Every production has numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ. 'Choi Song-hee's B-Cut' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the more intense 'B-Cut' moments through interviews with the director and actors. (Editor’s note)
The film 'Big Light' follows the story of a top star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Ji-won), who face a crisis after the sudden appearance of Jung-gu's daughter, Dong-joo (played by Kim Si-ah). Eight years later, they find themselves embroiled in a shocking incident involving Dong-joo, leading them to risk everything to uncover the truth. Once a glamorous couple, Jung-gu and Nam-mi drift apart after Dong-joo's arrival, only to confront the same event years later.
The passage of eight years is evident in their appearances and clothing. Nam-mi, in particular, experiences a stark contrast between her glamorous past and her current state. Ha Ji-won altered her speech and demeanor to reflect the two different periods.
"The director set up the character really well. The gap in Nam-mi's character is part of her charm. When she was a top star, her speech was a bit rough and bold, and her visuals were like a glamorous gold dress. In contrast, after her fall, her hair was bleached and appeared damaged, and she looked like she hadn’t taken care of her skin. While the early Nam-mi had a healthy vibe, eight years later, she needed to convey a sense of lived experience. So, I discussed a lot with the director about external changes, speech, tone, and breath," said Ha Ji-won.
Director Lee Ji-won added, "We aimed for significant weight loss in her appearance. I advised her to avoid skin care for a while, skip Pilates, and even suggested she try smoking to lower her bright and cheerful voice. Ha Ji-won really committed to this transformation. Before starting the project, I like to meet and talk with the actors. Many of the characters I write come from backgrounds that the actors may not have experienced, so without that preparation, they might struggle on set. I worked closely with Ha Ji-won, even sharing drinks to observe how her character would evolve."
Jung-gu's clothing also reflects the passage of time. Director Lee Ji-won requested Ryu Seung-ryong to wear outfits he had never donned before, incorporating unique prints and even a 'Big Light' tattoo to create Jung-gu's distinct personality.
"The flashy clothes weren't just for show; they represented Jung-gu's taste and a sense of his past that he couldn't let go. Nam-mi's outfits also maintained consistency. I believe those choices explained the characters well," Ryu Seung-ryong remarked.
"Honestly, I didn’t realize the costumes were that special. Later, while editing, I wondered if the luxury logos were too prominent. However, since Jung-gu's character transitions from the past to the present, I thought the outfits needed to be distinctive to signal that it was the same day. He had to wear the same special outfit during the ritual, which was meant to be the most expensive and from his prime. Jung-gu is an extraordinary character with a fiery personality, so I envisioned him choosing such outfits," Director Lee Ji-won explained.
The family, each dressed in their respective outfits, comes together. Jung-gu's mother, Gi-sik (played by Kim Hae-sook), sister Ji-sook (played by Kim Sun-young), and brother-in-law Seong-myeong (played by Kim Young-min) bicker over trivial matters but unite in crucial moments to protect Dong-joo.
"It was truly an honor to work with Sun-young. The sense of realism that emerged during rehearsals was wonderful, and I learned so much from her performance. I would love to act with her again. It was also a privilege to work with Kim Hae-sook. All the seniors I filmed with in this movie were fantastic. Their performances conveyed a sense of real life. It was so enjoyable, and I felt it was too short a time with the family," Ha Ji-won shared.
Ryu Seung-ryong added, "While watching the film, I kept asking the director whether certain lines were scripted or improvised. In the ritual scene, Kim Sun-young's character was mumbling to herself, and then suddenly, everyone started talking at once, which felt like a common occurrence in a typical household. We never explicitly discussed how to do it, but the director coordinated everything from behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see how it all came together."
The relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi is complex. Once a married couple, they separated due to Dong-joo's arrival and now lead entirely different lives eight years later. Ha Ji-won noted that instead of rehearsing, she followed the atmosphere on set.
"My brother was cast as Jung-gu before me. I really wanted to work with him, and it was such an honor. He is usually a very funny person with a lot of dad jokes, but he didn’t do that during filming. Our roles are familiar yet strange, and the relationship is complicated. So rather than rehearsing, my brother created the mood on set. I’m grateful for how well he supported me, and I wish we had more scenes together," Ha Ji-won said.
Ryu Seung-ryong praised Ha Ji-won, saying, "I think she has the best reactions among actors in our country. Her serious reactions and laughter are both excellent. She even laughs at trivial jokes, which I appreciate. On set, we had to navigate the complex and subtle relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi, and Ha Ji-won really helped with that."
As the film reaches its conclusion, the relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi remains unresolved. Both express love and support for each other, but Ryu Seung-ryong and Director Lee Ji-won interpret that they likely did not reunite.
"I don’t think they would have reconciled. If their relationship could be repaired, they would have addressed the issues when the paternity discrepancy arose. Rather than a relationship that could be mended, I see it as one with many complications," Ryu Seung-ryong stated.
Director Lee Ji-won added, "If I think about how they loved each other, Jung-gu likely had a sense of compassion similar to Gi-sik. Nam-mi probably found comfort in Jung-gu's words, which could also be seen as love. However, I believe that after the last encounter, Jung-gu and Nam-mi would go their separate ways. They seem like characters who shouldn’t see each other again. Nam-mi will likely continue to experience ups and downs in her acting career, while Jung-gu will live somewhat happily with Dong-joo, who will also face her own turbulent times. Dong-joo and Nam-mi might see each other occasionally, but since Nam-mi encouraged her to 'live well,' they might not meet again. They could have a strong bond that resembles a familial relationship, even if they don’t see each other often."
