"Heo Nam-jun will become a star someday"... Director's trust in 'Beautiful World' [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Han Tae-seop, director of "Beautiful World," revealed his infinite trust in actors Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun.

Recently, director Han Tae-seop and writer Kang Hyun-ju of the recent SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Beautiful World" shared various stories through a written interview with StarNews.

"Beautiful World," which concluded on the 20th, is a romance drama depicting an explosive war-like relationship between Shin Seo-ri (played by Im Ji-yeon), a nameless actress possessed by the soul of history's greatest Korean 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 Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun received high praise, with the final episode, number 14, recording a national viewership rating of 11.8%, its highest ever.

Director Han, who concluded "Beautiful World" to critical acclaim, stated, "I didn't expect it would be so well-received 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 through the cold winter. Among viewer reactions, memories remain of those who said they were struggling in difficult realities while battling illness but burst into laughter thanks to this drama and managed to get through each day. I feel proud and happy every day knowing there are still things only dramas can do."

Regarding the factors behind the success, Director Han said, "Personally, I believe it is the result of sincere themes, detailed scripts, outstanding performances by actors, and ensemble work coming together. The simple yet warm theme that no matter how hard and lonely life gets, happiness will come if you endure was the root of this work. The writer skillfully depicted this theme as a narrative of growth and redemption through love. With sincere scripts as the trunk, efforts from meticulous staff as the branches, and outstanding performances and ensemble work as the leaves, we grew together to blossom into a rich story and reaped the fruit of great love from viewers."

Director Han focused on actor casting and a realistic tone. In particular, Director Han noted that due to the high difficulty of the script, casting was especially important.

Director Han said, "The emotional arc of Seo-ri, who moves between two timelines: the Joseon Dynasty and modern-day South Korea, was complex. The characters of Seo-ri and Se-gye had to be able to traverse various genres including strong-willed comedy, heart-fluttering romance, and poignant melodrama. Their chemistry between the two characters is beyond description. 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 with combined experience in playing villains and historical dramas, the writer and I cheered, 'This is it!' We devoted great effort to implementing the overall ensemble by carefully considering combinations, contrasts, and compatibility between Im Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, and other supporting characters."

Director Han also shared his impressions of working with Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun. Regarding Im Ji-yeon, he said, "Im Ji-yeon was the beginning and end of 'Beautiful World.' She completed the character and theme with miraculous acting that transcended time and space against a storm of harsh weather, murderous schedules, and overwhelming volume. Seeing her throw herself completely into high-difficulty scenes requiring a 'magic show' across 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, "One day we were filming the five-part electrification ending scene. After shooting a shot where she flips her eyes white, I asked Im Ji-yeon, 'Is this okay? Can we use this shot?' She gave me a cool response: 'Why not? Doesn't it become more fun if we do it like this? Please use it.' At that moment, I was convinced 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 look forward to what kind of life character will amaze the world next. The experience of completing this wonderful work together will remain a long-lasting glory for me."

Regarding Heo Nam-jun, he said, "He is a unique actor whose depth of charm remains unknown. His exterior is tough and sexy, but his interior is cheerful and soft; it makes you think, 'What kind of three-dimensional person exists like this?' Both his acting and his attitude toward people are full of charm. Just thinking about the time spent together brings an involuntary smile."

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

Director Han said, "Within that flexibility lies his own firm subjectivity and philosophy regarding acting. I don't think it was solely due to this work that he mastered the multi-layered charm of two characters, Cha Se-gye and Lee Hyun, captivated women's hearts, and became a global popular star. I believe that Heo Nam-jun's sincerity toward acting accumulated through various experiences 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, which was bound to come someday, through this work called 'Beautiful 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 verification must be done," also became a major topic. This was because MBC's drama "21st Century Grand Duchess," which aired at the same time, had been engulfed in controversy over historical distortion, making Seo-ri's sharp remark resonate even more deeply.

Regarding that scene, Director Han explained, "Since it was a pre-filmed scene, it did not carry special meaning. Viewers likely accepted it as part of the drama's entertainment. I felt that viewers' cultural awareness is high, loving and wanting to protect Korean culture, and also sensed their desire to enjoy deep immersion and detailed appreciation through works."

Heo Nam-jun rose to stardom overnight with "Beautiful World." Despite his first challenge in the romantic comedy genre, he thrilled viewers with excellent control of pacing and rhythm. In particular, viewers showed a hot response by consuming Cha Se-gye's lines from the drama as "memes."

Regarding this, Director Han said, "The charm of Cha Se-gye was determined by how skillfully and attractively Heo Nam-jun dismantled the writer's nearly impregnable sarcasm, 'Love? That's money-making,' through instinctive acting and sincere consideration for the work."

He continued, "When filming scenes in episode 5 with slick lines like 'How is it? Isn't this glorious?' and showing shabby appearances inside a rooftop room, I felt that the character and scene hit exactly right. Im Ji-yeon also remembered praising Heo Nam-jun during the filming of that scene, saying, 'You're good at being shabby.' Many people express that line as 'cringey,' but Heo Nam-jun never thought or expressed that the line was cringey."

Director Han further said, "If you talk with Heo Nam-jun for just five minutes, you'll know he is someone whose consideration for others is like a huge dog. I am confident that Heo Nam-jun's 'life character' will be updated in every future work. This work has not yet fully shown all of Heo Nam-jun's charm."

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*This content was translated by AI.