Actress Shin Hyun-bin shared her thoughts on meeting global viewers through 'Revelation'.
The Netflix film 'Revelation', released on the 21st, depicts the story of a pastor (Ryu Jun-yeol) who believes that punishing the culprit of a missing person case is a divine revelation, and a detective (Shin Hyun-bin) who is tormented by the ghost of her deceased brother, as they each pursue their beliefs.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the film features the involvement of world-renowned director Alfonso Cuarón as the executive producer. Shin Hyun-bin plays the role of detective Lee Yeon-hee, who suffers from the haunting of her brother, who was horrifically victimized by Kwon Yang-rae (played by Shin Min-jae) and ultimately met his death.
In just three days after its release, 'Revelation' recorded 5.7 million views (the value obtained by dividing the total viewing time by the film's total running time) and reached number one in the global top 10 films (non-English) category.
When asked about her feelings on reaching number one, Shin Hyun-bin said, "It's so amazing. I didn't think something like this could happen. I heard it happened quickly compared to the time frame. It's a new experience since it was released simultaneously." She added, "Everyone lives with their own beliefs, sometimes believing in things that have no substance and sometimes doubting the reality in front of them. I think this is something universally relatable. While there are Korean characteristics, I am grateful and amazed that it has been viewed more than expected."
Shin Hyun-bin also paid attention to her appearance for this character by cutting her hair short and going without makeup.
She said, "This is the first time I've had my hair this short since I was a child. Cutting my hair changed my clothing and movements in everyday life. When I met directors from other projects during filming, they would ask why I was sitting like a man. It positively influenced me, and if I look new, I think it will be good. I thought there might be an opportunity to cut it someday, but I just went for it and cut it. It was so comfortable."
Regarding the character Yeon-hee, she explained, "I thought about how much she would be suppressed and how to convey that well. I looked for interviews with people suffering from trauma. Yeon-hee has been enduring while taking medication and has probably lived through a terrible five years. She is someone who is living reluctantly but is driven by a sense of justice, mission, or obsession to solve the case. People don't change in an instant. I thought about how to express that suppressed situation convincingly."
She also shared her thoughts on having primarily played characters with backstories.
She said, "I don't dislike that. I wonder if people would be curious about a life that is too smooth and well-lived. Rather than waiting for someone else's misfortune, I think they might be more interested in stories of growth through certain events or experiences." She added, "I seem to be drawn to stories of people with backstories. I've played happy roles too, but in the end, there is always a backstory. It's not easy to portray the story of someone living a smooth and ordinary life. Everyone has their own story, but I think the difference lies in how they accept it and grow from it."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
