Production briefing session for the movie ‘Big Family’ on the morning of the 12th
Lee Seung-gi’s father-in-law explains stock manipulation controversy again
Seunggi Lee “If there is a misunderstanding, act carefully”
Family drama surrounding a dumpling restaurant that has lost its customers
The hidden child of a son who became a monk appears
Yunseok Kim “It was an extremely rare scenario.”
At the press conference for the movie ‘Big Family’ held at the Lotte Cinema Konkuk University entrance in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 12th, singer and actor Lee Seung-gi responded to a question about the controversy over his father-in-law’s stock price manipulation by saying, “I am cautious because it is a private matter. “If I have caused a misunderstanding, I think I should act carefully,” he said.
Last June, he issued an official statement regarding the controversy over stock price manipulation by his father-in-law and husband of actor Kyun Mi-ri, Lee, saying, “Don’t mess with the family,” and he explained this once again. Lee Seung-gi also said that it did not seem appropriate to talk about this sign in detail as this was an opportunity to talk about the movie ‘Big Family’.
◇Lee Seung-gi even shaved his head for acting
Lee Seung-gi shaved his head for the first time in his life to play the role of abbot Ham Mun-seok. He said, “At first, I had higher expectations about acting with this combination of actors, but when my hair was shaved, I thought, ‘I’m in big trouble.’” He said he wore a wig for 3 to 4 months because he had other schedules.
In the play, Ham Mun-seok gets caught up in an unexpected incident after donating sperm in the past. Regarding this, he said, “I have made many donations, but since I have no experience in this field, it was done very quickly. “I know it has produced a lot of good results,” he joked.
◇Lee Seung-gi shaves his head, and Kim Yun-seok has red hair?
Lee Seung-gi and Kim Yun-seok worked together as father and son. In relation to this, Lee Seung-gi said that among the reasons for choosing the work, “51% was because the director wrote the script, and Kim Yun-seok was the remaining 49%.” He also said, “An important criterion is what kind of inspiration or stimulation you can receive from the people you work with.”
Kim Yun-seok also dyed his hair red for the work. Kim Yun-seok said, “While most works rely on fast-paced and provocative events, this work’s scenario was a very rare one,” and explained the reason why he chose ‘Big Family’ despite undergoing an unconventional transformation.
‘Big Family’ is a comedy movie, but Ham Moo-ok is very serious. According to Kim Yun-seok, he has been running a dumpling restaurant in downtown Jongno-gu, Seoul for 38 years after Vietnam, and is “a terrible person who does not change his mind even when the entire surrounding area becomes a forest of buildings.”
Kim Yun-seok then said, “Actually, my son was a doctor and I should have had a doctor daughter-in-law, but how did this tragedy happen?” Ham Mun-seok graduated from medical school, and his ex-girlfriend Han Ga-yeon (Kang Hanna) is also a doctor. The two broke up when Ham Mun-seok became a monk.
◇“A movie like warm dumpling soup”
The restaurant run by Ham Moo-ok sells dumpling soup. There are many foods, but when asked why he chose dumpling soup as the subject matter, director Yang Woo-seok said, “When it comes to Lunar New Year, it’s dumpling soup. “Mandutguk is like the alter ego of Ham Mu-ok, who came from the North,” he said. Since ‘Big Family’ is a movie about family, it features food eaten on New Year’s Day in Korea, when the whole family gathers. Especially in the North, people eat dumpling soup.
As for what differentiates it from existing family dramas, Kim Yun-seok said, “A large family has many meanings. “The title of our work is ‘About family,’ and it also has an aspect of meaning ‘about family.’” In this way, ‘extended family’ questions not only family as a bloodline, but also how far we can think of ourselves as family and embrace each other.
Lastly, Kim Yun-seok said, “I am confident that our work is as warm as dumpling soup and is most suitable for an outing to the theater with the whole family. He emphasized, “At least 200 people need to come to the theater to see it.”
‘Big Family’ will be released in theaters on December 11th.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Film Expert on the Movie ‘Big Family’
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have an exciting interview with film expert Dr. Jun Park, who will share insights about the upcoming family comedy film ‘Big Family’, directed by Yang Woo-suk, which is set for release on December 11th.
Dr. Jun Park: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this film, as it blends humor with heartfelt family dynamics.
Editor: Absolutely! The film features Lee Seung-gi in a pivotal role as a monk named Ham Mun-seok, who faces unexpected challenges when his estranged grandchildren visit. What’s your take on this unique premise?
Park: The concept is quite refreshing. It captures the essence of familial relationships — both their complexities and the surprises they can bring. The idea of a monk whose life is transformed by a sudden influx of family is intriguing and allows for a mix of humor and emotional depth.
Editor: In the recent production briefing, Seung-gi mentioned that he shaved his head for this role for the first time. How do you think this physical transformation contributes to his character?
Park: Physical transformations can be powerful tools in performance. In this case, shaving his head not only reflects the character’s monastic lifestyle but also serves as a metaphor for the shedding of past life and attachments. It symbolizes a new beginning, which is fitting given the character’s journey of reconnecting with family.
Editor: Interestingly, Lee Seung-gi also touched on a sensitive subject during the press conference—the controversy over his father-in-law’s alleged stock price manipulation. He mentioned he wants to act carefully due to its private nature. How do you think personal controversies like this can impact an actor’s performance or public perception?
Park: Personal controversies can often overshadow an actor’s work, which can be a double-edged sword. For some, it adds a layer of depth to their public persona, while for others, it can detract from their professional achievements. It’s crucial for actors like Seung-gi to navigate these situations delicately, as he did, by focusing discussions on the film rather than personal affairs.
Editor: Well put. It seems that both Lee Seung-gi and his co-star Kim Yun-seok, who dyed his hair red for the film, are fully committed to their roles. Kim described the film’s scenario as an extremely rare one. What stands out to you about this narrative?
Park: The rarity of the scenario indeed makes it intriguing. While many films focus on fast-paced and provocative events, ‘Big Family’ opts for a slower, more character-driven approach. The premise allows for character development and explores the themes of redemption and reconciliation within a comedic framework.
Editor: Speaking of comedy, do you believe that the comedic elements in ‘Big Family’ will resonate with audiences?
Park: Absolutely. Comedy is a universal language, and when paired with relatable family dynamics, it can resonate deeply. As seen in past successful family comedies, humor often serves as a vehicle for addressing serious themes, making them more palatable while still impactful.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what message do you think the film sends about family and community?
Park: At its core, ‘Big Family’ seems to remind us that family, despite its flaws and complexities, is essential. The unexpected gatherings can lead to surprising connections and healing, emphasizing that love and understanding can bring people together, no matter their past disputes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Park, for sharing your insights today! It seems like ‘Big Family’ is set to be a memorable film that balances humor with heartfelt storytelling. We look forward to its release!
Park: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see how audiences respond to this film. It’s going to be a joyful ride!