Actor Bae Hyun-sung Discusses His Screen Debut in 'Paradise Lost'

Actor Bae Hyun-sung makes a striking transformation in his first leading role in the psychological thriller 'Paradise Lost,' portraying Sun-woo, a son who returns after being missing for nine years and disrupts his mother's illusions. He skillfully navigates intense psychological exchanges alongside acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho and veteran actress Kim Hyun-joo, overcoming the pressures of his screen debut with solid performances.

"I was grateful to participate as a lead in a good project and show my face on screen for the first time. However, having done a lot of TV dramas, seeing myself on the big screen felt very unfamiliar and awkward. I struggled to focus on the film when I first saw it. After its release, I plan to sneak into a theater to watch it again," he said.

'Paradise Lost' marks Bae's reunion with director Yeon Sang-ho after their collaboration on the Netflix series 'Hell' Season 2. The opportunity to work together again, especially after a brief initial project, was a significant factor in his decision to join the film.

"I have always enjoyed Yeon Sang-ho's work, and I felt disappointed that I only filmed one episode of 'Hell.' He is a very cheerful and fun person, and I wanted to work with him for a longer duration. When the script for 'Paradise Lost' arrived, I found the dark and profound story intriguing, and the character Sun-woo was appealing. I felt a desire to challenge myself by showing a completely different side of myself than what I have previously displayed," he explained.

In the film, Sun-woo confronts his mother, So-young. Although he had to face off against the seasoned Kim Hyun-joo, Bae focused more on the scenes and characters rather than the experience or presence of his co-star.

"When filming with senior actors, I try not to think too much about their status. Instead of worrying about not being overshadowed, I concentrate on the role and the scene. I believe that when I push forward, I can act freely, which helps reduce my tension around senior actors," he said.

Interestingly, the fact that he and Kim Hyun-joo did not become too close before filming helped create the mother-son dynamic in the story. The distance between the two actors mirrored the unfamiliarity between the mother and son who reunite after nine years.

"I met with Hyun-joo once before filming, and I think that actually helped. If we had become too friendly beforehand, it might have hindered our ability to express the awkward relationship between So-young and Sun-woo," he noted.

In crafting Sun-woo, Bae's primary goal was to erase the existing image of himself. He aimed to change his appearance so drastically that audiences would not recognize him as Bae Hyun-sung.

"From the preparation stage, I wanted to completely hide my appearance. I hoped that viewers would watch Sun-woo and think, 'Is that really Bae Hyun-sung?' I had many discussions with the director and makeup team, trying on various wigs and undergoing multiple makeup tests. Initially, it took about two hours for makeup, and I found my own appearance unfamiliar. However, as I became accustomed to it, it helped me express Sun-woo better. The makeup played a significant role," he said.

Not only did he change his appearance, but his emotional expression also differed from his previous roles. Portraying Sun-woo, who is much stronger and more direct than his real personality, allowed him to move more boldly, adding a new layer of enjoyment to his performance.

"Since this role is different from what I've often done, the challenge is exciting. A character like Sun-woo expresses emotions and actions much more directly. I can show a side of myself that is different from my usual personality, and I find it enjoyable to act more freely in such roles," he said.

Above all, Bae wanted to keep the audience questioning Sun-woo's authenticity until the end of the film. He aimed to create a chilling and uncomfortable atmosphere that would make viewers doubt whether he was truly So-young's son.

"I wanted to make the audience doubt Sun-woo from start to finish. Some might wonder, 'Is he really her son?' So, I aimed to create an uncomfortable and cold atmosphere every time Sun-woo appeared. I hoped that not only the audience but also my fellow actors would feel that discomfort," he explained.

This discomfort was created not through strong expressions or exaggerated actions, but rather through slow movements. By deliberately slowing down his gaze, steps, and even blinking, he aimed to make others tense first.

"I tried to slow down my overall actions. I walked slowly and even took my time when opening and closing my eyes. When delivering lines, I made sure not to avoid the other person's gaze first. I wanted to make them look away first. I thought that if a person moves slowly, it would draw more focus from the audience," he said.

To understand Sun-woo's current state, it was essential to fill in the nine years that were not directly shown in the film. Bae imagined the process of how Sun-woo developed a new identity after being abducted and experiencing horrific events with friends.

"I discussed with the director about what happened to Sun-woo during those nine years. I believe he must have felt strange emotions while being kidnapped, and the abductor might have told him, 'You are different,' leading Sun-woo to question, 'Was I really this kind of person?' I focused on acting as if he had created a new self as the abductor's son and lived with that identity for nine years," he said.

Upon returning home after such a long absence, Sun-woo confronts not himself but an AI version of his childhood self. Bae believes that Sun-woo feels a mix of resentment for his mother not searching for him, along with jealousy and anger.

"I think there was resentment for not being searched for. When he returns home and sees his mother talking to the AI version of him, he likely feels anger and jealousy. I believe many emotions were intertwined," he said.

The moment when Sun-woo demands a choice from his mother is a pivotal point in their relationship. Sun-woo interprets her choice as favoring the AI son over him, intensifying his accumulated resentment and anger.

"There is a scene where Sun-woo demands a choice from his mother. Seeing her not report his disappearance, Sun-woo likely thinks, 'She chose the AI son over me.' I believe that from that moment, his resentment and anger grew stronger, leading him to become more twisted. I acted with that anger in mind during that scene," he said.

Experiencing the Toronto International Film Festival as his first leading role was something Bae found hard to grasp. He worried about how audiences would receive the film, but the warm welcome he received on-site left a lasting impression.

"Just participating as a lead in a film was fulfilling and happy, but when I heard I was going to Toronto, I couldn't believe it. Even up until the day of the event, it didn't feel real. Before the red carpet, I worried with the director and my seniors about what if there weren't many people or if they didn't welcome us. But as soon as I got out of the car, so many people greeted us warmly. It was a happy memory filled with good energy," he said.

Bae hopes to reveal his unfamiliar side through 'Paradise Lost.' He also wishes that audiences will feel a sense of 'strangeness' in his portrayal.

"I think it would be interesting to hear reactions like, 'Is that really Bae Hyun-sung?' It would be great if people said, 'Bae Hyun-sung fits that role well' or 'He does well in such roles.'"

Finally, Bae expressed his desire for 'Paradise Lost' to leave a lasting impression on viewers and highlighted key points for watching the film.

"Since the story of the mother and son unfolds from beginning to end, I hope viewers pay close attention to their relationship. Following the narrative from young Sun-woo to the present, along with the emotions and dialogues they share, will make for an engaging viewing experience. This film raises many questions, so I hope audiences discuss the ending and the characters' choices after watching it," he concluded.