[Interview] Director Lee Seok-hoon "Era of Actor Gap? We Need Stars Who Act Well"

'Confidential Assignment 2: International' Opens on the 7th
Triangle Cooperation of South Korean, North Korean, and American Detectives
New York City Streets Realized with CG
Meticulous Action with a Touch of Comedy

Director Lee Seok-hoon / Photo by CJ ENM

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Lee Seok-hoon, a master of family films that go well with holidays, presents 'Confidential Assignment 2' during the Chuseok holiday. The film, returning with the subtitle 'International' that he personally added, impresses with comedy that is stronger than the previous installment and more sophisticated action.

In an interview with Asia Economy held on the afternoon of the 5th ahead of the release of 'Confidential Assignment 2: International' (hereafter 'Confidential Assignment 2'), Director Lee said, "I don't know if it will be a hit, but I hope it just surpasses the break-even point."

The film is a sequel to 'Confidential Assignment' (2017), which attracted 7.81 million viewers. It depicts the story of North Korean detective Lim Cheol-ryeong (Hyun Bin) and South Korean detective Kang Jin-tae (Yoo Hae-jin), who reunite to catch a global crime organization, and a new face, FBI agent Jack (Daniel Henney), each with their own purpose, embarking on a triangular joint investigation.

'Confidential Assignment 2,' releasing on the 7th, is the only major film presented during the Chuseok holiday. The director, who threw down the gauntlet amid the absence of competing works, described it as "a rare situation encountered for the first time in 10 years." However, he also said, "I can't be entirely optimistic."

=You consider 'Confidential Assignment 2' a family film suitable for the Chuseok holiday. Your previous works, including 'Dancing Queen' (2012), 'The Pirates' (2014), and 'Himalaya' (2015), all share the characteristic of being enjoyable for families.

'Confidential Assignment 2' is rated 15 and is a film that families can enjoy together. Most of the previous works were rated 12, as I tend not to like profanity or violent scenes. Going through life stages such as getting married and becoming a father naturally led me to take an interest in films that families can enjoy together.

=You have a special talent for 'family films.' What do you think about being called a specialist director?

I once attended a short film festival held in Busan, where an Iranian director held a retrospective. If I ever have a retrospective, I want to set the theme as 'family films' and hope to become a director worthy of such an event.

=Your films often feature good-hearted people forming families or family-like groups. What do you consider important when creating characters?

In 'The Pirates,' bandits and pirates live together as a group, and in 'Himalaya,' the members risking their lives in mountain climbing form a transformed family. 'Confidential Assignment 2' is a film where family plays an active role.

My early films were not well received. I wondered what I should do to please audiences, and some advised me to make 'tough films.' After much thought, I completed a screenplay about hearing-impaired people playing baseball. I realized that the kind of films I like and want to make are those. Later, 'Dancing Queen' was well received, which gave me confidence.

=How did you come to direct 'Confidential Assignment 2'?

I worked with JK Film on 'Dancing Queen' and naturally took an interest in the films they were developing. I also observed the development process of the first 'Confidential Assignment,' but I never thought I would direct the sequel. (laughs) The first film did so well, and Yoo Hae-jin, who worked with me on 'The Pirates,' also appeared, so I enjoyed it more than expected. Later, I happened to meet Director Yoon Je-kyun, who proposed the sequel. The idea of a triangular cooperation among South Korea, North Korea, and the U.S. with Daniel Henney was very interesting to me.

=The first film was loved by 7.81 million viewers. Directing a sequel must have been a difficult decision in many ways.

I had continuous meetings with the screenwriter who wrote the initial script, and I added the subtitle 'International.' With Daniel Henney joining, I expected an international feel. Since Seoul is also known internationally, I wanted to portray it so that foreign audiences could enjoy it as well.

Of course, it was a burden. Since the first film was so loved, the box office results would inevitably be compared. The fact that I enjoyed working on the project itself is meaningful. I am satisfied that it evolved rather than repeating the first film. Although I cannot predict the results, the reactions after the preview were good, so the first goal was achieved.

=Daniel Henney's appearance felt like an American TV drama. He blended very well and created a sophisticated atmosphere. What instructions did you give on set?

Actors have various vibes, but I thought his gentle and handsome image from commercials was imprinted on the audience. I wanted to break that and show a new image. I expected that his tough and competitive side would provide a fresh enjoyment, so we talked a lot about it.

=While the previous film depicted cooperation between South and North Korean detectives, this time South, North, and U.S. detectives cooperate in a triangular investigation. The overlapping political backgrounds of the three countries bring humor.

I think the audience will interpret the film based on that structure. There is tension in North Korea-U.S. relations, a tense relationship where they negotiate to gain something and try to make concessions. South Korea tries to avoid war and maintain peace at all costs, which provokes laughter.

=In a previous interview, Yoo Hae-jin mentioned that during 'The Pirates,' he told the director he wouldn't think of it as a comedy film, which was impressive.

During 'The Pirates,' while talking at a restaurant, Yoo Hae-jin said, "I won't think of this film as a comedy performance." It was a film that required big laughs, especially the horizontal bar scene. I wondered why he didn't do it this time when he did in other films. (laughs) Later, I understood. If you stay true to the situation, the audience laughs; forcing laughter is not acting. It was a great realization and became a standard for directing all my films afterward.

=Your films impress with natural laughter arising from situations rather than relying on actors' personal skills. Do you have principles for directing comedy scenes?

Comedy is one of many elements that provide fun to the audience, and I have mainly tried to give enjoyment through comedy. There is a bit of a secret. Luck is also needed. Sometimes actors or production staff give good ideas, and I tend to listen. In 'Confidential Assignment 2,' there is a scene where Daniel Henney pretends to be a Russian detective, and we upgraded it by listening to the actor's opinion.

