Actor Jo In-sung has revealed the reason why director Na Hong-jin addresses him as "Sunbaenim" (a term for a senior colleague).

During an interview held in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 9th to commemorate the release of the film Hope, Jo addressed the director's use of the honorific, saying, "Some people wonder if I am older than Na Hong-jin, but I was born in 1981." He added, "I think it is the director's way of showing respect for an actor."

At the press preview and conference held on the 6th, it drew attention that director Na consistently referred to Jo as "Sunbaenim." This was notable because Na was born in 1974, while Jo was born in 1981. Given that they are not the same age and have a director-actor relationship, the director's choice of title for Jo was quite impressive.

Jo said, "I was a bit embarrassed at first, too. But since he kept calling me that, I couldn't do much about it... (laughs). On set, when the situation was very urgent, he would shout, 'In-sung hyung!' But he never spoke to me in a casual, informal way. I think he calls me 'Sunbaenim' because I debuted earlier than him. I finished filming while always feeling respected by the director."

Jo described director Na as a "fierce perfectionist." He added, "That is why a film like this comes out. I cannot summarize Na Hong-jin's perfectionism and meticulousness with just one episode. The entire film was created and completed under that impression. That is his strength."

Actors who have worked with director Na at least once, such as Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, and Jun Kunimura, have all marveled at his perfectionism. However, it is also true that they do not readily nod at the idea of working with him again, as he is a director who induces not only physical exhaustion but also mental tension.

Jo also performed high-intensity action for this film, including riding a horse galloping at incredible speed through forests and roads. At the same time, he expressed extreme fear, pain, and anger through his facial expressions, allowing audiences to encounter a side of Jo In-sung they have never seen before.

When asked if he would be willing to work with director Na again if offered another project, Jo smiled and said, "There is no reason not to. But I am not sure if he would ask me again."

Hope tells the story of Beom-seok, the head of a branch office in Hopohang located in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, and the events that unfold as the entire village goes on high alert and encounters an unbelievable reality. Jo played the role of the hunter Seong-gi in this film.

The film is set to be released on the 15th.

Reported by Kim Ji-hye (SBS Entertainment News)