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| Actors Jang Ki-yong, left, and Chae Soo-bin, in a scene from “Sweet & Sour” / Courtesy of Netflix |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
The romantic comedy film, “Sweet & Sour,” depicts a bittersweet relationship filled with authentic dialogue and realistic situations, according to director Lee Gye-byok, who previously helmed quirky comedies such as, “Cheer up, Mr. Lee” (2019) and “Luck-key” (2016).
At a press conference for the film, Tuesday, Lee explained that the relationship problems portrayed in the upcoming film are both cynical and realistic.
“When dating someone, there aren’t always joyous and loving moments. Sometimes, the feelings of a relationship turn sour or bitter. I wanted to tell a story that is authentic and realistic,” he said.
He added that the upcoming film’s title was named after a popular chewy candy in Korea.
“When I was working on the script for ‘Sour & Sweet,’ I frequently enjoyed sour and sweet flavored chewy candies,” he said. “One of these candies will taste sour at first and then turn sweet. Then, it melts away. When it’s gone, it makes you to grab another. That is the kind of story I wanted to tell, and that’s how I eventually decided on the title.”
Actor Jang Ki-yong, who is currently starring in SBS’s quirky romance series, “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,” portrays Jang-hyuk, who is in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, Da-eun (Chae Soo-bin).
During the film, Jang-hyuk and Da-eun drift apart and argue more frequently ― as the popular saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”
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| From left, director Lee Gye-byok, actors Chae Soo-bin, Jang Ki-yong and Jung Soo-jung pose during an online press conference for the film, “Sweet & Sour,” Tuesday. Courtesy of Netflix |
“As soon as I read the script, I immediately knew it would be fun to play Jang-hyuk. The script felt very honest. I’ve never shot a romance film before, so I wanted to give it a try,” Jang said.
The 29-year-old actor explained that he relied on the director while trying to express the feelings of the character.
“Director Lee told me, ‘Just be yourself.’ He wanted me to show my natural smile, gestures and vocal tone for Jang-hyuk’s character,” he said.
Chae agreed, saying, “I was drawn to the script by how it presents modern romance so realistically. I think the audience will definitely be able to relate to the characters and understand their emotions.”
At work, Jang-hyuk slowly finds himself attached to his colleague, Bo-young (Jung Soo-Jung). Jung said her character appealed to her because Bo-young holds the key to changing the dynamics of the couple’s relationship. “I think Bo-young’s character and I have a lot in common. She has so many charms. She is chic, honest and passionate.”
Director Lee went on to explain that the film presents not only young romance, but also reflects social problems affecting the younger generation, such as youth unemployment and excessive work.
“Today’s young people face hardships in finding love and keeping that love alive. I think these are hard times to love someone. To reflect this tough reality in the situations the characters face, I chose Da-eun to be a nurse who works rotating shifts and Jang-hyuk as a temporary worker who strives to become a full-time employee,” director Lee said.
“Sweet & Sour” will premiere on Netflix on Friday.
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