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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-06-20 15:52:30
SEOUL, June 20 (Yonhap) -- The upcoming film "The Escape," directed by Lee Jong-pil and set to release on July 3rd, tells the story of a North Korean soldier who risks his life to cross the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in search of his dreams. The tension heightens as a security officer chases him, creating a gripping pursuit.
"While I was running, a car with a camera was right in front of me to capture the scene. I was trying my hardest to keep up with it, even though it was impossible. Gasping for breath, I genuinely thought, 'I might die doing this,'" said actor Lee Je-hoon (40) during an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 20th. Lee plays Kyunam, a North Korean soldier defecting to the South.
Lee recalled filming a scene where he had to run through the mountains at dusk. "We had limited time before sunset, so I had to run back and forth multiple times. Even when the crew said it was enough, I wanted to keep running until I was out of breath to dramatically convey Kyunam's desperate yearning for freedom," he explained.
The rugged terrain of mountains and fields, rather than smooth asphalt, caused Lee to injure his knee during filming. He eventually had to visit the hospital because his knee wouldn’t bend properly while descending stairs.
"I didn't tell anyone I wanted to rest because of the knee pain, perhaps out of stubbornness. Everyone's time was precious, and I wanted to give it my all," he said.
To portray Kyunam accurately, Lee Je-hoon reduced his weight to below 60kg. "I restricted my diet more than I ever had for any other project," he admitted.
In "The Escape," Kyunam's fearless journey across the DMZ, fraught with landmines, stems from his yearning for freedom. However, the film isn't just about the ideological divide between North and South Korea. Kyunam represents anyone daring to escape their confining reality in pursuit of their dreams. The movie taps into the deep-seated desires of those who have settled for less, reminding them of their unfulfilled dreams.
"Kyunam's destination may not be a utopia, but the chance to try and achieve something he dreams of was crucial. I constantly pondered how to express his pure longing for freedom," Lee stated.
The film features actor Koo Kyo-hwan as Hyeon-sang, the security officer chasing Kyunam. This is the first collaboration between Lee and Koo, who Lee previously expressed admiration for during the 2021 Blue Dragon Film Awards.
"I've admired Koo for a long time," Lee said, adding that he strongly recommended Koo for the role of Hyeon-sang after reading the script. "When he accepted the offer, I was overjoyed. Working with him made me wonder about the depths of his charm."
In the film, Hyeon-sang and Kyunam share a past, highlighted in a scene where Hyeon-sang clumsily performs a magic trick with a wet wipe, an improvisation by Koo. "That scene alone captures their childhood friendship. I thought it was brilliant," Lee noted.
To master the North Korean accent for his role, Lee received coaching from a young North Korean defector in his 20s. "I practiced diligently to deliver the lines authentically," he said.
Lee Je-hoon concluded, "I will continue to work hard and improve to win the audience's love. I hope to keep finding and portraying compelling stories through my acting and never settle."
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