'Smuggling' Director Ryu Seung-wan: "I Can't Imagine Watching My Movie on a Mobile Phone" (Summary)

Film 'Milsu' Production Report Meeting Held

Kim Hye-su "Jo In-sung's Face is the Best, Especially His Eyes" Laughter
Underwater Filming at 6m Set... IMAX Release

Director Ryu Seung-wan Photo by Yonhap News

Director Ryu Seung-wan (49), known for his films surpassing ten million viewers, is making a summer box office appearance with the maritime crime action film "Mil-su" (Smuggling). Actors Kim Hye-soo and Yum Jung-ah take center stage, supported by Jo In-sung and Park Jung-min. As the opening salvo of Korea's big four films, the pressure is high.

At the production presentation of "Mil-su" held on the morning of the 20th at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, director Ryu expressed confidence, saying, "I have never imagined anyone watching my films on a mobile phone."

Director Ryu said, "If asked 'Why should movies be watched in theaters?' I would answer that all the processes are done on the premise that the film will be screened in theaters." He added, "The shooting methods, the screen, and the subtle adjustments of sound are all worked on with the assumption that they will be experienced on a big screen and speakers in a theater."

The director also emphasized, "Times are changing, and the way audiences engage with films is evolving, so we can't blindly insist on theatrical films only, but I believe that the creator's intention is 100% conveyed when watching in theaters." He continued, "The experience of many people silently sharing tension and emotions together in a theater is something that cannot be replicated at home."

Jo In-sung confessed, "During 'Mogadishu' (2021), I wondered if the COVID-19 pandemic would ever end and if we could meet audiences again in the old way." He added, "Now, I finally feel like I'm making movies again." Kim Hye-soo also chimed in, saying, "I'm glad to be able to introduce a film face-to-face after a long time."

[Photo by Yonhap News]

Opening on the 26th of next month, "Mil-su" is a maritime crime action film about people who make a living by salvaging daily necessities thrown into the sea, suddenly caught up in a life-changing big event. It tells the story of people who get entangled in smuggling in a once peaceful seaside town.

The film is directed by Ryu Seung-wan, a director known for hits like "Berlin" (2013), "Veteran" (2015), and "The Battleship Island" (2017). Ryu presents this new work after "Mogadishu" (2021), which thawed the frozen theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago.

"Mil-su" will also be released in IMAX format. The vast sea, the deep underwater world, and action scenes will unfold on the large screen.

The actors underwent three months of underwater training in preparation for underwater filming. The shooting took place on a 6-meter underwater set.

Kim Hye-soo recalled, "During pre-shoot tests, I experienced a panic attack. I thought, 'What should I do? This is serious. What about this film?' But the other actors did really well. Watching them helped me get out of the panic state." Yum Jung-ah said, "We always supported the actors in the water by watching the monitors. We shouted, cried, and clapped during filming."

Kim Hye-soo, who plays the haenyeo (female diver) Chun-ja, who has done anything to make money and protect her body, said, "Jo Chun-ja is the most vulgar role I've ever played." She expressed satisfaction, saying, "It's vulgar within an appropriate range, but I wonder if I will ever take on such a role again." She added, "I really enjoyed acting in it with excitement."

Jo In-sung (left) and Kim Hye-soo [Photo by Yonhap News]

Kim Hye-soo heated up the set with her witty remarks. Jo In-sung said, "We practiced action more than in other films," adding, "We memorized the choreography thoroughly and filmed it." He continued, "If the action in 'Mogadishu' was improvised, this time we shot the action precisely with the director. We focused on footwork and hand movements."

Listening attentively, Kim Hye-soo said, "Jo In-sung was good at action, but the best part was his face." She added with a smile, "Every time I saw Jo In-sung's face on set, he looked cool. Especially his eyes."

Singer Jang Ki-ha sang the original soundtrack (OST) for the film "Mil-su." Director Ryu explained the selection, saying, "Jang Ki-ha is the artist most sincere about 1970s music." He added, "Jang Ki-ha also felt the pressure of working on his first film music. You can see why he was chosen and how well it fits by watching the film."

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