Director Yeon Sang-ho reinvests box office profits from 'Face' into 'The Fall of Eden': "Break-even point is meaningless" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Director Yeon Sang-ho revealed that he completed 'The Fall of Eden' using the success of 'Face' as a springboard.

On the 14th, an interview was conducted with Director Yeon Sang-ho, who wrote and directed 'The Fall of Eden', at a cafe on Samcheong-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The psychological thriller begins when Ryu Sun-woo (played by Bae Hyun-sung), whom his mother Ryu So-young (played by Kim Hyeon-joo) believed to be dead after losing her son in a camping school bus disappearance incident nine years ago, miraculously returns alive.

Following the invitation of 'COLONY' to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, Director Yeon Sang-ho was selected by another world-renowned film festival for 'The Fall of Eden', presenting works with different characteristics throughout 2026.

He challenged a new production method once again, following last year's low-budget film 'Face'. The net production cost of 'The Fall of Eden' is known to be 500 million won.

Regarding the background for producing 'The Fall of Eden' on a low budget, Director Yeon Sang-ho stated, "There was a question as to whether this story could be made completely and smoothly within the commercial film system." He added, "However, since profits came in from 'Face', I thought, 'Let's do it while we're at it.' 'The Fall of Eden' was made through the profits from 'Face.'"

He further explained, "With this method, it is possible to create another work with the profits generated here."

Initially, he did not expect the box office success of 'Face'. Director Yeon Sang-ho said, "I actually thought 'Face' was a story without mass appeal. But unexpectedly, there was a response." He continued, "I pondered why people go to movie theaters. While theaters are tailored for experience and spectacle, I wondered if there might be people who visit cinemas to enjoy emotions that cannot be felt through the medium of TV. However, I had no certainty."

He then shared, "After confirming that more than 1 million people can enjoy a film like 'Face', I thought, 'Then it would be okay to try once more.'"

Director Yeon Sang-ho aimed to advance the low-budget production system first attempted with 'Face' by one step in 'The Fall of Eden'. He revealed, "After 'Face' was a hit, we shared the profits with the staff who worked with us. Since it was a method being tried for the first time, there were trial and error issues when settling accounts."

He explained further, "Some people may have participated thinking it was good just because the number of shooting days was short. As this was the second work, I thought we needed to find a better method, and as a result, the budget went up slightly."

He added, "I do not know if an appropriate budget exists. Ultimately, it is made within the range permitted by the industrial structure."

Regarding the participation of actors, he said, "I do not think there are actors who only want to make commercial films. Of course, they cannot spend too much time on such works, but I think 13 to 14 shooting days is quite manageable."

Above all, Director Yeon Sang-ho emphasized that low-budget production must not become a method that encroaches on the domain of existing independent films.

He stated, "While making 'Face' or 'The Fall of Eden', I did not want to disrupt the existing industrial structure. We did not try to receive separate support for 'Face' or be recognized as an independent film. We did not even apply for support systems."

He continued, "I think such support should be received by those who have consistently made independent films in the past." He expressed his wish, adding, "However, regarding distribution, I hope that opportunities open up for these small films to meet audiences a bit more broadly than they do now."

Director Yeon Sang-ho revealed about the break-even point, which is the standard for box office success, "I received an answer that the break-even point does not mean much because there are overseas sales. It seems to be because profits are already coming in through overseas sales."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original