[Exclusive] Meeting Im Siwan at Cannes Beach, Conversations with Him [Here is Cannes]

74th Cannes Film Festival On-site Coverage
Interview with Actor Im Siwan

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Oh? How did you recognize me?" ... "I knew by your voice, since you were so heavily disguised." I happened to run into Im Siwan and exchanged greetings. When I cautiously requested an interview, he readily agreed, saying, "Shall we do it now?" It was an unarranged interview. Although it could have been uncomfortable, he welcomed the domestic media who flew a long way with a courteous attitude.

Under the dazzling sun, the expansive beach of the southern French resort city of Nice, and the unique scenery where sunlight beautifully breaks over the blue water can be seen at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Unlike the traditional May schedule, this year it is held in July after 2 years and 2 months due to the global spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection).

Despite the pandemic, many filmmakers visiting Cannes to enjoy the festival is impressive. Even Europeans on vacation flock here, making the atmosphere even hotter. Upon first entering near the Lumi?re Theater, I was shocked by the scene. Most people on the street were not wearing masks, which was surprising. However, Koreans encountered locally were different. Considering the dangerous situation such as the spread of variant viruses, they did not remove masks or sunglasses.

While heading to the accommodation during coverage in Cannes, I noticed an East Asian person tightly covering his face with a mask and sunglasses along the road by the beach. Despite sweating profusely, he was thorough with quarantine measures. Wondering "Who is this?" I looked closely and heard a familiar voice. It was Im Siwan.

Im Siwan arrived in Cannes on the 13th (local time) to attend the local schedule for the 74th Cannes International Film Festival's Out of Competition invited film "Emergency Declaration." It was his second invitation after four years since he visited the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017 with "The Merciless."

Im Siwan warmly greeted, saying, "I didn't know a reporter from Korea would come. I was amazed when I heard you came." When asked about his second invitation, he humbly said, "I was able to come because I met senior actors well."

He said, "During 'The Merciless,' I had no free time in the schedule. I rushed through the schedule without even sleeping and returned home, but now I have some free time in the schedule, which is nice."

Im Siwan was able to board the plane to Nice, France only after completing the Janssen vaccine in Korea and testing negative in a PCR test. After arriving locally, he also took a COVID-19 test at a temporary screening clinic set up near the Lumi?re Theater. Everyone invited to Cannes must take the test without exception to enter the main center. His feelings about attending the Cannes Film Festival, held for the first time since the pandemic, were special.

He said, "It is not easy to take a plane these days, but I took a plane and came to Cannes," and "The scene I faced when I arrived at the airport felt very unfamiliar."

On the 16th at 10:15 PM, Im Siwan walked the red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival at the Lumi?re Grand Theater ahead of the premiere screening. Before the schedule, he said, "I guess I'll get just as flustered when I get on the red carpet," and "I'm concerned about how local filmmakers will see me." Later, at the official screening held at the Lumi?re Theater, Im Siwan responded to the audience's applause in fluent English.

Four years ago, Im Siwan walked the red carpet with actor Seol Kyung-gu, and this year he stood shoulder to shoulder with Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun. It is especially meaningful to receive the spotlight alongside such distinguished seniors. Im Siwan said, "A series of coincidences are coming together," and added, "I am grateful and honored just to have appeared in 'Emergency Declaration.'"

Im Siwan said, "When I first got the role in 'Emergency Declaration,' I asked myself several times, 'Am I really doing this work?' I couldn't believe it. But I am thankful to have come all the way to Cannes like this."

He also felt the changed attitude of global filmmakers toward Korean films at Cannes. Im Siwan said, "There is definitely more interest in Korean works, and I feel that such a foundation is being well established. Starting with 'Parasite,' many directors, singers, and others are showing more interest and growing expectations for Korean content. I feel I need to work harder on my projects to meet those expectations."

Im Siwan has been steadily studying English for a long time. He said, "I hope to receive more attention," and "It would be great if I get opportunities to work overseas. It's not that I must do foreign projects, but I think it's good because it broadens the range of project choices. From an actor's perspective, that itself is a welcome thing."