'Victory' Director Park Beom-soo "Wanted to Create Movie Like 'Bring It On'"

연합뉴스 / 2024-08-08 09:49:01

▲ This photo of director Park Beom-soo of Korean film "Victory" is provided by Mindmark on Aug. 7, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Yonhap) -- "These days, we all need a bit of cheering up. I hoped audiences would leave the theater feeling uplifted after watching this movie."

On the 7th, at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Director Park Beom-soo of the film 'Victory' shared his intention behind the film's direction. The movie, set to hit theaters on the 14th, tells the story of high school girls who form a cheerleading squad called 'Millennium Girls' at a commercial high school in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, in 1999. It portrays the friendship, dreams, and passion of teenagers in a humorous yet touching manner.

Director Park said, "I wanted to evoke empathy by showcasing the shining moments of ordinary friends. I am personally a big fan of the Hollywood movie 'Bring It On.' Many friends gained strength from watching it during tough times. I wondered why we didn't have such films in our country and wanted to create a bright and lively movie like 'Bring It On.'"

▲ This still photo of film "Victory," starring singer-actor Lee Hye-ri (front row, R), is provided by Mindmark on Aug. 7, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The role of the lead actress was crucial in capturing the energetic cheerleaders on camera. Director Park cast Hyeri, formerly of the girl group Girl's Day, as the protagonist Pil-seon and offered her the role.

Although Hyeri was immediately captivated by the script, she hesitated to accept the role initially, doubting her ability to perform it. Pil-seon is an admired character who has to showcase various dances, including cheerleading and hip-hop, and also speak in the Gyeongsang dialect.

Director Park said, "I believed Hyeri's positive energy would anchor the film. After persuading and pleading with her, we were able to cast her," he laughed. As expected, Hyeri leads the movie as the leader of the Millennium Girls, displaying a challenging and 'girl crush' charm, different from her previous role as Deok-sun in 'Reply 1988.'

▲ This still photo of film "Victory," starring singer-actor Lee Hye-ri (far L), is provided by Mindmark on Aug. 7, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Director Park added, "You'll see a new side of Hyeri that you haven't seen before. While Deok-sun was lovable, Pil-seon is an impressive character just by her presence."

'Victory' is based on real events that took place in Geoje in the 1980s. Director Park moved the setting to 1999 and dramatized the story further.

He explained, "Many recent content pieces tend to caricature the 1990s, which felt somewhat disappointing to me as someone who lived through that era. I wanted to boast, 'We had Seo Taiji, Diva, and Deux back then; it was incredible,' so I set the background in 1999."

"I think audiences of my generation will relate and enjoy it. I also believe it will appeal to younger viewers. Movies have the power to make memories feel personal, even if they aren't your own. As a warm and comforting film, I believe it will be enjoyable for everyone."