[Sportschosun reporter Jo Ji-young] Star actors who represent K-content came together for a meaningful project.
On the afternoon of the 26th, a press and distribution screening for the human drama 'Hana Korea' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Ichon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul. The event was attended by Kim Min-ha, who plays Hye-seon, a woman in her 20s who defected from North Korea and settled in South Korea after overcoming many hardships; Kim Joo-ryoung, who plays Suk-hee, the older sister Hye-seon meets while living at Hanawon; Ahn Seo-hyun, who plays Bomi, a defector who discovers freedom and small joys in South Korea before anyone else; as well as director Frederik Schøller and screenwriter Choi Sung-jae (Sharon Choi).
'Hana Korea' follows the journey of a North Korean defector who keeps moving forward despite an unfamiliar life. The film was inspired by real-life interviews with more than 30 defectors who settled in South Korea. Danish director Frederik Schøller wrote and directed the film, while Choi Sung-jae, a film director and screenwriter who gained attention for his witty interpretation of director Bong Joon-ho's remarks when 'Parasite' won at the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony in 2019, joined as co-writer. The Korea-Denmark co-production has drawn attention.
'Hana Korea' also raised expectations with the addition of Kim Min-ha, who rose to global fame through Apple TV's 'Pachinko'; Kim Joo-ryoung, who made her presence felt through Netflix's 'Squid Game Season 1'; and Ahn Seo-hyun, who drew worldwide attention with Bong Joon-ho's 2017 film 'Okja'.
Kim Min-ha began by saying, "When I first read the script, I thought that because it was inspired by a real person, I had to handle it with great care. I tried to lead the drama by carefully separating and examining the details of her story, which I could never have imagined myself. I also tried to draw strength from Kim Joo-ryoung and Ahn Seo-hyun while filming."
On taking on the Yanggang Province dialect, Kim Min-ha added, "There were coaches. I kept taking lessons and practicing, and even after filming ended, I tried to pay more attention in the post-recording sessions. I also tried to watch more documentaries."
She also spoke about working with director Frederik Schøller, saying, "At times, we were able to share such a strong understanding that words were not even necessary. Filmmaking makes me feel that language is not the most important thing. I felt there were no boundaries, and it was a project where everyone worked with the same mindset. In the end, it felt happy and warm." She added, "Before filming, we even held a workshop in Denmark. From morning to evening, we talked about the scenes in this film and exchanged ideas about the important ones. There were not many barriers between us, so the set felt more comfortable."
Kim Joo-ryoung laughed the room by saying, "Director Frederik Schøller kept sending music that fit each scene on the morning of filming. But honestly, it was so hard to understand. I still do not fully know what it meant, but it made me keep thinking about the scene, and I think I acted while letting that music settle into my body. It was a truly special experience for me."
Ahn Seo-hyun confessed, "I had worked with foreign staff during 'Okja,' but this was my first time working with a foreign director, so it felt fresh. There were parts I was not used to, so I leaned more on writer Sharon Choi and tried to work through the difficult parts."
Director Frederik Schøller said, "When I first visited Korea in 2010, I spoke with two men. They told me, 'Our wish is reunification.' I became curious about what that emotional feeling meant. Later, in 2019, I met a woman named Hyorin, whose story inspired this film, and I was moved by her life, which led me to make this movie."
He added, "Through Hye-seon, a defector from North Korea, I wanted to show someone who does not lose courage or dreams even when forced to start over in a new place. I also hope viewers will think about the freedom we enjoy, its many dimensions, and the price that comes with it."
He also said of the casting, "All three actors who joined us have incredible filmographies. Just having them portray these characters already means this film has received an enormous privilege. I am also curious about how audiences overseas will respond."
Writer Choi Sung-jae said, "I joined this project after the basic framework and structure of the story had already been set. I kept thinking about it and trying to find the right direction. When writing the script, I wrote it in both Korean and English, and the director and I worked through it together, arguing and refining it until we found the direction." He added, "In a world full of division, I thought it would be difficult, but through the young woman in 'Hana Korea' who overcomes hardship, we could evoke emotional empathy. Real defectors actually say the hardest period is the first five years after arriving and settling in South Korea. I heard that loneliness, isolation, and disconnection make it even harder, and I tried to explore that part more deeply in the film."
'Hana Korea' stars Kim Min-ha, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Ahn Seo-hyun, with Danish director Frederik Schøller at the helm. It will be released on July 8.
Jo Ji-young, soulhn1220@sportschosun.com
