"I Cried a Lot While Filming": South Korea's Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young vs. Japan's Jin Sun-gyu... A Passionate Story Set During the Japanese Colonial Period [The 100-Day Lie] [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Set in Keijō (Seoul) in 1932, the spy romance "The 100-Day Lie," starring actors Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young, will be unveiled as a special project marking tvN's 20th anniversary.

On the afternoon of the 29th, a production press conference was held for tvN's new weekend drama "100 Days of Lies" (directed by Yoo In-sik and Kim Yun-jin, written by Ryu Bo-ri), a special project marking tvN's 20th anniversary. The event took place at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall on Han River-daero in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Yoo In-sic and actors Kim Yu-jung, Park Jin-young, Kim Hyeon-ju, Lee Mu-seong, and Jin Sun-gyu attended the event.

"100 Days of Lies" is a 100-day spy romance that unfolds when the best pickpocket in Gyeongseong, who has become a spy, and an elite interpreter from the Jo Seon (총독) bureau face off at the heart of enemy territory. The project is directed by Yoo In-sik, who helmed "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," with a screenplay by Ryu Bo-ri, known for works such as "Do You Like Brahms?", adding to its quality.

Kim Yoo-jung plays Lee Ga-kyung, a character who goes undercover as an interpreter trainee at the Jo Seon (총독) Bureau for 100 days after being the best pickpocket in Gyeongseong. Park Jin-young portrays Sato Hideo (played by Kim Tae-woong), an elite interpreter at the Jo Seon (총독) Bureau.

Kim Hyun-ju played Yoo So-ran, the pivotal figure who infiltrates Lee Ga-gyeong into the Jo Seon (총독) Bureau, serving as a sniper for the anti-Japanese organization Gukgu Dan (National Salvation Corps). Lee Mu-saeng portrayed Yoo Philip, a Korean-American correspondent, while Jin Sun-kyu took on the role of Sato Shinichi, the Political Advisor of the Jo Seon (총독) Bureau.

Director Yoo In-sik introduced the film "100 Days of Lies," stating, "It is the story of a girl living in Keijo during the Japanese colonial period in 1932, who dreams only of leaving Joseon and ends up infiltrating Jo Seon (총독)bu. It features a deeply moving love story as well as the passionate tale of independence fighters."

Director Yoo stated, "When I first began developing the story with writer Ryu Bo-ri, I felt that the characters were undergoing transformation and came to see what had determined their choices." He added, "There would inevitably be various issues of historical accuracy, and it was a work that carried considerable artistic pressure, but we tried to realize it in a way that did not significantly deviate from those memories."

tvN's 20th-anniversary special project drama was originally "Signal," but its scheduling was put on hold due to a private life controversy involving lead actor Cho Jin-woong, allowing "The 100-Day Lie" to take over the special project slot. Regarding this matter, Director Yoo stated, "There was no relationship between our schedule and that of other dramas. It was scheduled to air after Chuseok (the Korean Thanksgiving holiday). Although it was not an easy schedule, we completed filming before Chuseok, which relieved us of one worry, and proceeded as planned."

When asked about the message he wanted to convey to viewers through "100 Days of Lies," Director Yoo explained, "I too felt a tingling sensation in my chest and something rising up with warmth. I found myself thinking, 'Why did they do that?' 'How did they do it?' and 'Could I actually do it myself?' That curiosity is what led me to write this drama. By following the characters in this story, viewers will be able to see 'what makes us feel like ourselves.'"

Kim Yoo-jung revealed that she decided to appear in "The 100-Day Lie" after a year since "Dear X," stating, "I participated after seeing the writer, director, and actors. I felt it would be an honor just to be part of this project. The character Ga-kyeong, whom I play, is in her early 20s, so I was curious about the growth story of a young person living through that time."

Kim Yoo-jung said, "When it comes to performing in foreign languages, I was initially intimidated, but as I studied, I realized it would be beneficial for me. I thought, 'When else would I have the chance to try something like this?' The way each character speaks a different language adds another layer of enjoyment."

Park Jin-young revealed the process of performing foreign language lines in "100 Days of Lies," stating, "There was no answer but practice. Rather than my head memorizing it, I felt as though my mouth was memorizing it, so that words would come out naturally when prompted. I practiced until the very end while managing my nerves." Park added, "The script was so interesting that I really wanted to participate," and continued, "While acting, I tried not to overexpress the confusing parts. Instead, I created the character by deliberately minimizing movement."

How was the on-screen chemistry between Kim Yoo-jung and Park Jin-young as a couple? Park laughed and said, "If 100 is the maximum score, it was 1,000 points. Director Yoo In-sik showed more excitement than anyone else on set."

Kim Yoo-jung said, "It was enjoyable because you made the set so comfortable and fun." She added, "The characters each carry their own backstories, and we performed a romance in which they grow by feeling for one another. There were aspects that would have been difficult to create on my own, but I was able to do well working with actor Jin Young. Not only that, but there was also something I could feel just by exchanging glances with senior Hyeon-ju and others. Because our sincerity connected among us, I believe viewers will be able to feel that sincerity as well."

Kim Hyun-ju shared her approach to filming "100 Days of Lies," stating, "I wanted to be composed but did not want the tone to become too heavy. There are bright and fun elements in the middle of the drama." Regarding her romantic scenes with Lee Mu-saeng, Kim said, "We do not fall behind (in the romance between Kim Yu-jung and Park Jin-young). Due to the circumstances, we were unable to express all our emotions. That is why Philip and I show a tender love."

Lee Mu-seong had the challenge of speaking English well in his role as a correspondent in "100 Days of Lies." He stated, "I tried to focus on this work, and since I was playing an American journalist, I concentrated on the unique mannerisms associated with that role." He added, "There were instances where the character spoke Japanese as an American would, which differs from simply speaking Japanese. Please enjoy that aspect as well."

Jin Sun-gyu said, "This character is driven by a growing desire for recognition and expresses that through the weak. While it may not be easy to understand, I had extensive discussions with the director in order to portray the role effectively. Because the character depicts an unforgivable villain, I did not attempt to soften or beautify his image." He added, "Although I was born and raised in Korea, my character is Japanese. Therefore, it was even more important for me to love Japan and speak Japanese fluently. Since I did not know hiragana at all, I lived in Japan for two months, memorizing the script for seven hours a day. I felt that if I did not do so, I would not be able to keep up. I also took Japanese language lessons." Jin Sun-gyu previewed his new villainous role by stating, "I approached this part with the intention of erasing the image of Wi Seong-rak from the film 'The Outlaws.'"

Jin Sun-gyu said, "It was a work in which I cried a lot while filming. When you watch the work, something hot rises up inside you. It will be a drama where that feeling can definitely be felt."

“100 Days of Lies” will air its first episode at 9:10 p.m. on October 10.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.