Film 'You and I' Press Screening Held
Actor Jo Hyun-cheol's Directorial Debut to Release on 25th
Actor Park Hye-su, who was embroiled in school violence allegations in 2021, appeared at an official event with the film You and I. It was his first appearance in front of reporters in 2 years and 8 months since he stopped his activities. On the afternoon of the 10th, at the press screening of the film You and I held at CGV I'Park Mall in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Park Hye-su said, "(The investigation related to school violence) is ongoing," adding, "My position on the matter will remain unchanged."
You and I was invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today - Vision Section' at the 27th Busan International Film Festival held in October last year. At that time, Park Hye-su appeared in Busan as the lead actor, showing up for the first time in 1 year and 8 months. He attended the Q&A session with the audience and said, "I will not avoid the situation and will do my best to resolve it," adding, "Once it is settled, I will create an opportunity to explain in detail."
You and I confirmed its release on the 25th of this month, about a year after its screening at the Busan International Film Festival. On the 9th, Park Hye-su's agency, Ghost Studio, announced through a statement that additional investigations are underway. They stated, "The investigative agency forwarded the case with a prosecution opinion on the grounds that the accused was found to have defamed the complainant by stating false facts, significantly damaging the complainant's social reputation."
The agency also explained that Park Hye-su has filed a separate civil lawsuit seeking damages for defamation caused by false statements, apart from the criminal complaint case.
Before the press conference that day, Park Hye-su began by saying, "I think many of you have been very curious." He continued, "During this time, I have done my best to correct the falsehoods. Although the investigation is still ongoing, my position will not change, and I will continue to do my best until the end."
He added, "Today is a gathering for the film You and I, and I am both grateful and sorry to be able to share my position like this."
Actor Jo Hyun-chul, who delivered impressive performances in the film Tunnel (2016), the OTT Netflix series D.P., and the drama Gugyeongi (2021), makes his directorial debut with You and I. Jo Hyun-chul is also well known as the younger brother of rapper Mad Clown (real name Jo Dong-rim).
Taking charge of the screenplay and direction of a feature film for the first time, he said, "I originally majored in directing." Director Jo said, "Even while majoring in acting, I kept trying to write, and over seven years, a personal incident led me to view death from a different perspective."
You and I tells the story of high school students Semi and Ha-eun, who spend a dreamlike day holding words they want to convey to each other in their hearts. Director Jo, who wanted to talk about death that happened around them, said, "In the end, I think I wanted to talk about love. So I prepared diligently for seven years and made the film." He added, "Now the day to reveal it to the world is approaching. I am very nervous."
Also, Park Hye-su said, "From the color tone to the editing, it felt like being on the boundary between dream and reality, just as the director said," adding, "That made Semi's day feel even more tender and precious." She continued, "So Semi's day felt even more tender and precious. It felt like this day would never end even after it was over. I felt it contained such hope, and it was touching and poignant."
Her feelings ahead of the release were also special. Park Hye-su said, "I imagined and waited for this moment a lot," adding, "We cherish each other and maintain a close relationship among ourselves." She said, "I wonder if I will ever meet such a precious film again. I learn and feel so many things. I am grateful every day."
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