▲ This photo of Kim Tae-yong, director of Korean film "Wonderland," is provided by Acemaker Movieworks on June 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- "She is my favorite actress, regardless of our personal relationship. Watching how she prepares for her roles and immerses herself in the film's world has deepened my respect for her," stated director Kim Tae-yong in an interview held at a café in Jongno, Seoul, on the 3rd.

 

Kim expressed his deep trust in Tang Wei, the lead actress and his wife, who stars in his new film "Wonderland." Kim and Tang Wei met through the film "Late Autumn" (2011) and developed a romantic relationship, eventually marrying in 2014. "Wonderland," Kim's first film in 13 years since "Late Autumn," marks their second collaboration.

 

Set to premiere on the 5th, "Wonderland" explores the stories of people reconnecting with their loved ones through a video call service that uses artificial intelligence to recreate the deceased. Tang Wei plays Bai Li, a young woman who signs up for the Wonderland service for her daughter as she faces death.

 

▲ A scene from the Korean sci-fi film "Wonderland," provided by Acemaker Movieworks (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Kim mentioned that Tang Wei showed interest in the project from the time he began writing the screenplay in 2016. "Initially, we didn't specifically discuss working together. However, since the story involves a mother with a daughter, I thought she could portray the role well despite being a foreigner. She gladly accepted the offer," he recalled.

 

Reuniting with Tang Wei as an actress after 13 years, Kim observed that she had become even more impressive. "Acting while looking at a mobile phone is very challenging. To convey natural and subtle emotions, one must fully immerse in the situation. Tang Wei was able to quickly focus and enter the world of 'Wonderland,' more so than during 'Late Autumn.' I realized she had grown through working with other great directors over the past decade."

 

Kim also described Tang Wei as a supportive wife who respects his work. "Because of that, I felt a greater burden to make 'Wonderland' the best it could be," he said with a smile.

 

▲ Tang Wei is seen in this still cut from "Wonderland" provided by Acemaker Movieworks on June 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

"Wonderland" features an ensemble cast, including Suzy, Park Bo-gum, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-sik, and Gong Yoo. Suzy and Park Bo-gum play a couple, Jung Yu-mi and Choi Woo-sik are Wonderland service planners, and Gong Yoo acts as Bai Li's guide.

 

Kim emphasized the need for a balanced ensemble to convey the film's themes effectively. "I wanted the different scenarios and emotional layers to create the overall theme of the film. That's why I needed various episodes and thought it would be great to have big actors for each part," he explained. "Having one star could disrupt the balance, so I decided to either cast all-star actors or none at all. Each role, though seemingly minor, needed actors with significant presence to deliver a strong impact."

 

"Wonderland" focuses on how AI technology changes our lives and relationships rather than the technology itself. The film depicts people using Wonderland to alleviate their longing, only to become confused between reality and the artificial as they experience deep emptiness once the video call ends.

 

Kim stated that the film started from the question, "What do I do in a world where technology advances and creates new products regardless of our intentions?" Although set in the near future, he aimed to capture the emotions of people living in the present.

 

He sought advice from AI expert Professor Kim Dae-shik of KAIST while developing the screenplay. Although the concept of Wonderland seemed far-fetched in 2016, rapid advancements in AI over the past eight years have made the story more relatable for audiences.

 

▲ Park Bo-gum (L) and Bae Suzy are seen in this still cut from "Wonderland" provided by Acemaker Movieworks on June 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Kim noted, "Releasing the film at a time when audiences can naturally relate to the story could be an advantage, despite the long production period." He also highlighted that the film's abstract and conceptual nature contributed to the extended production time. "It was difficult to envision how to unfold the story, making the work period longer."

 

Reflecting on the extended production process, Kim believes the film will prompt deep questions from viewers. "It's a film born from long contemplation. I think audiences will watch 'Wonderland' and ponder, 'What happens to us now?'"

 

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