Director Lee Chang-dong has revealed behind-the-scenes details about casting actor Jo In-sung for his latest film, ‘Possible Love.’ The Netflix movie, directed and written by Lee Chang-dong, with co-writer Oh Jung-mi, was the subject of a production presentation held on the morning of the 25th at the Hotel Naroo Seoul in Embellish Gallery, Seoul.
‘Possible Love’ delves into the story of a laborer, his wife, and a documentary director, along with her husband. Their lives intersect when the director begins a documentary project, leading them to confront hidden desires and navigate unexpected turns in their relationships.
This film marks Lee Chang-dong’s return to directing after an eight-year hiatus, following critically acclaimed works such as ‘Peppermint Candy,’ ‘Oasis,’ ‘Secret Sunshine,’ ‘Poetry,’ ‘Burning,’ and ‘Miracle Mile.’ The project has already garnered significant attention for its star-studded cast, featuring some of South Korea’s most respected actors: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Kim Si-eun. The film has also received official selections at prestigious international film festivals, including the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the Special Presentations section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, and the Main Slate section of the 64th New York Film Festival, underscoring its artistic merit.
Adding to the film’s accolades, Director Lee Chang-dong was honored with the TIFF Ebert Director Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, a historic achievement as the first South Korean director to receive this recognition.
The cast embodies distinct characters: Sol Kyung-gu portrays Ho-seok, the laborer; Jeon Do-yeon plays Mi-ok, Ho-seok’s wife; Kim Si-eun takes on the role of Ye-ji, the documentary director; and Jo In-sung stars as Sang-woo, Ye-ji’s husband. The narrative unfolds as Ye-ji approaches Ho-seok and Mi-ok to film a documentary about the laborer’s life, setting in motion a chain of events that steers the lives of the four individuals in unforeseen directions.
Cast Discusses Reasons for Joining ‘Possible Love’
The actors unanimously cited Director Lee Chang-dong as the primary reason for their involvement in the project. Sol Kyung-gu, who initially hesitated due to scheduling conflicts during the filming of ‘The Merciless,’ expressed his gratitude. “At the time, my schedule didn’t permit it, but I was so taken by the project,” he shared. “Director Lee Chang-dong spoke with me for an hour, and although he initially said, ‘I can’t work with you,’ which was quite startling, I was so eager to work with him that I didn’t even ask for the script. I wanted to cherish that opportunity.”
Jo In-sung recounted his experience receiving the offer while filming ‘The King’ in Latvia. “I was physically exhausted from filming ‘The King’ and ‘The Great Battle’ and was contemplating a break,” he explained. “When Director Lee Chang-dong offered me this role, I felt that if I didn’t do this, I would regret it. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” He also expressed his desire to collaborate with respected senior actors and his interest in working with Jeon Do-yeon. “The chance to work alongside esteemed seniors I admire and respect, and to potentially collaborate with Ms. Jeon, made this a project with no reason not to participate.”
Director Lee Addresses Casting Concerns and Industry Shifts
Director Lee Chang-dong humorously recalled his concerns about Jo In-sung’s potential refusal. “The character Jo In-sung plays is central to the entire film. I was quite worried about what I would do if he turned it down,” he admitted. “Fortunately, Director Ryoo Seung-wan provided a bridge, and I’m grateful for that,” he added, eliciting laughter from the audience.
The announcement of Netflix’s investment and production of ‘Possible Love’ sparked discussions about the future of Korean cinema, with some expressing concerns that the rise of OTT platforms might signal the decline of traditional theatrical releases. Director Lee addressed these anxieties, stating, “When I decided to make this film with Netflix, it was during a period when the quality of the Korean film industry was at its weakest. There was considerable doubt about how it would recover.”
He continued, “Despite these challenges, I believe films must continue to be made. Furthermore, as we all are experiencing, the structure of the film industry is undergoing a transformation. This shift is irreversible. The changes in film distribution, including theatrical releases and the prevalence of streaming services, are inevitable, and we must accept that coexistence is the only path forward.”
Director Lee emphasized the importance of exploring how films can connect more deeply with audiences in this evolving landscape. “We need to consider how films can become closer to viewers. Netflix had promised a theatrical release before the streaming launch,” he noted. “Some might see the limited theatrical run as solely for festival submissions, but it was a commitment made from the outset and one that was honored.”
He concluded by expressing his hopes for the film: “Perhaps ‘Possible Love’ may differ from the typical films seen on Netflix. However, I hope that such films can provide viewers with enjoyment and serve as works that can inspire change in the world and lives we live.”
‘Possible Love’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 23rd and will be available globally on Netflix in over 190 countries on November 6th.
