here's a mighty interesting interview with PD yun from TWSSG...
like what sweet sister had said to me,
i too think he's got a sense of humour and seems quite a spontaneous guy.
and he seems to genuinely like wuri yong joon...
i think you'll enjoy this one.
thanks much much, sweet sister!
original in japanese: Platinum V13 p. 70-72
scanned & posted by: arayo / byjgallery
translated into english: a sweet sister / bb's blog
Interview with Yun Sang Ho, TWSSG Director
Q. Since there was so much interest in TWSSG throughout Asia,
didn’t you feel any pressure?
A: I don’t really look ahead
and I’m of the age where I just jump into things (laughs).
I guess you might call it the do whatever-it-takes style of doing things.
It helped that I was first motivated.
Q. What were your impressions when you first read the synopsis?
A: I thought, “Oh, you can make dramas out of such stories.”
These types of projects themselves are ones that tend to impassion people.
So if we are asked if we received the results that we first expected,
we can’t respond.
During filming, so many things occurred
and rather than the normal expectations, there were many deficiencies.
We had the idea of “astonishing the world”
but things did not turn out that way.
Q. Why were there various problems during the first half of filming?
A: The script was the problem.
In order to do our best, the final version of the script could not be decided upon
and conditions were not favorable for a decision to be made on the script.
A script was selected and then selected and then selected…
Then a script was decided upon but filming couldn’t take pl*ace
because a script rewrite had to be done
so we filmed what we could
while the rewrite was being continuously being done…
This was a very difficult way to operate.
Q. Wasn’t this very difficult for the cast members and actors?
A: The scripts were delivered
and though the cast members would say, “Let’s film it this way”
there would be no actors to act in the scene.
It’s not easy to select a script that would satisfy various people.
From the scriptwriters’ standpoint, to give the reasons why the script was late,
or why it was so difficult to select a script
and to explain this all in simple terms would anger them very much.
This drama was developed not just as a historical story
but one that fuses fantasy elements.
From that moment on,
it was necessary to change the approach of the development phase
than what was generally done for the development of dramas,
and that process was so much anguish that it’s difficult to express.
Within that phase, there are detailed rules that are required
and each type requires an explanation.
With the fantasy element adding extreme complexity,
we were overburdened by an already heavy workload.
Q. What was the most memorable scene?
A: My most memorable scene is
where Damdeok goes to attack Daejangro (Choi Min Soo) at the temple.
That scene is where Damdeok faces off against the members
and was the most satisfying sequence in the drama.
BYJ ended up cutting the ligament in his hand and injuring himself
but despite this mishap, he returned to the film set to resume filming.
The scene was where Damdeok faced Daejangro,
flew in the air waving a sword and you could feel his fighting spirit.
I think we filmed that scene in two takes which was enough.
The memory of that time is the one that remains freshest in my memory.
But a drama is not about presenting a spectacle
but how a character tells a story, which is the important point.
So if people expected the king of Gwangaetto
to be a lion type of character as in previous dramas,
then I think that our interpretation of the king
as a loved and respected leader in TWSSG was original and a good idea.
Q. When filming, how many people were involved?
A: There are about 300 people divided into two teams;
if the extras are added then the count would increase.
Physically it was difficult
but because it was an extremely long filming schedule,
the waiting period was fatiguing.
I don’t think you’ll find staff like ours anywhere else.
I get exhausted easily
but with Kim Jong Hak, who is the king of dramas in Korea,
at the center of everything,
the atmosphere was different than being around other staff members.
I couldn’t complain either (bursts out laughing).
The staff tried to present their complaints to director Kim
with me in the middle as their shield
and being caught in a dilemma was the most difficult situation (laughs).
My job duties were varied where I was dealing with the actors, staff members,
sometimes casting, producing,
and sometimes being called on as an assistant director which wasn’t easy.
Q. Is that why in the Special Program, BYJ said of director Yun, “If he wasn’t around, something terrible might have happened to him”?
