Netflix 'Black-ui Sinbu' Production Presentation Site
Kim Hee-seon’s First OTT Series Challenge
Will the Theme of Human Desire Evoke Universal Empathy?
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Some people use marriage, the completion of love, as a means of wealth and social advancement. I hope the background of marriage agencies, which exist only in Korea, will intrigue viewers both domestically and internationally."(Director Kim Jung-min)
"Through 'Black's Bride,' I wonder if a new genre of Korean (K) series will emerge on Netflix. It portrays human desires beyond marriage."(Kim Hee-sun)
Online streaming service (OTT) Netflix is presenting a new series, 'Black's Bride,' depicting scandals of love, jealousy, desire, and revenge. Veteran actress Kim Hee-sun anchors the story, with rising star Lee Hyun-wook playing a 2 trillion won asset owner. Through the secretive business of the upper class, it raises questions about marriage and desire in this era.
At the production presentation of the Netflix series 'Black's Bride' held on the morning of the 13th at Crest 72 Hall, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Kim Hee-sun said, "The theme dealing with human desire was interesting," and added, "I am curious how platform viewers will perceive a genre they have never seen before." She continued, "How can love be graded? But human desires are the same regardless of cultural differences."
'Black's Bride' depicts scandals of revenge and desire unfolding at an upper-class marriage agency where conditions, not love, are traded. In a world where money equals power and honor, a few people use the institution of marriage to protect what they have and gain more. Director Kim Jung-min, who directed 'Bad Guys' and 'Lovers on a Bridge,' took the helm.
Kim Hee-sun plays Seo Hye-seung, who joins the marriage agency for revenge after her husband's infidelity and sudden death. She said, "While some of Kim Hee-sun's own desires are reflected, I approached the character as a human living with a pure heart," and added, "As a mother of one child, I felt she was a cool woman."
Kim Hee-sun, who debuted in 1993 with the CF 'Kkotgerang' and is now a 29-year veteran actress, is challenging her first OTT series with 'Black's Bride.' "Although the work environment doesn't change just because it's a series, I liked that there were no restrictions on environment and time. We filmed party scenes for ten days, and the actors could comfortably discuss and coordinate movements among themselves."
Lee Hyun-wook, who has shown a strong presence in films like '#Alive' and 'The Policeman's Lineage,' and dramas such as 'Mine,' 'Search,' and 'She Would Never Know,' stimulates women's desires. He plays Lee Hyung-joo, a self-made venture businessman and a man hurt by his wife's betrayal who has gone through a divorce.
Lee Hyun-wook described his role as "a venture businessman with assets of 2 trillion won, belonging to the Black grade of the marriage agency that everyone wants to meet." He added, "He is a character with hidden emotions and a deficiency of not being able to forget women after one divorce. He has the desire to find a business partner."
When asked what is similar or different between him and the character, he said, "Completely different," and joked, "That's how much money I don't have." He added, "As a self-made businessman, the way he communicates with friends and his everyday side are similar."
Lee Hyun-wook, who honed his acting skills on the theater stage, has recently been receiving many offers from directors. "For about ten years, I have felt like I am always at the beginning. Although inexperienced, I am honored that people see potential in me. I will continue to work hard and not lose my initial passion."
Director Kim was cautious about defining the series by a specific genre. He said, "It's hard to say exactly what genre it is, but themes like desire, revenge, and love will convey universal empathy about human life," and requested, "Please see it as a work that interestingly plates desire in an unusual vessel."
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