'Just Genre Romance' Director Jo Eunji's Perfect Comedy, the Finishing Touch Ryu Seungryong [Comprehensive]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Rookie director Jo Eunji leads, and comedy master Ryu Seungryong pushes. The hyperrealism acting of the actors completes 'Genre Only Romance,' which is expected to bring a fresh breeze to theaters this fall.

Director Jo Eunji said at the press screening of the movie 'Genre Only Romance' held on the afternoon of the 4th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, "I wanted to depict the growth of ordinary people."

The film, which opens on the 17th, depicts the variety-filled private life of a bestseller author whose work and life get tangled as he meets people involved in an unusual romance. Jo Eunji, who won the Special Jury Prize at the 16th Mise-en-sc?ne Short Film Festival for her short film '2 Nights 3 Days,' directed this film. It draws attention as her first feature film presented as a director rather than an actor.

On this day, Director Jo emphasized, "Before filming, I had enough conversations with the actors and created it together. Rather than focusing on character relationships or characters themselves, I directed them to follow the emotions they feel." She added, "I wanted to show the growth of ordinary characters."

Actor Ryu Seungryong plays Hyun, a bestseller author who has been on hiatus for seven years, showcasing his trademark cheerful energy, and Oh Nara plays Mi-ae, Hyun's ex-wife. Kim Heewon plays Soonmo, who is secretly dating Mi-ae, and Sung Yubin plays Seonggyeong, their adolescent son.

Ryu Seungryong, who chose 'Genre Only Romance' as his next work after 'Extreme Job' (2019), said, "The script was unique and excellent," adding, "It made me think about relationships. Each character thinks they have been hurt, but in reality, they are the ones causing the hurt. Everyone gets hurt but soon grows and heals. The heavy empathy that follows the laughter is attractive."

Special support for rookie director Jo Eunji also shone brightly. Ryu Seungryong expressed satisfaction, saying, "The director brought out parts that I hadn't thought of on set. The balance of appropriate tension and a comfortable atmosphere was harmonious. Many actors wish for such a set, and it was well created."

He added, "It felt like receiving emperor-level care. As an actor, she understood the actor's mind and explained precisely how to express it. Having played many bold characters before, everyday characters were sometimes difficult, but the director threw unexpected parts at me. It felt like the radio frequency was matched, and the focus was exact."

Regarding Ryu Seungryong, who played a central role in the story, Director Jo Eunji said, "He understood the character well and completed scenes I hadn't anticipated," expressing trust, "Even Hyun's side that I couldn't imagine was born."

About Oh Jungse and Ryu Hyunkyung, who made special appearances with small but strong presences, the director shared behind-the-scenes, "When they congratulated me on my first feature directorial debut, I said, 'Don't just congratulate me, please appear in the film,' and they gladly agreed. I'm grateful for their willingness to appear."

'Genre Only Romance' is also likely to be remembered for discovering rookie Mujinseong. He joined as Yoojin after overcoming a 200:1 competition rate in the audition and showed humility, saying, "I think they saw potential in me."

Mujinseong plays Yoojin, an aspiring writer co-writing with Hyun, adding strength to the development. Having exchanged dense emotions with Ryu Seungryong, he said, "Yoojin is a character who gained hope in life and overcame wounds through a book Hyun wrote in the past. In reality, as an actor, when I went through a slump-like period, I gained energy and steadied my mind by watching Ryu Seungryong senior's works. I received a lot of stimulation and inspiration in terms of acting."

In response, Ryu Seungryong said, "Kim Hyun, who writes to make a living, reflects on himself while watching Yoojin write boldly," adding, "Seeing Mujinseong focus hard on the work and absorb the director's words like a sponge also stimulated me."

Following the phased return to normal life guidelines on the 1st, major theaters such as CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox have created and operated 'vaccine pass theaters' and scheduled late-night movies, gradually regaining vitality.

Ryu Seungryong said, "This is a film that opens the door to With-Corona," urging, "I hope you spend precious time at the theater with your loved ones."

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This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.