Sayart.net - Veteran Actor Yoo Hae-jin Reflects on Love and Laughter in New Romantic Comedy

MIND MARK

At 53 years of age and "still single," Yoo Hae-jin may not be experiencing the throes of love firsthand, but his latest cinematic venture has allowed him to revisit the spectrum of emotions that accompany matters of the heart - from innocent first love to the heart-wrenching pains of a breakup.

While embodying the lead role of Chi-ho in the upcoming romantic comedy "Honey Sweet," Yoo Hae-jin found himself transported back in time, reliving the enchantment of pure affection and the sting of lost love. The film, which centers around Chi-ho's journey, follows his encounter and passionate entanglement with Il-young, portrayed by Kim Hee-seon.

In a candid group interview on Wednesday, Yoo shared his sentiments about the project, revealing, "I am too old and have gone through too much to feel that fluttering feeling of first love, but taking part in this film has made me look back on those days with fond memories."

Chi-ho, a diligent researcher at a confectionary company with an unwavering focus on developing delectable treats, resonated deeply with Yoo. With a personal affinity for sweet indulgences, Yoo skillfully interwove his character's love for sweets into the narrative, contributing a delightful array of ad-libbed lines.

In the nuanced artistry of bringing his character to life, Yoo recognized the importance of embracing a holistic approach. He shared, "I think with this kind of lighthearted film, we actors have to find our own way of making the characters come alive and making each scene more entertaining and funnier. It is not just with our lines but our facial expressions and how we react to each other’s acting."

While "Honey Sweet" may chronicle the romance between two middle-aged individuals, Yoo voiced his desire to avoid pigeonholing the film within that category. His hope lies in the audience embracing the movie without preconceived notions. Yoo elucidated, "If we say that the story involves a middle-aged romance, I worry that younger people will not see the film. And it does technically involve a middle-aged man and woman, but it is ultimately about first love, which I think transcends all ages."

As anticipation mounts for the film's theatrical release on August 15, "Honey Sweet" finds itself amidst a competitive landscape, vying against domestically produced blockbusters. Yoo, however, underscores the vital role of smaller films like his in sustaining the health of the film industry.

"We need a lot of different types of films in theaters," he emphasized. "If it is all blockbusters and big-budget films, I think people will grow tired of going to the cinema. Smaller to middle-budget films such as 'Honey Sweet' also need to be made and do well so that more investors will support such films and more of them can be made. I urge everyone to support smaller films in theaters."

With Yoo Hae-jin's seasoned artistry and unwavering advocacy for diverse cinematic experiences, "Honey Sweet" promises not only to evoke laughter and heartwarming nostalgia but also to underscore the profound impact of storytelling in shaping the fabric of the film industry.

Sayart.net 

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