A: There were times when I was awkward
in the way I resolved problems with director Kim Jong Hak
so it must have been because I was always caught in the middle.
BYJ caused me a lot of problems
but instead of calling me director,
he called me by the name hyeong = older brother.
Q. What was your first impression of BYJ?
A: When I first met him,
I had a bit of a preconceived notion that he was unapproachable
and he was a difficult person; those were my impressions.
But when filming started, we gradually began to communicate with each other.
At the beginning of filming
when problems with the film’s progress first appeared,
he showed real concern.
While being empathetic,
in no time we slowly began talking about personal matters
so that in the end he also became a source of emotional support for me.
Of course, along the way we also had arguments (laughs).
There were instances where we argued
when the script was delivered and our opinions differed
or when he had a complaint
and I would tell him my opinion, “I think you’re wrong about that…”
Even if I wasn’t able to convince him,
but looking at things from the actor’s viewpoint,
there wasn’t anyone to listen to his complaints
so I told him, “Tell me everything.”
I think it must be very difficult for an actor to keep up a certain image,
but please keep in mind that I was the one
who kept pushing him up the difficult mountain one step at a time.
Q. Each time we hear impressions about BYJ, we hear the words “perfectionist”
A: Perfectionist, I think that he is one also.
We were always talking, “You don’t have to do it that perfectly”
but people don’t change that easily.
Those people that can affectionately watch him try to do things perfectly
will, I think, be able to get along well with him.
Q. Have you ever wondered why he goes to such extremes?
A: Yes I have.
There were quite a number of instances
where I thought he was really exceptional.
There are so many ideas within him that they are limitless.
Where the average person can see something
and think, “Isn’t it exactly the same?”
but I can understand what he is thinking and what he is changing.
He will say, “Did you see me change the last part a bit?
I closed my eyes once, didn’t I?” and when I replied,
he said, “Hyeong, how did you know?”
making me point out the subtle difference.
Because of his nature,
he comes up with 4-5 times more ideas on acting than other people.
Once he acted his scenes,
he explained himself this way, “Director,
to explain how I just performed my scenes,
at first I thought I would do it this way,
on the second take, I thought I would do it this way,
on the third take, on the fourth take...” he said.
When I took a close look, there were definite changes.
There were times when I told him,
“You’ll tire yourself out so why don’t you correct it?”
but it seems that an actor’s habits
and those parts of his personality are not easily changed.
Q. As a director, how would you rate the actor BYJ?
A: There are probably others who have come to the usual conclusions.
That he is a perfectionist, that he is a tiring person to be around….
But if I can give my opinion,
he is a humane friend; more than what other people may think of him.
He is a gentleman and has a sensitive side to him
and above all also has a masculine appeal to him.
When one mentions BYJ,
the term “soft charisma” only seems to come to mind.
But in reality he also has an unexpected temperamental side to him
and he is an attractive person.
From BYJ’s standpoint,
because there are so many fixed opinions about him,
there also appear to be many misconceptions about him.
When I look back now at the project that was completed,
I thought he was personable and appealing
and putting aside the fact that he can be a bit tiring (laughs),
he is someone whom I would definitely want to work together with again
on another project. I think we get along.
The reason I say this is because I’m the only one to say,
“He’s clearly a person that tires you out”
and I already know this about him from the start
(everyone bursts out laughing).
But he is someone who can work precisely.
Q. Do you have any stories about BYJ wanting to do re-takes?
A: Let’s see. I also had a lot of re-takes.
I could be wrong but we really did a lot of re-takes.
We both must have similar natures.
I came prepared with a script and he gave his opinion.
He was deeply concerned with the directing
and it seemed almost that he was saying that he wanted to direct instead of act,
since he knows much about directing techniques and has many ideas.
At such times I would say, “Can I ask you to just act?
When it’s time for you to direct, I’ll do the acting.”
I would tell him (laughs).
Then I said, “OK, I got it, let’s change the script,”
and I immersed myself in rewriting the script for hours
when he suddenly came over to me,
“You’re making me wait on purpose right now aren’t you?