The film 'Big Light' follows the story of a top star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Ji-won), who face a crisis after the sudden appearance of Jung-gu's daughter, Dong-joo (played by Kim Si-ah). Eight years later, they find themselves embroiled in a shocking incident involving Dong-joo, leading them to risk everything to uncover the truth. Once a glamorous couple, Jung-gu and Nam-mi drift apart after Dong-joo's arrival, only to confront the same event years later.
The passage of eight years is evident in their appearances and clothing. Nam-mi, in particular, experiences a stark contrast between her glamorous past and her current state. Ha Ji-won altered her speech and demeanor to reflect the two different periods.
"The director set up the character really well. The gap in Nam-mi's character is part of her charm. When she was a top star, her speech was a bit rough and bold, and her visuals were like a glamorous gold dress. In contrast, after her fall, her hair was bleached and appeared damaged, and she looked like she hadn’t taken care of her skin. While the early Nam-mi had a healthy vibe, eight years later, she needed to convey a sense of lived experience. So, I discussed a lot with the director about external changes, speech, tone, and breath," said Ha Ji-won.
Director Lee Ji-won added, "We aimed for significant weight loss in her appearance. I advised her to avoid skin care for a while, skip Pilates, and even suggested she try smoking to lower her bright and cheerful voice. Ha Ji-won really committed to this transformation. Before starting the project, I like to meet and talk with the actors. Many of the characters I write come from backgrounds that the actors may not have experienced, so without that preparation, they might struggle on set. I worked closely with Ha Ji-won, even sharing drinks to observe how her character would evolve."
Jung-gu's clothing also reflects the passage of time. Director Lee Ji-won requested Ryu Seung-ryong to wear outfits he had never donned before, incorporating unique prints and even a 'Big Light' tattoo to create Jung-gu's distinct personality.
"The flashy clothes weren't just for show; they represented Jung-gu's taste and a sense of his past that he couldn't let go. Nam-mi's outfits also maintained consistency. I believe those choices explained the characters well," Ryu Seung-ryong remarked.
"Honestly, I didn’t realize the costumes were that special. Later, while editing, I wondered if the luxury logos were too prominent. However, since Jung-gu's character transitions from the past to the present, I thought the outfits needed to be distinctive to signal that it was the same day. He had to wear the same special outfit during the ritual, which was meant to be the most expensive and from his prime. Jung-gu is an extraordinary character with a fiery personality, so I envisioned him choosing such outfits," Director Lee Ji-won explained.
The family, each dressed in their respective outfits, comes together. Jung-gu's mother, Gi-sik (played by Kim Hae-sook), sister Ji-sook (played by Kim Sun-young), and brother-in-law Seong-myeong (played by Kim Young-min) bicker over trivial matters but unite in crucial moments to protect Dong-joo.
"It was truly an honor to work with Sun-young. The sense of realism that emerged during rehearsals was wonderful, and I learned so much from her performance. I would love to act with her again. It was also a privilege to work with Kim Hae-sook. All the seniors I filmed with in this movie were fantastic. Their performances conveyed a sense of real life. It was so enjoyable, and I felt it was too short a time with the family," Ha Ji-won shared.
Ryu Seung-ryong added, "While watching the film, I kept asking the director whether certain lines were scripted or improvised. In the ritual scene, Kim Sun-young's character was mumbling to herself, and then suddenly, everyone started talking at once, which felt like a common occurrence in a typical household. We never explicitly discussed how to do it, but the director coordinated everything from behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see how it all came together."
The relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi is complex. Once a married couple, they separated due to Dong-joo's arrival and now lead entirely different lives eight years later. Ha Ji-won noted that instead of rehearsing, she followed the atmosphere on set.
"My brother was cast as Jung-gu before me. I really wanted to work with him, and it was such an honor. He is usually a very funny person with a lot of dad jokes, but he didn’t do that during filming. Our roles are familiar yet strange, and the relationship is complicated. So rather than rehearsing, my brother created the mood on set. I’m grateful for how well he supported me, and I wish we had more scenes together," Ha Ji-won said.
Ryu Seung-ryong praised Ha Ji-won, saying, "I think she has the best reactions among actors in our country. Her serious reactions and laughter are both excellent. She even laughs at trivial jokes, which I appreciate. On set, we had to navigate the complex and subtle relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi, and Ha Ji-won really helped with that."
As the film reaches its conclusion, the relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi remains unresolved. Both express love and support for each other, but Ryu Seung-ryong and Director Lee Ji-won interpret that they likely did not reunite.
"I don’t think they would have reconciled. If their relationship could be repaired, they would have addressed the issues when the paternity discrepancy arose. Rather than a relationship that could be mended, I see it as one with many complications," Ryu Seung-ryong stated.
Director Lee Ji-won added, "If I think about how they loved each other, Jung-gu likely had a sense of compassion similar to Gi-sik. Nam-mi probably found comfort in Jung-gu's words, which could also be seen as love. However, I believe that after the last encounter, Jung-gu and Nam-mi would go their separate ways. They seem like characters who shouldn’t see each other again. Nam-mi will likely continue to experience ups and downs in her acting career, while Jung-gu will live somewhat happily with Dong-joo, who will also face her own turbulent times. Dong-joo and Nam-mi might see each other occasionally, but since Nam-mi encouraged her to 'live well,' they might not meet again. They could have a strong bond that resembles a familial relationship, even if they don’t see each other often."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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