'Brave New World' Director: "Historical Accuracy in Dialogue Was Not Intentional... Viewers Are Highly Conscious" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

Han Tae-seop, director of 'Brave New World', revealed the backstory behind the dialogue related to historical accuracy that appeared in the drama.

Recently, Han Tae-seop, director of the recent SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World', and screenwriter Kang Hyun-ju shared various stories in a written interview with StarNews.

The drama 'Brave New World', which concluded on the 20th, is a romance drama on the brink of war between Shin Seo-ri (played by Lim Ji-yeon), a nameless actress possessed by the soul of the notorious Joseon villainess and turned into a 'villain', and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a vicious chaebol called a monster of capitalism. The romantic comedy chemistry between Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun received high praise, and the final episode, episode 14, recorded the series' highest viewership rate of 11.8% nationwide.

Director Han, who concluded 'Brave New World' to critical acclaim, stated, "I didn't expect it to be so well-received even overseas. Along with infinite gratitude to domestic and international viewers, I feel relieved that it seems to have been a small reward for the staff who worked hard for a long time during the cold winter. Among the viewer responses, I remember those who said they were struggling with the difficult reality of fighting an illness, but thanks to this drama, they burst into laughter and managed to get through each day. I feel proud and happy every day, thinking that there are still things only a drama can do."

Director Han also shared his thoughts on the reasons for its popularity. He said, "Personally, I believe it is the result of sincere themes, detailed scripts, the actors' outstanding performances, and ensemble work coming together. The simple yet warm theme that happiness will come if you endure, no matter how hard and lonely life gets, was the root of this work. The writer skillfully depicted this theme as a narrative of growth and redemption through love. With the sincere script as the stem, the efforts of the meticulous staff, and the actors' outstanding performances and ensemble as the leaves, we grew together to bloom a rich story and reaped the fruit of great love from viewers."

Director Han focused on actor casting and a realistic tone. In particular, according to Director Han, the script's high difficulty made casting the most important factor.

Director Han said, "The emotional arc of the Seo-ri character, who moves between two timelines, the Joseon era and the Republic of Korea, was complex, and the Seo-ri and Se-gye characters had to be able to traverse various genres, from strong-willed comedy and thrilling romance to poignant melodrama. The chemistry between the two characters was, of course, essential. Fortunately, we were able to cast the male and female actors we wanted most."

He continued, "Immediately after achieving perfect casting of the two protagonists, who combined experience as villains and historical dramas, the writer and I cheered, 'This is it!' We poured our hearts into implementing the overall ensemble by carefully considering the combinations, contrasts, and compatibility of other supporting characters with Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun at the center."

He also mentioned his impressions of working with Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun. Regarding Lim Ji-yeon, Director Han said, "Lim Ji-yeon was the beginning and end of 'Brave New World.' She completed the character and theme with a miraculous performance that transcended time and space, facing the storm of harsh weather, murderous schedules, and overwhelming screen time. Seeing her throw herself completely into high-difficulty scenes requiring 'magic tricks' in comedy, melodrama, and action, and accepting all directions from a rookie director, I felt not just admiration as an actor, but deep respect as a professional."

He also recalled an anecdote about Lim Ji-yeon: "One day, we were filming the ending scene of the five-part electric shock. After filming a shot where she turns her eyes completely white, I asked Lim Ji-yeon, 'Are you okay? Can we use this shot?' She gave a cool response, 'Why? Wouldn't it be more fun if we do it like this? Please use it.' At that moment, I became convinced that viewers would inevitably fall in love with Seo-ri."

He added, "Seeing her conquer comedy as well, I felt infinite possibilities as an actor, and I am very much looking forward to what kind of life character will amaze the world next. I think the experience of completing this wonderful work together will remain a glory for me for a long, long time."

Regarding Heo Nam-jun, he said, "He is a unique actor whose depth of charm is still unknown. His exterior is tough and sexy, but his interior is cheerful and soft, to the point where you think, 'What kind of three-dimensional person is this?' Both his acting and his attitude toward people are full of charm; just thinking about the time we spent together brings a natural smile."

He continued, "Not only does he have diverse facial expressions and flexibility in body acting, but he also gives the impression of being 'wide open' to the difficult sets and the people working there. He always led the atmosphere on set with a gentle and cheerful attitude. When Se-gye arrived, it felt like a warm light turned on with a click. His open heart toward others gave inspiration not only to me but also to fellow actors and on-set staff to work happily in their respective roles."

Director Han said, "Within that flexibility, he has his own firm subjectivity and a philosophy on acting. I don't think it was only thanks to this work that he mastered the multi-layered charm of the two characters, Cha Se-gye and Lee Hyun, captivated women's hearts, and became a global popular star. I believe that the sincerity Heo Nam-jun has accumulated through various experiences over the years, and his correct way of life toward others, will eventually make him a star. I am personally proud and gratified to be able to share the beginning of that glory that would have come someday through the work 'Brave New World'."

A scene in episode 5 where Shin Seo-ri sharply remarks, "Even if the way of the strong falls to the bottom in Hell Joseon, historical accuracy must be ensured," also became a major topic. This was because the MBC drama '21st Century Grand Duchess', which aired in the same time slot, was engulfed in controversy over historical distortion, making Shin Seo-ri's remark resonate even more strongly.

Regarding that scene, Director Han explained, "Since it was a scene filmed in advance, it did not carry any special meaning. I think viewers also accepted it as part of the drama's entertainment. I felt that viewers' cultural awareness is high, as they love and want to protect Korean culture, and I also sensed their desire to enjoy deep immersion and detailed appreciation through the work."

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*This content was translated by AI.