Director Min Yong-geun from 'SoulMate' "I hope the movie remind viewers of someone they have forgotten through time"

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| yna@yna.co.kr 2023-03-08 08:34:43

▲This photo provided by NEW show photo of director Min Yong-geun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)▲This photo provided by NEW show photo of director Min Yong-geun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲This photo provided by NEW show photo of director Min Yong-geun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲This photo provided by NEW show scene from 'SoulMate.' (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL March 8 (Yonhap) -- “When I become old and in my 70s to 80s, or about to take my last breath, I always thought I would have someone to look back into or someone that pops up into my mind.”

Director Min Yong-geun, of South Korean movie “SoulMate” participated in an interview regarding the movie at a studio set behind the popup store of the movie on Wednesday, and addressed “I started off the production with that moment imbedded into my mind.”

“SoulMate” which will premiere on March 15 depicts a story of Miso, acted by Kim Da-mi, and Ha-eun acted by Jeon So-nee who have been friends for a long time.

Both protagonists have met one another in elementary school are not only different in personality but also the environment they grew up in. Mi-so who have lost her father and had to transfer to various school since she was young showcases the freedom itself, whereas Ha-eun is more down to earth, relaxed and more careful when comes to making decisions.

Min Yong-geun looked back into the production days and addressed how close both actresses were to the character in terms of acting style.

“Actress Kim Da-mi acted very freely, every take she would showcase something new, therefore it was interesting to see what she will bring to the table. I personally think it’s her instinct that helps her switch from one character to another quickly. Ha-eun is a character that holds up her thoughts and emotions until she burst, therefore actress Jeon So-nee gradually built her emotions one by one throughout the production.” addressed director Min Yong-geun throughout his interview.

Throughout the interview with the director addressed that he originally offered Kim Da-mi of the role of Ha-eun.

“I wanted to showcase something new however actress Da-mi stated that she wanted to act out the protagonist Mi-so. I could tell the actress wanted to try out showcasing the hankering of freedom and that need soft mindedness despite of sturdy look throughout the production, therefore I have offered her the character.” stated director Min Yong-geun.

The upcoming movie “SoulMate” is based on the Hong Kong movie “Soul Mate” which premiered in 2017. The difference between the original film and the South Korean film would be the focus throughout the movie. In the original film, the love triangle set between three of the protagonist drives the storyline whereas in the South Korean version of the movie, it puts a focus on the friendship between two of the protagonists.

“The emotions held by Mi-so and Ha-eun are very deep, and I don’t think there would be a word that I can describe the depth of their relationship. To them, the individuals are like the ones they can’t stop thinking about , someone that pops up into your mind when closing one’s eyes.” adding “Since some people have seen the original movie, I thought I would face the hurdle set by the original film, however when writing the scenario I tried my best to put my own color into the movie.” addressed director Min throughout his interview regarding the upcoming movie “SoulMate.”

As a male director, writing a scenario about two female protagonist was very hard for director Min.

“After interviewing a lot of female in order to get some insight for the movie I have heard a lot about their school life, friendships, and more however when working on the film I started to think that there could be something more than just friendship despite of male or female. Therefore as the movie progresses the plot gradually follows the widely accepted theme and storylines.” adding “I hope the upcoming movie showcases some of the scenes that will make the viewers think of their lives, it has that realistic kick to it.” addressed director Min Yong-geun throughout his interview.

Moreover the director stated “On a personal note, when I started writing the story, my dad became very ill and right as the production started he passed away, also it took me a very long time to meet my current wife and the art director who participated in the movie has passed away while working on his project after ‘SoulMate’ therefore this movie is very important and meaningful in many ways.” adding “I hope throughout the movie, viewers will be able to think of someone who has been within your life for a long time but you have forgotten, and look back into their past and reflect.”

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo)

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