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| ▲ From left, actors Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-gum, Suzy and Tang Wei poses at the photo session of the media conference for upcoming film "Wonderland" held in Seoul on May 9, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, May 9 (Yonhap) -- "I was first drawn to the idea of this film. Also, I've been waiting for the opportunity to work with Director Kim Tae-yong again."
Chinese actress Tang Wei expressed her reason for appearing in the film 'Wonderland' at a production briefing held on the 9th at CGV Yongsan iPark Mall.
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| ▲ Actress Tang Wei attends the media conference for upcoming film "Wonderland" held in Seoul on May 9, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Scheduled for release on the 5th of next month, the film marks Director Kim Tae-yong's new work after 'Late Autumn' (2011), released 13 years ago. Director Kim and Tang Wei, who formed a connection as director and lead actress in 'Late Autumn,' later became lovers and married in 2014.
Director Kim remarked, "Tang Wei is an actress whom I personally admire, and I felt that she was even more courageous in this film compared to 'Late Autumn.'" He added, "Being able to discuss things that we couldn't on set at home was a tremendous source of strength. It felt like working 24 hours a day," as he chuckled.
Tang Wei also mentioned, "Both of us are the type who only talk about work," adding, "(even at home) we mainly discuss movies and characters, and we're workaholics."
'Wonderland,' written by Director Kim, tells the story of people who reunite with their loved ones through an AI-based video call service that restores the deceased.
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| ▲ Director Kim Tae-yong attends the media conference for upcoming film "Wonderland" held in Seoul on May 9, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Director Kim explained, "I once thought that there would come a time when even the deceased could continue to communicate with us," and added, "I wrote the script while thinking about how to relate to missed loved ones, those we've sent ahead, and those we will send ahead."
In addition to Tang Wei, this film features a star-studded cast including Suzy, Park Bo-gum, Jung Yu-mi, and Choi Woo-shik. Gong Yoo also makes a special appearance.
Director Kim recalled the filming, saying, "These actors have such an attractive presence that just watching them on screen makes you smile." He added, "Although it's a quiet drama genre, I kept wanting the actors to move forward."
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| ▲ Actors Tang Wei (L) and Suzy attend the media conference for upcoming film "Wonderland" held in Seoul on May 9, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Tang Wei plays the role of Bai Li, a mother who uses the Wonderland service to hide her death from her young daughter.
To embody this character, who is also an archaeologist, Tang Wei met with archaeologists in China for consultation and read books on archaeology.
Meeting the audience through a Korean work once again after Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Leave' (2022), Tang Wei expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was a joyful experience to work with talented actors in Korea."
Suzy portrays Jung In, who restores her unconscious boyfriend through the Wonderland service, while Park Bo-gum plays Tae Joo, Jung In's boyfriend. Suzy and Park Bo-gum have previously co-hosted several award ceremonies such as the Baeksang Arts Awards.
"When I read the script for 'Wonderland,' Suzy came to mind for the role of Jung In," said Park Bo-gum, adding, "Even during the acting process, our chemistry was good, so we were able to create a good narrative for both characters."
Suzy also chimed in, saying, "Jung In and Tae Joo are lovers who are like friends, and thanks to getting to know each other, our chemistry was well portrayed in the film."
Jung Yu-mi plays Harry, a veteran planner designing the AI for the Wonderland service, while Choi Woo-shik plays Hyun-soo, a rookie planner who discovers an unexpected secret in the commissioned service.
Although Choi Woo-shik and Jung Yu-mi are close friends in real life, this is their first time working together as a duo.
Choi Woo-shik reflected, saying, "Because we know each other so well and are close, I felt I had to do better," and added, "I approached the acting more nervously than usual."
Due to health reasons, Jung Yu-mi was unable to attend the production briefing on this day. She had previously worked with Director Kim on 'Family Ties' (2006).
Director Kim praised Jung Yu-mi, saying, "She is an actress who gives me tremendous trust," and added, "After seeing her perform difficult roles in 'Family Ties,' I entrusted her with the role of Harry in the new film."
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