"So sexy."
That comment from reporters set off laughter at Lotte Cinema World Tower on the 16th, where a preview screening and press conference were held for the film "Resurrected Man: The Red."
The praise was directed at actor Shin Seung-ho, who plays Black in the film, for his English- and Japanese-language performance. Looking embarrassed, Shin said, "I am truly grateful. This is a thought that just came to me, and I mean it completely — of all the time I have spent doing these screenings, today is the happiest day."
He added, "I did hope viewers would feel that way, but it was not the goal. It feels like I have received an award." Shin also said, "The director gave me direction not only on Black's dark, superhuman abilities but also on the visual side of the character. I am grateful to the director as well. I really am." The remark drew laughter once again.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, the film is a fantasy action story about Seok-hwan, a job seeker brimming with unfounded confidence who discovers that he revives 72 hours after dying. Built on the unusual premise that he grows stronger each time he dies, the film adds hard-hitting action sequences and aims to offer a different kind of appeal from conventional action films. Set to open on the 30th, it joins the lineup of films competing over the Chuseok holiday.
A fuller discussion of the film will come in a review and interviews. For now, here is a taste of the good-natured mood behind the scenes.
Actor Koo Kyo-hwan, who is having his best year yet with "What If We," "Colony" and "Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness," plays the lead role of Seok-hwan. He radiated as much sexy appeal as Shin did. His comes from an unusual sense of style. So what is the source of Shin's appeal? His distinctive low voice was rich, and the English and Japanese carried by that voice had no trouble winning over the audience.
The voice is not all of it. His sexy appeal may well come from the way he gives his all to the role he is given. He reportedly put enormous effort into playing a demanding character who has to speak English and Japanese with ease. "I was worried because I am not good at foreign languages, but I took this on thinking it was a good chance to overcome that weakness through this film," Shin said. "A language instructor was always on set, and because of that I paid a lot of attention to pronunciation and sound."
He added, "I prepared with a personal wish that when people saw me using English and Japanese, they would not think, 'He prepared this for the film.' I prepared hoping it would look that natural."
Starting with this Chuseok holiday, "The Intern," "Assassin(s)," "Tazza: Song of Beelzebub," "Possible Love" and "Resurrected Man: The Red" are all opening. Each actor appears to be pouring everything into creating "sexy characters" and "characters with distinctive personality." Who will come out on top in this Chuseok box-office battle is another point of interest.
Yeon Seung's Entertainment Talk
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