang-dae (played by Lee Sun-kyun), whose existence and name are hidden, as they enter a fierce election battlefield. The film was released in theaters on the same day.

Regarding the film, Director Byun revealed, "'Kingmaker' was written with inspiration drawn from the autobiography of the late former President Kim Dae-jung." He added, "It is a script completed before 'The Merciless.'"

"Although I didn't buy it myself, my mother had read it, so there was the late President Kim Dae-jung's autobiography at home. He is one of the most prominent figures in modern history. The book had a brief explanation about 'Eom Chang-rok,' the figure who inspired Seo Chang-dae, which I found interesting and thought there was room for creative interpretation."

Works inspired by real people cannot escape the burden of distortion or misrepresentation, as many people remember the history and the figures involved. Director Byun said he was cautious about this and stated, "This is not a film about faith."

"Personally, I think he is a respectable figure, but I thought it was risky to convey any message through him. I didn't want to idolize him. Through the 'maker' who tries to make him a king, I wanted to talk about the legitimacy of purpose and means."

At the same time, Director Byun expressed confidence in 'Kingmaker.' He said, "Although there was pressure regarding box office success, I did not want to make a film just to satisfy the fans who liked 'The Merciless.'"

He continued, "I am someone who tells the stories I want to tell. When we gathered with the staff from 'The Merciless' to work on 'Kingmaker,' we said, 'Let's make it better than the previous work,' and we self-assessed that it is a better film than the previous one. In directing, art, cinematography, lighting, and each position, we believe we have accomplished the task of doing better than before."

Director Byun Sung-hyun also shared his thoughts on past controversies related to political colors. There are unfavorable views about whether it is appropriate for Director Byun to present a film inspired by the late former President Kim Dae-jung. While some audiences may simply enjoy the film lightly, others argue that the director's beliefs and the work cannot be separated.

"At that time, I caused great damage to the film (The Merciless) because of those things, and I feel very sorry about it, but I didn't work with that in mind. This is not a film intended to change the audience's thoughts or to express any belief. Of course, there is pressure regarding box office success. I wrote my script and made the film. I did my job. I think I am in a position where I cannot expect how the audience will receive that (controversy). But I did not make 'Kingmaker' while worrying too much about those parts."