[31st BIFF] 'Jeong Ga-ne', Thought it was calm... Ryu Seung-ryong&Park Hae-joon's 'Warm Embrace'

"Beyond Warmth, a Fiery Film"... Director Kim Ji-hyun Talks About 'Jeonggane'Calf Seller Also a Focus... Theatrical Release on December 2ndDirector Kim Ji-hyun and actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee (from left) pose at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] An open talk for the film 'Jeonggane' (directed by Kim Ji-hyun), invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today' section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), was held on the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. Director Kim Ji-hyun, along with actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee, attended and shared various stories about the work.'Jeonggane' is a story about brothers Man-su (Ryu Seung-ryong) and Byeong-su (Park Hae-joon), who have lived without speaking a word to each other for 30 years, joining forces to protect the calf seller amidst a contagious disease crisis that engulfs the village.Regarding the film, Director Kim Ji-hyun introduced it as, "Family members bicker and fight when they are together, but isn't there a nobility in living together and protecting each other's sides? It's a film that subtly captures that meaning."However, the film is not entirely calm. Director Kim said, "There is more action and spectacular scenes than expected. We filmed chase scenes throughout the winter," and added, "At first, I considered the title 'Jeonggane Ranch,' but because it's not a static film, I didn't want to limit the work with a pastoral word like 'ranch'."He continued, "The family's appearance and atmosphere shown on set are also memorable. I believe those aspects are the fundamental strength of our film," and urged, "Please look forward to the scenes within the space of home, where we eventually return."Ryu Seung-ryong plays Man-su, the older brother who is gruff towards his younger brother. He introduced the character as, "A person who lives like a brother, with a deep and steadfast sincerity despite being gruff."Ryu Seung-ryong, who recently watched the film himself, said with a laugh, "My beard is noticeable and it's mine. The actors said it looked like it was filmed five years ago."Director Kim described Ryu Seung-ryong as, "An actor who embodies both fun and wit, as well as weight and seriousness. He has played various roles, but in this film, he has few lines and is taciturn, yet his presence itself evokes curiosity and intrigue."Actor Ryu Seung-ryong (left) poses at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolPark Hae-joon plays Byeong-su, the younger brother who is prickly towards his older brother. He said, "Byeong-su is an interesting character who holds many things within him. He's someone who has never been number one and has always been in his brother's shadow. He respects his brother but also harbors a complex because of him."He recalled, "He's good at his job and has good relationships with people around him, but he's a troublemaker who feels inferior solely because of his brother. I remember acting with a carefree attitude on set."Director Kim described Park Hae-joon's charm as "quirkiness." He said with a laugh, "The actor already had a rebellious spirit within him. I think we designed the costume together to bring out that aspect."Ong Seong-wu plays Jeong-hoon, a new veterinarian in Hoengsan-gun who is sensitive to the dynamics between the two brothers. As the only outsider in the village, he is a character who observes the unfamiliar scenery along with the audience.Ong Seong-wu introduced his character as, "The only outsider who meets the villagers for the first time. So, I think I can share the feeling of seeing fresh sights with the audience through my somewhat clumsy portrayal."He also described the film as, "When I first read the script, it felt like reading a fairy tale. It had the scent of earth, warmth, richness, and a sense of longing. It was a work that made me want to become a resident of this village and be a part of it."Director Kim described Ong Seong-wu as "like a calf in our film." He praised, "This is my first time attempting dialect acting in this film. I needed bright energy, and Ong Seong-wu handled it well. He acts as a mediator between Man-su, Byeong-su, and Gyeong-eun, and he provided that bright energy on set as well."Actors Ryu Seung-ryong (left) and Park Hae-joon smile as they answer questions at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolLee Sang-hee plays Gyeong-eun, the younger sister of Man-su and Byeong-su, adding vitality between the brothers. She explained their relationship as, "I love my two older brothers, but in different ways. I think our relationship is like a triangle, which is why it doesn't break."Director Kim described Lee Sang-hee as "an actress I can trust and use." He said, "As a director, there are parts where expressing certain lines is difficult, but when I gave those lines to Lee Sang-hee, she returned them with surprising wit and rich texture. I felt like I wanted to work with her again as an actress I can trust."The discussion at the open talk also touched upon the calf seller in the film. Ryu Seung-ryong said, "Aren't there a lot of AIs these days? However, the calf seller in our film is a real baby cow born around the time of filming. We called Jangsu a gift-like child. He's better than most actors."Park Hae-joon also added with a laugh, "The director liked it more when Jangsu appeared than when the actors did. Seeing him caress the monitor, I naturally thought, 'I'm less than a cow.'"Director Kim also shared an update on Jangsu's well-being. He said, "After filming, we went back, and the owner and his son who raised Jangsu came. They said he's living longer than a cow's natural lifespan and is living up to his name, Jangsu (meaning longevity)."Actor Ong Seong-wu (left) and Lee Sang-hee look at the audience at the open talk event for the film 'Jeonggane' held at the Busan Cinema Center's Loop Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 7th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolTalk then moved to memorable scenes in the film. Ryu Seung-ryong said, "There's a scene where Man-su and Byeong-su, who were fighting so much, embrace each other completely naked. That scene is memorable."Park Hae-joon then piqued curiosity by saying, "Besides the scene where the two hug, there's also a scene where the senior actor is naked alone." He added, "The image of steam rising from his body in the cold weather was so cool. Of course, the senior actor must have suffered, but his bold performance of throwing himself into it and splashing water resulted in a visually pleasing scene."When asked what kind of film he hopes 'Jeonggane' will be for the audience, Director Kim replied, "I think it's a film that goes beyond warmth to become fiery. We all live in relationships, don't we? I hope that by watching the film, people will reflect on the meaning of 'companionship' with everyone around them, including their family."Finally, Park Hae-joon urged, "Some might wonder what's interesting about two brothers raising cows in the countryside, but this film is very spectacular and tightly paced. It's a film you can enjoy thoroughly, so please show it a lot of interest. Please come and see it a lot on December 2nd."Ryu Seung-ryong said, "This is a film we've been eagerly anticipating for a long time. I think many people will encounter a precious story where cows resolve conflicts that cannot be expressed in words. I believe it's a beautiful poem and a fairy tale. I hope you will definitely watch the movie and take many precious and beautiful things to heart."Director Kim Ji-hyun stated, "It's a film with various flavors. It contains bromance, cute and precious beings, fun, and meaning. I believe you can experience a variety of experiences that you can get at the cinema. We ask for your love for 'Jeonggane,' which was made with sincerity by good people."'Jeonggane' will be released in theaters on December 2nd.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]