Ha Jung-woo and Im Si-wan Bring Son Ki-jeong and Seo Yun-bok to Life with Passionate Performances (Comprehensive)

Movie '1947 Boston' Press Screening

The Thrilling Run of the First Marathoner Carrying the Taegeukgi
Director Kang Je-gyu: "Seo Yun-bok Gave Hope During Japanese Occupation"
Ha Jung-woo: "Filmed with a Sense of Responsibility and Solemnity"

Marathoners Son Ki-jeong and Seo Yun-bok come alive on the screen this fall. The heartfelt race of the marathoners who first wore the Taegeukgi on their chests after liberation in 1947 sets out to conquer the Chuseok box office. The film '1947 Boston' captivates with the power of an inspiring true story and the breathtaking performances of Ha Jung-woo and Im Si-wan.

Director Kang Je-gyu (60), known for films such as 'Taegukgi' (2004), 'My Way' (2011), and 'The Age of Blood' (2015), returns after eight years with '1947 Boston.' At the film press screening held on the afternoon of the 11th at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Kang said, "Marathon has a great appeal," adding, "It is the most passionate sport where humans challenge the extreme barefoot."

(From left) Actor Kim Sang-ho, Director Kang Je-gyu, Actor Im Si-wan, Ha Jung-woo
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On that day, Director Kang Je-gyu recalled, "After finishing 'Taegukgi,' I was preparing an SF (science fiction) film, but it fell through. Hollywood shoots many future-set films. I eventually thought that looking closely at our past is actually a way to foresee the future." He continued, "Naturally, I became more interested in the precious footprints of the past," and added, "Looking back at the past also gives us courage and strength."

Ha Jung-woo plays Son Ki-jeong, the gold medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and Im Si-wan portrays Seo Yun-bok, the national representative at the 1947 Boston Marathon. Ha Jung-woo said, "I discussed with the director about what kind of person Son Ki-jeong was while filming. I wondered what his feelings were in each scene. Those feelings accumulated one by one."

Son Ki-jeong becomes a marathon coach who rigorously trains athletes to participate in international competitions, finally wearing the Taegeuk mark on his chest in the liberated homeland in 1947.

Ha Jung-woo said, "When filming the Berlin Olympics scenes, it was hard to take my steps lightly. It felt like experiencing that time, so my heart was heavy. I also felt a solemnity I had never felt before during filming."

Ha Jung-woo Photo by Yonhap News

Im Si-wan brings Seo Yun-bok to life on screen with vivid acting that heightens immersion. This is the result of outstanding effort. From solid, sturdy muscles to a gaunt face, he embodies Seo Yun-bok himself.

He said, "From the preparation stage, I lived on chicken breast and salad. I exercised every day. To express solid muscles, I worked out whenever I could and observed if they expanded. I tried my best to resemble Seo Yun-bok’s appearance and even achieved 6% body fat."

The driving force behind Im Si-wan’s running was the responsibility of portraying a 'real person.' He said, "I thought it was a task where I must not fail, so I approached it with a sense of responsibility." He added, "Like Seo Yun-bok, who was the first to wear the Taegeuk mark and compete internationally, I prepared with the heart of a real national representative."

Director Kang Je-gyu explained, "Seo Yun-bok gave great hope and courage to the nation during the Japanese colonial period. The boy who dreamed of becoming the second Son Ki-jeong was born as the youngest of six siblings and ran toward his goal despite hardships." He emphasized, "While there is pride in being the first to run wearing the Taegeukgi after liberation, the spirit of human victory in achieving a precious dream stood out."

Im Siwan [Photo by Yonhap News]

'1947 Boston' will be released in theaters on the 27th alongside 'Dr. Cheon’s Exorcism Research Institute: Secret of the Snow Scenery?' (directed by Kim Sung-sik) and 'Cobweb' (directed by Kim Ji-woon). Director Kang Je-gyu shared his feelings ahead of the release, saying, "I felt both envy and a heavy heart watching other films premiere before mine."

He continued, "The past few years were valuable times of refining the film over and over. Before releasing the film, I engaged with audiences through various channels and listened carefully. I realized how necessary this work was."

Ha Jung-woo said, "The absolute number of theatergoers has not yet returned. I hope summer and Chuseok combine their strengths to create synergy. I hope '1947 Boston' contributes to the culture of audiences coming to theaters to watch movies as before."

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