[Interview] 'D.P2' Director: "The Military Violence, The State Has Never Apologized"

Director Han Junhee Interview

Netflix Series 'D.P.2' Directed
Completed 12 Episodes on Military Violence and Corruption
Portraying People Striving to Change Society

'D.P.2' stills [Photo by Netflix]

"The world is getting better because there are people who make an effort. That power changes society."

Han Jun-hee, the director of the Netflix original series 'D.P.' Season 2, said, "As a filmmaker, I want to make the world a better place through content." We met recently at a cafe on Bongeunsa-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where he pointed out the responsibilities of the state and society, describing the story as "starting from an individual's 'debt of conscience.'"

Director Han received acclaim for sharply highlighting violence and injustice within the military in 'D.P.,' which was released on August 27, 2021. Due to the enthusiastic response, production of the sequel began quickly, and Season 2 was released last month on the 28th, two years later.

Director Han Junhee Photo by Netflix

Season 2 begins not with episode 1 but with episode 7, which connects to episode 6 of Season 1. Regarding this structure, Director Han said, "I did not expect to make a sequel," and added, "I thought about how to properly conclude the story through Season 2, which is connected to Season 1."

About Season 2, which was completed like six individual mid-length films each with distinct characteristics, the director expressed confidence, saying, "It will be more enjoyable if you watch episodes 1 through 12 in one go." He further explained, "It is a story about responsibility and apology, and a story that demands an apology."

"It will never change. Unless we do something."

This is the copy written by Director Han Jun-hee for 'D.P.2.' Season 2 opens with the shooting incident by Private Kim Ruri (played by Moon Sang-hoon), who was watching the news about Private Jo Seok-bong's (played by Jo Han-chul) desertion. From there, various episodes surrounding the military deserter apprehension team (D.P.) unfold.

Ultimately, it points to problems of the state and the system. The most frightening villain is not a specific individual but an unjust system and an unchanging group. Director Han emphasized, "I am not a politician, journalist, or social activist, but as a member of society or an organization and as a human being, I had something I wanted to say." The latter part of the series, showing the state's ruling on compensation and responsibility, conveys this theme.

"Although issues related to military assault have recently come to light, I think they have been happening for quite some time. According to documents and articles, there have been several state compensation lawsuits related to incidents in the military. However, the state has never admitted responsibility in court. There may be parts that cannot be acknowledged due to organizational logic, but they still do not admit wrongdoing. We worked hard on all 12 episodes. I was worried that viewers might only feel helpless as individuals struggle to move forward. I wanted to portray a half victory."

[Photo by Netflix]

Among some young viewers, there are reactions that it is difficult to empathize with the entire drama. Regarding the recent opinion that the military atmosphere has changed, Director Han questioned, "Can we really say the military has improved?"

He said, "I do believe some parts have changed. It could be individuals or changes brought about by whistleblowers. Also, there are more people working hard inside and outside, such as human rights centers." He added, "In the end, people are gradually changing something. I wanted to portray Ahn Junho (played by Jung Hae-in) as such a person."

How do overseas viewers perceive 'D.P.2'? Director Han nodded and said, "That was the most difficult part." He continued, "I thought it would be hard to understand and empathize unless the country has a conscription system. I was surprised to see it ranked 20th globally. I did not expect that."

He also said, "Foreign viewers seem to have watched it a little because, whether at school, military, or workplace, there is a universal trait where individuals have to make concessions in groups. I think they empathized with that aspect a bit."

Will 'D.P.' grow into a long-running Korean series? When asked about Season 3, he said,

"It's not something I can decide on my own. (laughs) The characters exited in Season 1 feeling powerless, and I wanted to tie up loose ends in Season 2. Of course, all the characters will start something again. Ho-yeol has been discharged, Junho will have to spend the remaining time alone, and Hwang Sang-soo, Jo Seok-bong, and others will probably be happy in their own places. I hope everyone is like that outside the frame. If we do Season 3, I will probably drag them into the mud again, but for now, I hope the characters strive to be happy with the current ending."

Director Han Junhee [Photo by Netflix]

Director Han was invited to the Critics' Week at the Cannes Film Festival with 'Chinatown' (2015) and directed films such as 'Hit-and-Run Squad' (2019). Last November, he expanded his role as a creator with the OTT Wave original 'Weak Hero Class 1.'

He laughed and said, "During the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, I directed OTT content and participated as a creator. It was not easy."

He added, "I made about 20 episodes in total, and I want to direct a movie. I really want to see my film in theaters." He also said, "I am currently writing a script. There may be stories suitable for theaters and OTT respectively, but I will do my best to create good opportunities in any form."

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