Sayart.net - Exploring the Dark Side of Social Media Fame in Netflix Series ＂Celebrity＂

NETFLIX

In an age where social media reigns supreme, the life of an influencer has become a constant battle of numbers: followers, likes, and subscribers. The glitz and glamour of celebrity status come with a darker underbelly, as portrayed in the captivating new Netflix series, "Celebrity."

Starring Park Gyu-young, Lee Chung-ah, Kang Min-hyuk, Jun Hyo-seong, and Lee Dong-gun, "Celebrity" revolves around the story of Seo A-ri, an ordinary office worker portrayed by Park, who experiences a meteoric rise to fame overnight after gaining popularity on social media. Immersed in the world of influencers and celebrities, A-ri quickly learns that the realm of likes, followers, and subscribers is not all it seems, forcing her to confront the shadows lurking beneath the surface as she navigates her newfound stardom.

During a press conference held at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador in Mapo District, western Seoul, Park shared her insights on the series, stating, "'Celebrity' explores the duality of social media and its deep entrenchment in our lives. It has become something we cannot live without, something that would make us uncomfortable if it disappeared."

The series delves into the detrimental effects of our increasing reliance on social media, shedding light on how its pervasive presence has transformed our everyday interactions. The constant need to monitor follower counts, the relentless competition for likes among influencers - these themes form the core of "Celebrity," prompting an examination of their profound impact on an individual's mental health.

Director Kim Cheol-kyu, known for his impressive portfolio including hit television series such as "Flower of Evil" (2020), "Mother" (2018), "Chicago Typewriter" (2017), and "Hwang Jin-yi" (2006), delved deep into the world of social media to bring authenticity to the series. In preparation for filming, Kim personally created social media accounts, extensively researching various platforms. He closely studied the lives of influencers, their fashion choices, culinary preferences, conflicts, and relationships. Jun, who played an influencer in the series, provided invaluable guidance, coaching Kim to ensure accuracy in capturing the nuances of the influencer culture.

"Celebrity" not only features a talented cast but also incorporates real-life influencers, with up to thirty prominent YouTubers and Instagram users with millions of followers making appearances. The production spared no expense in securing the participation of these influencers, extending gratitude to the production company and Netflix for their unwavering support in this regard.

One key aspect emphasized by the cast and director is the series' grounding in reality. They noted that the events portrayed in "Celebrity" resonate with actual occurrences within the realm of influencers. Lee Chung-ah expressed her initial skepticism but acknowledged that while filming, similar incidents unfolded in real life, such as influencers divulging information about their competitors, controversies surrounding advertisements, and influencers assuming CEO roles in companies. The cast thus strived for heightened realism in their performances, allowing viewers to witness the emotional transformations and stylistic shifts that A-ri undergoes throughout the series. 

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