Innovative 'Killing Romance'... Director Lee Won-seok: "A Fairy Tale for Adults"

by Lee Yiseul

Published 10 Apr.2023 16:49(KST)

Director Lee Won-seok, who delivered great laughter with the movie 'Man's Manual' (2013), returns with 'Killing Romance,' packed with fresh and exciting fun. The director said, "I wanted to create a fairy tale for adults." Will this film, full of witty charm, reverse the mood in theaters this April?

At the press screening of 'Killing Romance' held on the afternoon of the 10th at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Director Lee said, "I was attracted to the offbeat charm after hearing the concept of 'a comedy about trying to kill one's husband' from writer Park Jung-ye."

Director Lee Won-seok [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

'Killing Romance,' opening on the 14th, tells the story of Jonathan (Lee Sun-kyun), a chaebol from an island nation, and top star Yeorae (Lee Ha-nee), who suddenly announces her retirement after falling in fateful love, and how she meets Beom-woo (Gong Myung), a third-generation fan club leader, to plot an extraordinary comeback plan.

Director Lee said, "I wanted to talk about courage. I believe that when someone thinks of me and gives me courage during times when I am stagnant, unchanging, and stuck in life, I gain the strength to change. I also wanted to say that if you do wrong, you will definitely be punished." He added, "I hope the film conveys a 'good heart' to people of this era." He repeatedly urged, "I wanted to blur the line between reality and fantasy and carry it through to the end. Please see it as a fairy tale."

He cited 'Wind Wind Wind' (2018, directed by Lee Byung-heon) as the film that influenced him the most during the directing process. Director Lee said, "The concept of treating a story about cheating as a comedy was ironic and attractive," adding, "It was impressive that all kinds of comedy were employed." He continued, "Our strategy was to avoid elements that might make people uncomfortable while still addressing important points."

Regarding violent scenes in the film, Director Lee emphasized, "We tried to tone down uncomfortable violent scenes as much as possible and bury them. There were a few more scenes, but we cut them."

Lee Sun-kyun (left) and Lee Ha-nee [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

The actors unanimously expressed their fascination with the ingenious script. Lee Sun-kyun said, "When I first saw the script, it was strange. I wondered, 'What is this?' I had enjoyed Director Lee Won-seok's previous work 'Man's Manual,' so I was curious how the directing would add to the story." Lee Ha-nee also said, "I laughed out loud when I read the script. I was curious about how the finished film would turn out."

The two actors, who showed their comedic spirit, emphasized sincerity. Lee Ha-nee said, "The most important thing in comedy is to believe the situation is real," adding, "I focused on sincerity." Lee Sun-kyun explained, "I tried to approach the character, and after building the character, I felt free. I acted as if playing a mask game."

Actor Oh Jung-se, who played top star Lee Seung-jae in the previous work 'Man's Manual,' makes a special appearance in the film, bringing laughter. Director Lee said, "I once talked with Oh Jung-se about what Lee Seung-jae would be doing 10 years later. I thought he might become a character leading a gloomy life after failing at something like running a jjimjilbang or karaoke."

Lee Sun-kyun did not hide the pressure of starring in theaters this April. He said firmly, "Everyone feels and should feel the burden of box office success." He added, "Some say Korean cinema is in crisis, but I think it's the theaters that are in crisis."

He continued, "After 'Parasite' won the Oscar, the COVID-19 pandemic began, worsening the situation. It is encouraging that various content has been created since then, but the development and love for Korean films are thanks to our audience. As the situation gradually improves and films are released one by one, I believe audiences will return. I hope many people come to the theaters."