Korean Director's Risky Storytelling Secrets Revealed

Director Han Jun-hee recently shared insights into his approach to creating compelling narratives, particularly those that venture into risky or unfamiliar territory. At a Netflix event during the Busan International Film Festival, Han emphasized that "risk is essential for something to be interesting." He argued that a constant pursuit of safety in filmmaking can paradoxically become a significant risk in itself.

Han discussed his work on series such as 'D.P.' and 'Weak Hero Class,' explaining how he aimed to connect with diverse audiences. He highlighted the importance of identifying universal themes, noting that army stories can resonate with women through familial connections, and high school narratives transcend gender by tapping into shared experiences of friendship and aspiration. The strategic casting of young, popular actors was also mentioned as a method to attract broader viewership.

Furthermore, Han stressed the importance of open-mindedness in the creative process. "Whatever the story, I don't think there's a topic we can't cover," he stated, advocating for a deep understanding of subjects rather than relying on prejudice. This philosophy extended to projects like 'Dead-End Job,' where a fantasy element was introduced to make a serious topic about the labor market more accessible and resonant.

His experience on 'The Blue Road,' a joint Korean-Japanese project, also shed light on overcoming cultural differences in production. Han noted the distinct approaches of Korean and Japanese crews—Korean teams being fast and flexible, while Japanese teams are meticulous and detail-oriented. Despite initial misunderstandings, mutual learning allowed for a successful collaboration, demonstrating that diverse methods can converge to achieve a shared creative goal.