Director Byun Young-joo shared her nostalgia for the late actor Lee Sun-kyun.
Byun revealed exclusive insights about her 2012 movie *Hwacha* in a video posted on the “Cine Drive” YouTube channel on the 23rd. In the film, Lee portrayed the main character, Jang Moon-ho, who is urgently searching for his fiancée Kang Sun-young (played by Kim Min-hee), who vanishes unexpectedly before their wedding.
Byun stated that the production of *Hwacha* had a strict schedule because of financial and time limitations. She remembered, “On the final day of filming, I gave strict directions, but Lee said, ‘Give me 15 minutes. My feelings might shift, but I’ll follow the blocking.’” She added, “After completing the shoot in Yongsan, I was tired and heading home when I received a call: ‘Why are you leaving so cheaply? Come back.’ When I came back, the actors were at a raw fish restaurant.”
She said, “Thanks to the actors—Lee Sun-kyun, Kim Min-hee, Jo Seong-ha, and others—the movie turned out excellent. I am genuinely thankful to the crew as well. Although we faced challenges because of the limited budget, this difficulty may have enhanced our enthusiasm.”
Considering Lee, Byun stated, “Out of many actors, he was the one who made me feel as if he was standing by my side.” She highlighted, “Such actors are uncommon. There are talented performers and those who enhance movies, but actors who truly back directors are scarce. Losing Lee wasn’t just losing an actor—it felt like losing a fellow soldier for Korean filmmakers.”
She also mentioned, “Miyabe Miyuki, the author of the original novel, was fond of *Hwacha*. She even wished to give me the script for her other book *Iyu* to work with Lee again, but he died before that.” A publisher later came to see her, stating, “Miyuki wanted to pay homage at Lee’s grave. Even though he is no longer here, she is determined to give you *Iyu* for adaptation.” Byun added, “That’s why I still can’t forgive the prosecutors and police. I might never be able to.”
Lee Sun-kyun passed away by suicide in December 2023 as he was being probed by authorities over claims of drug use.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment