Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, teaming up for the first time in "Project Y", opened up about what it means to anchor a film as a two-woman duo.
At an Open Talk session on Sept. 18 at the Busan Cinema Center during BIFF, Han said the script felt “firmly rooted in the realities facing our generation,” recalling her first impression of the story.
Speaking about her character Mi-seon, she added, “Mi-seon and Do-kyung (played by Jeon) may use different methods, but they’re driven by the same goal. I was drawn to how she throws herself into it―no matter the cost.”
Jeon, who plays co-lead Do-kyung, said, “It’s rare to find a film that centers two women―especially peers. I was honestly surprised a project like this existed. The script was a page-turner, so I signed on.”
Given how scarce female-driven narratives are in Korea’s commercial film scene, she added that her scene partner sealed the deal: “Working with Han So-hee, I felt we could spark chemistry that goes beyond what’s on the page.”
Director Lee Hwan explained his casting process: “While writing, I kept thinking about actors who could embody Mi-seon and Do-kyung―and overwhelm the screen. These two came to mind, so I sent them the script and we met.”
Balancing two distinctive stars in one frame, Lee focused on the ensemble. “With two pop-culture icons diving into the underbelly, I wanted their feral, almost monstrous portrayal of life at the bottom to collide with audience expectations―and create a compelling jolt,” he said.
"Project Y" is a gritty crime drama about Mi-seon and Do-kyung―two women who have little beyond each other―plotting to escape rock bottom by stealing hidden cash and gold bars. The film marks Lee Hwan’s commercial debut following his buzzed-about indie titles "Park Hwa-young" and "Young Adult Matters."
As one of the few female-led, two-hander genre films to surface in Korea’s commercial space lately, the project is drawing outsized attention from the industry and audiences alike. Han (born 1993) and Jeon (1994) are close in age and have remained tight since wrapping the film.
"Project Y" is officially invited to the 30th Busan International Film Festival’s Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere section and will screen three times for audiences.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)