[TF Interview] Ryu Hye-young of 'Killing Time,' a New Chapter

Taking on the role of streamer Yeon-woo, a challenge in thriller and action"I truly felt the catharsis of emotional acting and the unique catharsis of action acting."Actress Ryu Hye-young held an interview regarding the release of the movie 'Killing Time'. / The Title Co., Ltd.[THE FACT|Reporter Park Ji-yoon] Actress Ryu Hye-young has returned with 'Killing Time,' a film she encountered during a period when she was actively seeking her next path and striving for change, rather than passively waiting for opportunities. She revealed a refreshingly unfamiliar side by venturing into her first thriller and action roles, expanding her potential beyond familiar territory and opening a new chapter as an actress.Ryu Hye-young sat down for an interview with on the 14th in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the movie 'Killing Time' (directed by Jang Jun-hyeop). Having watched the completed film multiple times, she expressed her satisfaction, saying, "At first, I watched it reflecting on my own acting, and the second time I tried to watch it objectively, but it was more fun than I had worried," and shared various stories related to the film.'Killing Time,' which was released in theaters on the 21st, is a time-attack thriller about the internet broadcast crew 'Killing Time,' who lost everything in a momentary accident. They are attacked by a mysterious entity in an abandoned hospital they visit to make a comeback, and they fight to survive their ruthless assault.If I were to pick the actress I've seen the most recently, it would be Ryu Hye-young. Starting with 'The Intern,' released on the 16th of last month, followed by 'Assassins,' and then 'Killing Time,' she has presented three films to audiences in succession within about a month. While she couldn't control the release dates of her projects, having films released non-stop might not be entirely welcome for an actress.Ryu Hye-young leads the film 'Killing Time' in the role of streamer Yeon-woo. /The Title Co.However, Ryu Hye-young seemed surprisingly calm on this day. This was due to her experience in the past year where her work on tvN's 'Seocho-dong' and JTBC's 'Good Guy,' filmed over two years, was exposed to the public for only about a month and a half before concluding."At the time, I only saw it negatively, but after encountering good articles, I started to think positively, realizing it could stick in people's minds. While I was focusing on what I could do, I saw that the release dates were similar again this time, and I consider it my destiny. What I need to do here is to think positively rather than find flaws and regret. That's better and makes life easier. I feel grateful, experiencing good energy."In the movie, 'Killing Time' is a hidden camera crew that conducts live internet broadcasts with sensational content about ghosts. Yeon-woo, a member of this crew, loses everything in an instant due to the unexpected death of a team member, feels guilt, and goes into self-imposed exile. Then, accepting leader Joo-won's (Nam Yoon-soo) proposal, she goes to an abandoned hospital to film content for a comeback, only to be threatened by an unknown entity and thrust into a life-or-death struggle.Upon encountering this role, Ryu Hye-young did not watch other thriller films besides the ones the director recommended as references, focusing instead on the unique characteristics of 'Killing Time.' She recalled, "I focused on understanding Yeon-woo's psychology, her struggle to gain love from people who cursed and hated her after the accident. I thought Yeon-woo must have some kind of deficiency because she hadn't yet had the opportunity to expand her world."Ryu Hye-young stated, "Action acting offers a different kind of catharsis than emotional acting. I want to do a movie that is all action from beginning to end," expressing her feelings about her first foray into action acting. /The Title Inc.This project is even more special for Ryu Hye-young because it marks her first dive into the thriller genre and allows her to quench her long-held thirst for action. She began slow running to build her stamina and prepared for the action for about two months. She perfectly executed action scenes, skillfully using various tools like a crowbar and surrounding objects to overcome crises, providing a definite visual spectacle for the audience."I was thrilled to hear I would be wielding a crowbar. I practiced a lot to perform it as the action director intended. Action acting provides a catharsis that is different from the catharsis I feel during static or emotional acting. There's a satisfaction in giving my all and then collapsing at home. I enjoyed it so much that I want to do a movie that is all action from start to finish next time."The limited budget and time of 30 shooting days and 21 takes also provided Ryu Hye-young with a unique experience. As the environment was not realistically abundant, she collaborated efficiently by quickly grasping and expressing the director's requests rather than engaging in lengthy discussions about the characters with director Jang."The type of surprise varies depending on the situation, so he wanted me to be placed in a created situation and feel it for myself. So, I tried to express what was right in front of me as it was, revealing the sense of being on set on my face. I found this working method enjoyable. It was fascinating to see people with new perspectives come together and create a new work. I'm quite curious, so I worked hard, feeling grateful for this opportunity."Ryu Hye-young encouraged viewers to watch the film, saying, "I hope the audience will also feel the tension of the time attack while watching 'Killing Time'." / The Title Inc.Recently, Ryu Hye-young has been actively communicating with the public not only through films but also by appearing on MBC's variety show 'I Live Alone' and running the YouTube channel 'Ryu Hye-young Lemon&Milchihoe,' presenting herself as a person before an actress. Her recent endeavors are driven by a genuine desire to showcase healthy youth after overcoming her past anxieties about variety shows and to offer even a small amount of strength to those who are similar to her."I had a difficult time in my 20s due to the disconnect between the world I was experiencing and my surroundings, and the confusion of not knowing what I was good at. Then, one day in my 30s, I suddenly saw myself just waiting for someone to give me a role, and I realized I was confining myself. The desire to work led me to actively seek opportunities, and I started promoting myself to people around me. 'Killing Time' was filmed that year. It's truly a happy thing to earn money doing what I love. I'm grateful to be called upon, and I'm grateful for being busy."Ryu Hye-young is currently meeting audiences with 'Killing Time,' a film she encountered at a time when her happiness became clearer as she became more certain about what she loved. As her film is being screened alongside various genres of Korean films, including director Yeon Sang-ho's 'Paradise,' she re-emphasized the differentiated fun and charm, encouraging many to watch."I hope that while watching our movie, the audience will feel the urgency of escaping the abandoned hospital within 60 minutes, running, fighting, clashing, dying, surviving, and fleeing together. The chase, the reversals, and the counter-reversals are the highlights of our film, so I believe the audience will be able to feel the tension of the time attack along with us."jiyoon-1031@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]