Program Note
A hugely successful film that popularized the concept of the Korean blockbuster, Swiri made waves with its casting of Han Seok-kyu, CHOI Min Sik, and Song Kang-ho. While Han and Song team up as South Korean special agents Jung-won and Jang-gil, Choi takes on the role of Park Mu-young, the North Korean Special Forces leader who stands against them alone. In contrast to Jung-won, who remains unaware of his wife being a spy from the North, Mu-young appears more straightforward as his sole purpose is the destruction of South Korea. However, Choi’s performance, as he passionately expresses his emotions in front of Jung-won, surpasses the level of a simple villain as he cries, “Have you ever seen parents eating the flesh of their dead kids? Growing up eating rotten cheese, coke, and hamburgers, you wouldn’t know that. You think a soccer game can bring the two Koreas together?” Although Mu-young dies in the film without fulfilling his purpose, CHOI Min Sik’s intense portrayal confirms the truth that impressive performances by villains can contribute to a film’s success. (HUH Namwoong)