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Actor So Ji-sub in a scene from the film, "Confession" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Actor So Ji-sub said director Yoon Jong-seok's handwritten letter was part of the reason why he was so drawn to "Confession," a mystery thriller that tells the story of a man suspected of murder.
"When Yoon suggested that we work together on this project, he gave me a handwritten letter that included details about the character and why he wanted to work with me. I was touched by his kind words. And of course, the gripping story filled with twists was another reason I chose to take part in it," So said during a press conference for the film in Seoul, Tuesday.
Based on the 2017 Spanish film "The Invisible Guest" directed by Oriol Paulo, "Confession" has already earned acclaim from critics thanks to the film's meticulously crafted tension and actors' transformative performances. Yoon also won the Best Director award at this year's Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal.
The upcoming film follows a wealthy businessman named Yoo Min-ho who is suspected of killing his mistress in a hotel room where only the two of them were present. Claiming his innocence, Yoo hires a talented lawyer named Yang Sin-ae (Kim Yun-jin) who only agrees to represent him if he tells her exactly what happened.
The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two and a series of flashbacks present different theories of what really happened in that hotel room.
"I had to express a wide range of emotions including anxiety, anger, resentment and desperation while filming. It was emotionally exhausting," So said.
Kim, a versatile actress best known for her role in the U.S. TV series "Lost," said she is a fan of the thriller genre.
"I watched a lot of suspense thriller films growing up and was always fond of the genre. When choosing among thriller films, I consider whether it has commercial potential and a social message," she said.
The actress confessed that she memorized the entire script ― her lines and everyone else's ― because she wanted to be as prepared as possible.
"I've had a long career spanning over 20 years, but that doesn't make things easier. 'Confession' takes some unexpected turns that result in a mind-blowing finale, which makes it so interesting," Kim said.
"Confession" will hit local theaters, Oct. 26.