Kim Dong-hwi ‘Lived With’ Son Suk-ku to sync acting for film ‘Troll Factory’

연합뉴스 / 2024-03-25 15:05:21

▲ A still photo of film "Troll Factory," provided by Acemaker Movieworks, shows actor Kim Dong-hwi, playing ChatTatCak. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Director Ahn Gooc-jin's new film, "Troll Factory," set to release on the 27th, unfolds the story of journalist Sang-jin (played by Son Suk-ku). The protagonist is punished for writing an article exposing corruption in a major corporation but later accused of fabricating it.

A mysterious informant approaches Sang-jin, known online as "ChatTatCak," claiming to reveal the identity of the Troll Factory, "Team Alrep," which orchestrated the manipulation of online opinions to discredit Sang-jin's article.

ChatTatCak plays a crucial role in driving the narrative, paralleling Sang-jin's importance. When asked about his experience playing this character, actor Kim Dong-hwi (29), who portrays ChatTatCak, responded, "I felt a considerable burden because I serve as a bridge between Sang-jin and Team Alrep."

▲ A still photo of film "Troll Factory," provided by Acemaker Movieworks, shows actors Kim Dong-hwi (L), playing ChatTatCak, and Son Suk-ku, playing Sang-jin. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Kim Dong-hwi skillfully navigates the story with restrained acting, knowing the pivotal role his character plays in connecting the dots between the characters. He expressed his ambition to highlight his character as an actor but emphasized the importance of the overall production shining more than individual performances.

The dynamic between Sang-jin and ChatTatCak is tense as Sang-jin is cautiously intrigued by the informant's revelations. The chemistry between Son Suk-ku and Kim Dong-hwi was crucial in portraying this tension.

"We, the director, Seok-goo hyung, and I, had many meetings in the office. Since the discussions often prolonged, we decided to stay together nearby. We synchronized our breathing by reading the script until just before filming," Kim Dong-hwi said.

Living together during the filming period brought Son Suk-ku and Kim Dong-hwi closer, with late-night phone calls to share ideas. Observing Kim Dong-hwi closely during this period, Son Suk-ku nicknamed him the "Righteous Living Man." Kim Dong-hwi laughed, saying, "I don't go out much and I'm not good at drinking. When asked what I'm doing, I always say, 'I'm reading a book alone.' I think that's why he gave me that nickname."

▲ A photo pf actor Kim Dong-hwi, provided by Acemaker Movieworks. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Kim Dong-hwi also grew closer to director Ahn during the filming. Describing the director as sensitive and persistent, he referred to him as someone who knows only movies, an "Ahn Gooc-jin in human form."

Playing a member of Team Alrep in the film, ChatTatCak is an aspiring writer who garners attention with his provocative comments. Kim Dong-hwi revealed that he joined amateur writers' communities to understand their lives and empathize with their struggles.

Kim Dong-hwi gained recognition for his roles in the drama "Stranger 2" (2020) and the movie "In Our Prime" (2022). He won numerous newcomer awards, including the Blue Dragon Film Awards, for his portrayal of Jiu, a high school student learning math from a North Korean genius mathematician, played by Choi Min-sik.

Referring to Choi Min-sik's latest movie “Exhuma” becoming a box office hit, Kim Dong-hwi mentioned congratulating him and receiving a reply expressing gratitude and a promise to watch "Troll Factory" in theaters.

When asked about his aspirations as an actor, Kim Dong-hwi simply said, "I want to be an actor for a long time."

"While it may seem straightforward to say I want to act for a long time, there are many underlying conditions. You need the love of the public, acting skills, and something that comes to mind when you hear the name Kim Dong-hwi. Considering all these factors, I say I want to do it for a long time. It's a big dream."