=This is your second collaboration with Yoo Hae-jin since 'The Pirates.' What kind of actor is he?

He is an actor I can call close. A friendly older brother, and I learn a lot from him beyond films. We met again as actor and director after 7-8 years, and he acted comfortably and well. Meeting such an actor is a great blessing.

=How was working with Hyun Bin?

He has maintained popularity as a star for a long time, and there are things to learn from such an actor. Hyun Bin is humble and professional. He prepares meticulously. For example, he prepares various acting and action scenes, which can be stressful. He has to manage his diet and condition well, and during a tight schedule, he can get minor injuries. Hyun Bin managed himself thoroughly according to the set schedule.

=What kind of actor is Yoona?

She was greatly overshadowed by the girl group Girls' Generation, but now she has established herself as an actress. She has an aura as an actress. She understood the director's thoughts well and acted meticulously. She has upgraded compared to the first film.

=The New York city battle scene was impressive. Was it completed with special effects (CG) due to the pandemic?

It was an essential scene to secure plausibility for the triangular cooperation involving the U.S. FBI. We considered whether to shoot the Arizona desert scenes in Yeongjongdo or Jebudo, but after much thought, we agreed to boldly invest in new visuals. We recreated a distance of 100 to 150 meters of New York city streets. It would have been impossible even if we had filmed on location. I am very satisfied.

=Recently, due to the pandemic, Korea sometimes becomes America, Arabia, or even space in films. Facing such amazing technological advances, how do you feel as a film director living in this era?

It is a great benefit, but to enjoy it, you need a lot of budget, professional personnel, and time. It won't be easy, but it is being introduced a lot in Korean films. I heard that another film is being shot on the set built for the New York scenes in 'Confidential Assignment 2.' I hope it continues to provide fun to many audiences.

=The flyswatter action was impressive, and the more sophisticatedly designed action compared to the previous film also stands out.

Since various characters perform action scenes, I focused on differentiation. We created various scenes such as chases, shootings, and comedy. I wanted to inherit the tradition of tissue paper action from the first film and wondered what would be good, and the flyswatter came to mind. I tried to provide fun through slow motion and exaggeration of the person being hit.

=Jin Sun-kyu played the villain, whose appearance resembles Sirasoni from the drama 'Rustic Period' (2002). It also reminds one of Hong Kong movie characters.

Building the villain character was difficult. Kim Joo-hyuk acted well as the villain in the first film, so Jin Sun-kyu must have felt a heavy burden. His presence naturally grew as he sought revenge against the villain who killed his wife in the previous film. In the second film, visuals were important. Jin Sun-kyu had played a villain in 'The Outlaws' (2017) and had a distinctive appearance, so we thought about new looks. We considered facial tattoos and prosthetic eyes, and the actor gave his opinion. He took a photo in the bathroom and sent it to me, and it was good.

=Yoo Hae-jin and Jin Sun-kyu are currently starring in tvN variety show 'Europe Outside the Tent,' which is ranking first in viewership in its time slot. Their kind images are impressive. It seems natural that interest connects to 'Confidential Assignment 2.'

They didn't appear for movie promotion, but the timing matches, so it might help a lot. (laughs) Yoo Hae-jin and Jin Sun-kyu are just as they are on set. Their jokes are similar. Actually, on set, they bicker a bit more. They tease each other about makeup, asking if it's really makeup, which is funnier. They are genuinely close. Watching the variety show, I often think, "I wish I were there," or "I want to join."

=Among audiences who watched the film early, there is a joke calling it a 'full enlightenment (開眼) movie.'

Who are they referring to? Yoo Hae-jin? (laughs) Casting stars and paying high fees, the magic that draws audiences into the film is the power of stars. There is definitely a fantasy that stars provide. In this film, Daniel Henney and Hyun Bin give great enjoyment. Some might feel visual pleasure and charm through Yoo Hae-jin. I hope many audiences are satisfied.

=Actors play a significant role in films. Some say it is an 'actor-dominant era.' What do you think is the responsibility of actors in the film industry? What concerns do you have as a director?

Films have been made for over 100 years, but actors still play a large role. Especially stars have an even bigger role. Directors make the story look real and have the responsibility to make audiences immerse themselves in the film. The most important thing is the actor's performance. It's not just stars that matter, but stars with excellent acting skills. Good actors are a blessing to directors. If an actor makes the character feel real and makes the audience curious even after the film ends, that actor is even better. Since such actors are rare, everyone wants to work with them. As a result, important decisions are made by actors, leading to dependence and rising fees. It's a downside but an irreplaceable characteristic of the medium. However, I believe we should always try to give opportunities to new actors and discover talent.

=Who is the new face you discovered in this work?

If I were to pick, Lee Seung-hoon, who plays police officer Oh Deok from the cyber investigation unit controlling drones, is interesting. He acted better than expected. Lee Min-ji also had a small role but did well.

=It is still hard to say that the Korean film industry has fully recovered. The theaters revived in May-June but slowed down in the summer market. There are not many major releases during Chuseok, and many films are scheduled for early October. How do you view this?

Everyone is struggling so much that simply telling audiences "Please visit theaters" or "The film industry is in trouble" is meaningless. Recently, ticket prices have risen, so people might feel burdened, and I worry whether the films are worth it. Since filmmaking is my livelihood, I hope many audiences come to theaters. Not only for 'Confidential Assignment 2' but also for upcoming films, we must work hard so that ticket prices are not wasted. All filmmakers share this sense of crisis.

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