[Interview②] Why Did Director Hong Jong-chan of 'Juvenile Justice' Change the Genders of Lee Jung-eun and Lee Yeon?

Positive Reviews for Timely Juvenile Delinquency Project
Director Reveals Casting Behind-the-Scenes
"30-Year Veteran Kim Hye-su, Admiring Her Dedication"
"Lee Yeon Arrived Like a Christmas Gift"

Photo by Netflix

Continued from Interview①.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Director Hong Jong-chan said he found Shim Eun-seok like fragments in the faces of characters portrayed by Kim Hye-soo in numerous works. He said, "The uprightness and righteousness in 'Default,' and the motherly image in 'China Town' seemed to well express Shim Eun-seok's attitude of despising juvenile offenders and treating them coldly, strongly, and seriously."

He continued, "I proposed casting Kim Hye-soo because I thought she was a gem-like charm and a radiant actress unique to her, and she expressed Shim Eun-seok beyond expectations," expressing satisfaction.

"Watching Kim Hye-soo work incredibly hard to become the character, I learned a lot and was amazed. Even after playing leading roles for over 30 years, she pushes herself and never complains even when asked to do more takes. That was inspiring. We talked the most about making it fun and that it shouldn't just have meaning."

Regarding Kim Mu-yeol, who played Judge Cha Tae-joo, he said, "I heard he is known as a 'good actor' in Chungmuro and wondered when I could work with him. He is not an actor who has done many dramas, but he is the type who needs the script in advance and time to prepare." He added, "He is a versatile actor who can handle various roles. I felt he is talented in every way, including physical expression."

Director Hong Jong-chan / Photo by Netflix

Juvenile Justice Kim Hye-soo as Sim Eun-seok in Juvenile Justice Cr. Swann Studio/Netflix still 2022

Judge Na Geun-hee, played by actress Lee Jung-eun, also reveals a unique and interesting face. Originally a male character in the scenario, the role was changed to female. Director Hong said, "When I read Judge Na Geun-hee's lines, Lee Jung-eun's voice vividly passed by as if whispering in my ear, so I decided I had to cast her no matter what."

Lee Sung-min completed the role of Judge Kang Won-joong, which required rich acting skills, in a three-dimensional way. Director Hong Jong-chan said, "At first, he is similar to Manager Oh from 'Misaeng,' but sometimes he pushes the trial and shows a disregard for appearances. He was impressive in 'The Man Standing Next,' and I expected he could portray the human 'Kang Won-joong' in a three-dimensional way." He added, "It was a good choice, and he did perfectly."

After the release of 'Juvenile Justice,' the name that came up most frequently after Kim Hye-soo among viewers was Lee Yeon, who played Baek Sung-woo. It was revealed that Lee Yeon is a female actor, which attracted attention. The background of casting him without any sense of incongruity also became a point of curiosity.

Photo by Eco Global Group

"Casting the first juvenile offender Baek Sung-woo was the most challenging. He is a 13-year-old juvenile offender, about 160 cm tall, small, and has schizophrenia, among other conditions. Since he commits crimes including dismemberment murder and corpse disposal, I agonized over it. Lee Yeon auditioned for a different character, but I kept looking at stills of him smiling or with a blank expression, and the images I had in mind for Sung-woo appeared. When I asked Lee Yeon if he was okay playing a male role, he readily accepted. I met Lee Yeon on Christmas Eve (December 24) and finalized the casting, and thus Sung-woo came like a Christmas gift."

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