[Interview] Song Kang-ho "Movies Are Like Fate, You Have to Keep Acting Endlessly"

'SOSINSEON' Inho role Song Kang-ho
The dilemma of a cold-blooded detective and a desperate family
33-year philosophy "Always do my best in acting"

Song Kang-ho/Photo by Showbox

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Song Kang-ho (55), who won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for "Parasite" (directed by Bong Joon-ho) and the Best Actor award for "Broker" (directed by Koreeda Hirokazu), returns to the summer box office with "Emergency Declaration."

In an interview held on the morning of the 27th ahead of the release of "Emergency Declaration," Song Kang-ho said, "What is most important in the face of disaster? I want to talk about the precious values in social communities and life through this film."

Opening on the 3rd of next month, "Emergency Declaration" depicts the story of a plane that declares an unconditional landing due to an unprecedented aviation terror and the people confronting the disaster. It is directed by Han Jae-rim, who also directed "The Face Reader" (2013) and "The King" (2019). The film captures the disaster on an aircraft on a grand scale. Song Kang-ho plays In-ho, a veteran detective team leader who struggles to prevent the disaster.

He said, "Because we are human, we experience big disasters in life. Isn't it something that can happen to anyone? The important thing is how we accept and resolve it." He emphasized that "Emergency Declaration" views disaster from a different perspective. He said, "Director Han Jae-rim portrayed the story of people overcoming disaster in a mature and calm manner."

"Regardless of whether it is a happy ending or not, I hope to see beauty in the process of how social communities respond to disasters. I hope people can reflect on what is precious in life and what values we hold dear during disasters."

"Emergency Declaration" differentiates itself by unfolding the story in a way different from conventional disaster films. Lee Byung-hun struggles on the plane, while Song Kang-ho fights steadfastly on the ground, balancing the narrative.

Song Kang-ho said, "Unlike ships or trains, the airplane is a special space that cannot dock on the ground. People on the ground feel sorry but face a dilemma where they cannot save those on the plane. The dilemma is expressed centered on In-ho. It could not be expressed just emotionally, nor could it be viewed coldly and rationally."

Although he was disappointed not to board the plane, he gave up that feeling after seeing the 360-degree gimbal set. Song Kang-ho said, "At first, I told Lee Byung-hun, 'I'm jealous that you only shoot on the set,' but after seeing the gimbal, I was scared. I also struggled with chase scenes on the ground and got wet in the rain, but after seeing the gimbal shooting, I didn't want to get on the plane," laughing.

Revealing that he suffered a leg injury during the densely choreographed chase scenes, Song Kang-ho said, "I actually got hurt while climbing over a wall. The script didn't say 'he limps while chasing,' but I had no choice but to limp because I was injured."

This is Song Kang-ho's third collaboration with director Han Jae-rim after "Elegant Lies" (2007) and "The Face Reader" (2013). They have been film comrades for 15 years based on strong trust.

"Han Jae-rim's attitude as a writer and director has been good since 'Elegant Lies.' At that time, we reshot eight times, and every time we shot, it was good. I said I would shoot 80 more times if it was like that. His persistence and drive were impressive and really good. Back then, the set was chaotic, but the young guy never let things slide. As a sensitive artist, he has sensibility, tenacity, and passion. Although he is eight years younger, I learn a lot from him and respect him."

This year, he added the title "Man of Cannes" by becoming the first male actor to win the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. Having achieved significant success with "Parasite" and "Broker," and having served as a jury member, Song Kang-ho has walked the path of a "world-class" actor. Is there any pressure? He laughed, saying, "Any work is burdensome and nerve-wracking." He added, "Honestly, there is a slightly different burden compared to 'Broker.' As an actor, I have to do my best in acting, but I am prepared to accept any outcome calmly."

When asked if this would affect his future steps or choice of next projects, Song Kang-ho shook his head, saying, "I don't deliberately choose a villain role just because I played a protagonist before, nor do I select roles based on calculation." He added, "I think films are something you meet like fate. Roles are also something you meet like fate."

Regarding being mentioned as his first project after winning at Cannes, Song Kang-ho said, "Although I received an unbelievable award, it is just one part of the process as an actor," and tried to shake off the burden by saying, "I can fail or succeed." He also said, "As an actor, I will continuously communicate with the audience through new works."

"I started theater in 1989, so I have been acting for 33 years. I have been doing films for 26 years. I always try my best to present works and acting. I want to say that I did my best. If it is well received, I would be grateful. 'Emergency Declaration' is a project that director Han Jae-rim has prepared for a long time, and I cannot forget the passionate efforts of many production staff. I hope you watch that passion and effort once in the theater."

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