Actress Lee Jung-eun's performances are always grounded in reality. Even when the narrative shifts, she maintains a unique sense of 'everyday sensibility.' In the film 'Gyeongju Journey' (directed by Kim Mi-jo), Lee plays the role of 'Ok-sil,' a mother who embarks on a 'killing' journey toward her daughter's murderer after losing her youngest daughter. Despite the intense pain and anger, she portrays a realistic character without exaggeration, anchoring the film.
"I believe it was worth the wait. Initially, I thought it would be a very small film, but as my daughters got involved, the budget grew, and the film gained momentum. I was the first actor cast, so I felt a sense of responsibility, but ultimately, I think we made it to release thanks to my daughters," she said.
Lee expressed that while she was excited about the 'Gyeongju Journey' script, she also had concerns due to the weight of the character 'Ok-sil.'
"Could I carry the role of Ok-sil to the end? That was a challenge for me. I felt pressure regarding the action sequences, and the tone was different from the works I had previously chosen. I thought it was a big wave of a project, which made me fearful as an actor. I tend not to choose projects boldly, so that added to my apprehension," she explained.
The process of the ordinary citizen Ok-sil losing her family and falling into despair maximizes the audience's immersion. The extreme emotional drop from normalcy to tragedy is central to the character of Ok-sil. Lee believes her familiar face adds credibility to Ok-sil's story.
"Am I a bit cute? Haha. I've played many gentle mothers. The idea of someone who appears to be an ordinary civilian, yet has lived with a specific goal, and how devastated they can become intrigued the director. I think I was not fully prepared for the role, but rather, it was a case of synergy created by meeting the director. The director understands the depth and layers created in human relationships, providing quick and precise explanations. While allowing the actor the freedom to approach, they also held firmly to the world they created. This built our trust," she said.
Ok-sil's blind desire for revenge transforms into a heavy burden she must bear alone in the film's latter half.
"When filming with my daughters, no matter how difficult the scene, there was an energy of togetherness. However, when their scenes ended and I was left alone, it became daunting. There were night shoots in vehicles, yet there was a strange calmness during those moments. In a scene where I climbed a mountain and was out of breath, I saw a face I had never seen before. It was eerie and seemed to reflect the culmination of my obsession. As an actor, it was strange to see a moment of my face that I was not familiar with. Actually executing revenge, facing a person and feeling their blood while doing something is not easy, so I worked hard to overcome that fear," she shared.
Ultimately, it was the bond with family that allowed Ok-sil to endure even in extreme situations. Lee expressed her affection and admiration for her 'daughters' with whom she shared the screen.
"(Gong) Hyo-jin is a smart actress who knows how to approach a good script. She has a knack for entering at just the right moment without wasting energy, so I praised her throughout the shoot, saying, 'Hyo-jin's face is so good.' Lee Yeon and (Park) So-dam also had passion and enthusiasm beyond what we could imagine. Audiences will be satisfied watching their growth. Once the scenes started, the focus was so high that few people broke away, which played a crucial role in creating memorable scenes," she noted.
Lee Jung-eun has built a substantial filmography through numerous projects. 'Gyeongju Journey' marks a significant milestone as she sheds her familiar image and expands her spectrum.
"I try not to let myself get too relaxed on set. In moments when everyone is focused, there are times when an unfamiliar face emerges from me. In the past, I made stable choices considering the impact of content, but as I age, I think it's necessary to step outside my moral boundaries and try different roles. I have scheduled projects that will keep me busy until mid-next year. After experiencing a slump last year and taking a break, I found myself missing work. Once I finish my current schedule, I plan to take a break, but I enjoy the unique density of film, where we share scenes and collaborate, so I want to continue working on smaller films in the future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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