'Hoop' Director Na Hong-jin: "Jung Ho-yeon Cast Based on Hwang Jung-min's Recommendation... 'You Must Meet Him'" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Na Hong-jin of 'Hoop' revealed the behind-the-scenes stories of casting the actors.

On the 6th, a press screening for the film 'Hoop' (directed by Na Hong-jin) was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Director Na Hong-jin, along with actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, attended the event.

'Hoop' tells the story of 'Beom-seok', a branch office manager stationed in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), who learns from local youths that a tiger has appeared in the area, triggering an alert across the village as he confronts an unbelievable reality.

Director Na Hong-jin said, "Seven to eight years ago, I cast senior actor Hwang Jung-min for another project, but that project did not move forward. At the time, we were preparing a dark film that would clearly receive a rating prohibiting viewers under 19. However, during the scriptwriting process, we shifted direction toward what is now 'Hoop'."

He continued, "Senior Hwang never pressured me; instead, one day he called to ask if I could work on another project. I apologized at the time. About five or six years later, when the script was finally completed, I reached out again, and fortunately, he readily agreed."

Adding, "From the very beginning of writing the script, I envisioned senior Hwang for the character 'Beom-seok'. It was an inevitable and natural casting choice," he emphasized.

Na also revealed the background behind Jo In-sung's casting. The director said, "Whenever actors around me talked about their experiences working with senior Jo In-sung, they all spoke nothing but praise. It was almost unbelievable." He added, "Director Ryu Seung-wan also praised him highly. After watching his films, I felt there was definitely something special about him."

He continued, "I gained confidence that we could do great work together. In reality, when we worked together, his focus, attitude on set, and various qualities as an actor were truly admirable. I am deeply grateful, and we remain close friends to this day," he revealed.

Regarding Jung Ho-yeon's casting, Na explained it began with Hwang Jung-min's recommendation. The director said, "Senior Hwang suggested that I must meet Jung Ho-yeon and have a conversation with him. I didn't know why at the time, but after meeting directly and talking for about two hours, I found it incredibly enjoyable."

He added, "Jung is an actor who naturally embodies the qualities I had envisioned for the character. Although he is extremely busy, we actively persuaded him to join us," he said.

Finally, Director Na concluded, "What I am most grateful for is that all three actors completed this filming without any injuries."

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*This content was translated by AI.