[Interview] Yoo Tae-oh of 'Log in Belgium' "Fear of Dying, Film Saved Me"

'Log in Belgium' Interview with Yoo Tae-oh

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Movies saved me. Whenever I was struggling or needed relief, I always overcame it by watching films. I want to convey hope and comfort through movies as well."

Actor Yoo Tae-oh returns as a director with a fake documentary. He expressed his special affection for movies and reaffirmed his determination to continue storytelling work.

In a video interview held on the morning of the 24th, Yoo Tae-oh said, "During self-quarantine at a hotel in Belgium after the pandemic was declared, I wanted to say 'I went through this.' I made it like an essay while having fun."

The documentary film Log In Belgium depicts the story found in a virtual world through the sensibility of film after being isolated in a strange hotel in Antwerp, Belgium, due to the pandemic declaration. Actor Yoo Tae-oh participated in planning, producing, directing, filming, editing, and music to complete the film.

Yoo Tae-oh, who entered self-quarantine while visiting Belgium for filming, recorded his daily life with a smartphone. He recalled, "I was isolated while shooting The Window in Belgium. I think I turned on the smartphone camera to avoid going crazy because of anxiety and fear."

He said, "Being isolated was lonely and scary. At that time, the drama Money Game was airing, and I wondered if anyone would remember an actor with little recognition dying in Belgium." He added, "I recorded everything on video solely to survive."

He continued, "A day felt like a week, and I wanted to express something. I tried to relieve my fear by expressing myself through filming."

Shooting with a smartphone, which is easy to carry, was smooth. Yoo Tae-oh said, "I always carry a tripod and lighting when traveling abroad. I never know when or where an audition might come, so I have lived like that for the past six years." Regarding the filming process, he said, "People around me just thought I was taking pictures alone. I didn't have to ask anyone's permission, so it was comfortable."

There were also stories that could not be included in the 65-minute finished film. He said, "The scene where I drank soju alone in the room and filmed myself seemed provocative. I thought my pure sensibility might not be expressed, so I edited it out." He also laughed, "I filmed myself comfortably naked alone in the hotel, but I removed the nude scenes because they were provocative."

His wife, photographer Niki Lee, helped Yoo Tae-oh's creation be screened in theaters. It was also Niki who introduced him to the distributor. She is credited as a producer and participated in filming and editing this time.

About Niki Lee, he showed strong trust, saying, "She is a partner I can rely on." Yoo Tae-oh said, "Niki honestly says no if it's no. I trust her taste and listen to her opinions. She is a partner I can depend on and a creator from whom I have much to learn. We rely on each other personally as well, exchanging opinions and inspiring each other," expressing his affection.

Yoo Tae-oh gave special meaning to movies and stated that he will continue storytelling activities without distinguishing between director, writer, or producer.

He said, "Movies saved me. When I was young and struggling, I relieved and escaped by watching movies. Movies are that kind of existence for me." He added, "While making movies, I imagined the perspective of the viewers and wanted to tell them not to lose hope. I want to convey the message that if you have willpower, you can overcome sincerely."

Photo=Et9 Film

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