▲ From left: Actors Joo Won, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Yoo-young, Director Kwak Kyung-taek, and actors Kim Min-jae, Oh Dae-hwan, Lee Jun-hyuk and Jang Young-nam pose at the production briefing for the film Firefighter, held on Nov. 8, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Yonhap) -- Kwak Kyung-taek, the director of the upcoming film Firefighter, expressed his disappointment and resentment towards actor Kwak Do-won, who was involved in a DUI incident.

 

At the production briefing for Firefighter held on the 8th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, Kwak Kyung-taek stated, “My honest feelings are that I feel very angry and resentful toward him. He must take full responsibility for what he has done. A period of deep reflection and atonement is necessary.” 

 

Kwak Do-won, who plays the lead role in the film, was not present at the event, with Kwak Kyung-taek being joined by actors Joo Won, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Jun-hyuk, and Lee Yoo-young.

 

Firefighter was filmed in 2020, but its release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal issues surrounding Kwak Do-won, who was charged with DUI in September 2022, leading to a temporary suspension of his activities. After a four-year wait, the film will finally be released in theaters on December 4.

 

Kwak Kyung-taek shared his feelings, saying, “I honestly didn’t think the release date would ever come, but now that it’s finally here, I’m feeling especially nervous and excited.” He also shared that a firefighter he recently met had encouraged him, saying, “Firefighters work as a team on-site, so stay strong, as there are other actors too.” Kwak Kyung-taek said he took these words to heart as he came to the briefing.

 

The film Firefighter is inspired by a 2001 arson case in the Hongje-dong area of Seoul, focusing on firefighters battling a blaze to save lives. Kwak Do-won plays the lead role of a veteran firefighter, Jin-seop.

 

▲ Actors Joo Won poses at the production briefing for the film "Firefighter," held on Nov. 8, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap)

 

Initially, Kwak Kyung-taek had turned down the offer to direct the film, feeling a sense of guilt whenever he heard the word "firefighter." However, he ultimately agreed to direct after realizing it was the right thing to do, stating, “I felt it was my responsibility to do something for them.” He emphasized the need to show the terrifying nature of fire and the bravery of firefighters.

 

The actors underwent extensive training for the film, including real fire training, and wore 25kg of gear while filming in a summer set where the temperature soared. Joo Won, who plays a rookie firefighter, Cheol-woong, recalled, “When I first entered the set, it was terrifying and hot. I realized how courageous firefighters are as they face these challenges every day.”

 

Lee Yoo-young, who plays paramedic Seo-hee, admitted that she wasn’t familiar with the Hongje-dong fire incident before the film but expressed regret after learning more about it through the project. “Now, whenever I hear sirens on the street, I hope no one gets hurt,” she said.

 

Lee Jun-hyuk, who portrays firefighter Ki-cheol, insisted on doing his own stunts, including a scene where he had to put out flames on his body without a stunt double. 

 

He recalled, “I’ve been afraid of fire since I was a child because I had suffered burns, but this scene was something I had to overcome, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

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