Director Min Yong-geun: "A Relationship Metaphorized by a Cat That Always Comforts"

Fragments of Friendship and Youth... Movie 'Soulmate'

Director Min Yong-geun, a cat owner for seven years, revealed the reason for featuring cats in the film 'Soulmate.'

On the afternoon of the 6th, at a location in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Director Min said, "A total of three cats, including a kitten, appeared in the film," and explained that the cats metaphorically represent beings that provide comfort to humans.

Director Min Yong-geun [Photo by NEW]

The cat Maru appears in 'Soulmate,' which opens on the 15th. In the film, elementary school students Miso (played by Kim Da-mi) and Haeun (played by Jeon So-ni) take in a cat abandoned on the street and name her 'Mom.' Maru, who appears as 'Mom,' stays with Miso and Haeun as family from their childhood through adulthood.

Director Min said, "I have a 7-year-old cat, and unlike dogs, cats don’t show expressions. They silently watch their owners for a long time, and that becomes a comfort." He added, "When I’m feeling down and depressed, the cat doesn’t come close but quietly watches from a distance. Then at some point, it approaches and gently brushes my head with its head, and that becomes a consolation."

He continued, "Miso and Haeun’s time together in the film spans 15 years, which corresponds to a cat’s lifetime. During that time, I set the cat as a being that silently watches over them."

Regarding the scene where the cat is named 'Mom,' he said, "It’s somewhat quirky, but I wanted to show Miso’s character who lacks a mother’s love."

Through the cat, the relationship between Miso and Haeun is reflected. Director Min said, "I wanted to depict a relationship that doesn’t flaunt friendship or rush to assert itself, but is quiet, subtle, yet strong."

He added, "When making a film, I often receive advice on how to do this or that, but I believe the core of relationships is not to judge someone by such appearances but to quietly and accurately observe them over many years," explaining the essence of relationships.

[Photo by NEW]

Although there is a recent trend to avoid filming animals, he explained that it was essential for the film. Director Min created filming guidelines for the cats. He emphasized prioritizing safety with rules such as, "Don’t approach suddenly; please come slowly even if it takes time," "First impressions are very important to me. Don’t suddenly reach out your hand; please look near my ears or nose," and "If we’ve met a few times now, please speak to me at my eye level."

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