Actor Namgoong Min has returned to SBS after 3 years with ‘Our Movie’. He expressed confidence, saying it is a work that has an inexplicable attraction.
On the afternoon of the 10th, a production presentation for SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama ‘Our Movie’ was held at CGV Yongsan in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, attended by director Lee Jeong-heum, Namgoong Min, Jeon Yeo-bin, Lee Seol, and Seo Hyun-woo.
‘Our Movie’ tells the story of a love that cannot be postponed between a film director, Lee Je-ha, who has no tomorrow, and an aspiring actress, Lee Da-eum, who has her last day today. Director Lee Jeong-heum introduced the drama as “a story without grandiose phrases or embellishments. It is a true authentic melodrama that focuses on the characters' emotions, quietly lingering in the mind.”
He continued, emphasizing the directing aspect, “Since melodrama is about emotional parts, I aimed to capture the good looks of the actors. The character Lee Je-ha does not speak much but conveys what he needs and wants accurately. I thought it would be interesting to show that. Also, while Lee Da-eum is in a special situation of having a limited time, I focused on making sure we could see the character of actress Lee Da-eum.”
In the drama, Namgoong Min plays the director Lee Je-ha, who is experiencing a slump, while Jeon Yeo-bin plays the aspiring actress Lee Da-eum, who suffers from a rare disease.
Namgoong Min described Lee Je-ha as “a person whose expressions are not decisive but has a deep heart,” adding, “I think I expressed that well, but I’m curious how the viewers will perceive it. Since I am myself, I don’t think a specific image was visible, but I believe I acted in a way that is true to Lee Je-ha.”
On the other hand, Jeon Yeo-bin stated, “Lee Da-eum is a character who is aware of the finiteness of life, so she is someone who lives her life fully and loves more than anyone else. The character is already vividly alive in the script, so I tried to embody the urgency of living every moment. Rather than showing aspects of being terminally ill, I focused on portraying vitality over death.”
There was also a discussion about the chemistry between the male and female leads, which is crucial in a melodrama.
Jeon Yeo-bin said, “Namgoong Min is a senior who received the grand prize at the 3rd SBS Drama Awards. As a junior actor, I have respect for him, so my feelings of love for Lee Je-ha came out naturally. After reading the script, I could imagine the gaze of Lee Je-ha played by Namgoong Min, and it made my heart flutter,” she smiled.
In response, Namgoong Min added, “Since we aimed to express realistic and unexaggerated emotions rather than dramatic romance, having a partner was extremely important. I was very surprised while working with Jeon Yeo-bin. I received such good energy that it became a turning point in the drama. I think we acted as if we were truly in love, rather than just acting.”
The reason ‘Our Movie’ is receiving more attention is that it marks Namgoong Min's return to SBS after 3 years since ‘Stove League’ and ‘One Thousand Won Lawyer’.
Namgoong Min said, “Actually, at first, I said I wouldn’t do it. But after receiving the revised script, it became so interesting. The director said it’s a true melodrama, but it’s filled with sophistication and a modern feel. I felt an indescribable attraction after seeing the work. I’m not sure if it will be a drama that appeals to all ages, but I have confidence that when this drama comes out, I will feel proud.”
He added, “SBS's Friday-Saturday dramas tend to have good ratings. Our drama is not sensational, has no tricks, and does not have scenes or direction that induce dopamine release. Although it may not fit the characteristics of SBS's Friday-Saturday dramas, I believe it has competitiveness because the director, writer, actors, and staff worked hard. It would be meaningful if a drama that is hard to get ratings produces unexpected results. I have returned to SBS after 3 years. I’m confident, so please look forward to it.”
Meanwhile, ‘Our Movie’ will premiere on the 13th at 9:50 PM.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]