Director Na Hong-jin, who helmed the film Hope, has revealed the casting process for the movie's three lead actors.

On the afternoon of July 6, Director Na attended the press screening and conference for Hope held at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. During the event, he discussed the casting of Hwang Jung-min, with whom he is collaborating for the second time following The Wailing, as well as Jo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon, both of whom are working with him for the first time.

Regarding his second collaboration with Hwang Jung-min, Director Na said, "About 7 to 8 years ago, I cast Hwang Jung-min in another project, but that production did not move forward. At the time, I was preparing a dark film that would clearly be rated for adults, but during the screenwriting process, the direction changed to what is now Hope."

He continued, "He did not rush me. Instead, he called me first to ask if it was okay for him to film other projects. I apologized to him at that time. About 5 to 6 years later, when the script was completed, I contacted him again, and thankfully, he readily agreed."

In this film, Hwang Jung-min plays Beom-seok, a police officer working at the Hopo Port substation. Director Na stated, "I wrote the character of Beom-seok with Hwang Jung-min in mind from the very beginning. It was an inevitable and natural casting choice."

The casting of Jo In-sung was heavily influenced by recommendations from acquaintances. Director Na shared, "Whenever fellow actors spoke about their experience working with Jo In-sung, they only had good things to say. Director Ryoo Seung-wan also praised him highly, and while watching his work, I thought, 'There must be something special about him.' I gained confidence that I could do well if I worked with him. In reality, his focus, his attitude on set, and many other aspects he possesses as an actor were truly respectable. I am very grateful, and we remain close friends to this day."

Jung Ho-yeon's casting was recommended by Hwang Jung-min. Director Na said, "Hwang Jung-min tipped me off, telling me I should definitely meet and talk with actor Jung Ho-yeon. I didn't know why he said that, but after meeting her and talking for about two hours, it was so much fun."

He added, "She naturally possessed the qualities I was looking for in the character. She is a busy actor, but I actively persuaded her to join, and that is how we came to film the movie together."

Hope is Director Na Hong-jin's first new film in 10 years. It tells the story of Beom-seok, the head of the Hopo Port substation located in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared. The story begins as the entire village goes on high alert and encounters an unbelievable reality. The film is set to be released on July 15.




Reported by Kim Ji-hye | Produced by SBS Entertainment News