[Interview①] Jeon Jong-seo "Watched 'Burning' Much Later, Improved Acting in 'Call' After Advice"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Jeon Jong-seo said she tried to showcase a mature performance with 'Call' following 'Burning.'

Jeon Jong-seo shared various stories about the work during an online video interview on the morning of the 30th for the Netflix film 'Call' (directed by Lee Chung-hyun).

'Call' is a mystery thriller depicting a mad obsession that begins when two women from different time periods connected by a single phone call change each other's destinies. Set between the past of 1999 and the present of 2019, it delivers solid tension through the breath-taking standoff between Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) and Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), connected solely by phone across a 20-year time gap.

Jeon Jong-seo portrays Young-sook, who recklessly acts knowing her future, showing a frenzied side. After gaining recognition with director Lee Chang-dong’s 'Burning' (2018) and walking the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, she immediately began filming 'Call.'

On this day, Jeon recalled, “I properly reviewed 'Burning' long after it ended. I considered the advice many people gave me and thought about areas where I could improve my acting. Through 'Call,' I wanted to supplement those and approach with a mature image.”

After its release, 'Call' received positive responses for its thrilling development and Jeon Jong-seo’s intense performance. She said, “I didn’t know if many people would enjoy 'Call.' The production team always created a filming environment so I could immerse myself with full energy,” giving credit to the staff.

Jeon added, “Before filming started, I thoroughly analyzed the script. I prepared deeply. From the first page to the last, I spent all day discussing with the director. We aligned my thoughts with his vision to create a very similar picture, and then started filming with the completed concept.”

Having worked with Park Shin-hye through 'Call,' Jeon said, “She was the first female actor I met in my second feature film. It was a pity we didn’t have many scenes together on set.” She continued, “The dynamic was like offense and defense between Seo-yeon and me. When I attacked, Seo-yeon defended, and when Seo-yeon attacked, I defended, so we had to match the same energy. Park Shin-hye (Seo-yeon) poured a huge amount of energy. Young-sook could match that energy proportionally. I’m very grateful.”

Jeon said, “I don’t have much acting experience, but Park Shin-hye, who has a lot of experience, held the center. I couldn’t imitate that weight. I hope to have that weight someday.”

Following 'Burning' and 'Call,' where she showed strong performances consecutively, Jeon said, “There are many works I want to challenge in the future. I will recharge my energy diligently and greet you with another side of me.”

'Call' was released on Netflix on the 27th.

Photo=Netflix

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