It’s because I just talked about the script,
and you’re sulking, aren’t you?”
(everyone bursts out laughing)
He is so cute, and he is so intelligent,
and he also has a humorous side to him.
The way we used to brainstorm ideas was one of the ways we had fun.
Q. From a director standpoint, was it a disappointment that the cast and the actors did not appear at the production press conference and the preview?
A: At first, there was much discontent
because we were not getting cooperation. But as you saw,
he appeared in the special program quite a bit after the final episode.
When the documentary was being filmed,
the staff all thought that BYJ would not grant interviews
so they did not even attempt to ask to interview him.
But on the final day of filming,
when the documentary filming team was interviewing the actors and staff,
BYJ looked somehow lonely.
That was when I told him directly,
“Everyone will be giving interviews, so why don’t you do the same”
and he said, “Yes” responding cheerfully.
Q. What did you think of BYJ’s portrayal of Damdeok and his interpretation of the role?
A: When I phoned him after the last episode was broadcast and I told him,
“Your acting has truly reached its peak,” he was laughing.
Recently, he has become much better at emotions and how to express feelings.
You can see that the filming impressions differ
between the first half and the second half.
The climax scene where he cried was done in one take
and didn’t involve any NGs.
In order for him to become Damdeok,
the feeling was to brush aside all unnecessary things.
The drama should be seen because BYJ presented himself in a new image.
He is masculine; with a wild side...
I think that adding the element of masculinity was a success.
Incidentally, my wife who previously had no interest in BYJ
says that now when she sees him, her heart starts pounding (laughs).
When I am on the phone talking to BYJ,
she comes close to me, puts her ear on the receiver,
and listens with me while I am talking to him
(everyone bursts out laughing).
Q. Will the Japanese broadcast version of TWSSG differ from the Korean version?
A: I think that we will be able to supplement those areas
that we were unable to improve due to the time limits;
music, sound mixing, and CG.
Editing of the Japanese version will be completely redone.
The theater version to be shown in Japan is already completed with episodes 1-10.
CG for the remaining episodes will probably be added also.
The truth is that work on episodes 21-24 was so rushed due to the lack of time
so that those parts will be completely supplemented.
I believe that the Japanese fans will be able to view a quality drama.
Q. Please tell us your reactions now that the TWSSG broadcast has ended.
A: I definitely have to do another project like this again (laughs).
If I don’t, I would regret it.
I have this sense that something is missing
which is more than I originally expected.
Of course, there is no performer
who is probably 100% satisfied with their performance.
I would like TWSSG to be perceived as the trigger that sets a wonderful precedent.
If I were given another opportunity,
it would be my desire to keep the trial and error experiences to a minimum
in order to create a great project.
Q. Could you give the Japanese viewers currently watching TWSSG any tips?
A: The biggest point is to keep your eyes on the character of Damdeok.
It’s not for the reason that the Japanese like “Yonsama.”
In the drama he is Damdeok,
and outside the drama he is the person known as BYJ,
and that is where there are similarities.
The point is to compare similarities
of the Goguryeo king that exists within the drama
and BYJ outside of the drama while viewing TWSSG.
I guess I can say that this is a good opportunity
to show the Japanese about an amazing leader that once lived in Korea.
In the TWSSG special program,
BYJ embraced the director and spoke to him in a teary voice.
It was a scene of not only the actors
but everyone including all the staff who was crying.
Director Yun Sang Ho said of that image,
“It was a final scene that I had really hoped for,” as he smiled.
He said that even now he telephones BYJ almost daily.
Since he is wearing a cast on one leg,
BYJ said, “It’s very inconvenient going to the bathroom,”
and “Hyeong, why don’t you try wearing a cast?”
“Because of the number of injured cast members,
there was no way to have a formal wrap party
so we’d like to have a year-end party and a wrap party
with everyone in attendance” said director Yun
as his expression appeared to be flooded by relief
and at having finished a difficult job and feelings of loneliness.