Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
'To All the Boys' star Lana Condor says filming in Korea was highlight of her career
A scene from the film, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” / Courtesy of Netflix
By Kwak Yeon-soo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Lana Condor, who plays Lara Jean Covey in Netflix's upcoming romantic comedy, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever,” described to Korean reporters in a press conference on Friday, how excited she was to travel to South Korea to film part of the third and final installment of the “To All the Boys” series of teen romance films.
In “To All the Boys: Always and Forever,” protagonist Lara Jean (Condor) enters her final year of high school and starts to plan her future. She is still dating Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) and the two are planning to attend Stanford together. However, Lara Jean becomes interested in moving to New York and must make a choice after discovering she did not get accepted into Stanford.
In the press conference, held via Zoom, “To All the Boys” book series author Jenny Han and the cast of the movie discussed filming in Korea, life-changing roles and seeing more Asian American representation in Hollywood.
“We visited Seoul about a year and a couple of months ago. I was so excited to be there because it was my first time going, and I'm obsessed with the skincare and makeup of Korean brands,” Condor told reporters.
“We really had like three sets for the first series. We shot at the house, the diner and the school. Then for the final installment, filming in Korea was a huge moment to see how big our 'To All the Boys' world got. It was one of the highlights of my career.”
Condor said that although they didn't have much leisure time to experience the city, the actors still got to sightsee as they were shooting iconic locations in Seoul.
“Working with the Korean crew and seeing how the set was made both differently and similarly to around the world was a fantastic experience. A specific memory that's in my mind is a scene at the open market (Gwangjang Market). I ate noodle soup and dumplings for eight hours straight,” she said.
Actors Lana Condor, left, and Noah Centineo in a scene from the film, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” / Courtesy of Netflix
Centineo explained the driving force behind Lara Jean and Peter staying together for such a long time.
“Peter finally found a safe haven, which was Lara Jean. When you find your person, your home, you never want to leave that place. We just put that into our characters,” he said.
He also revealed that starring in the “To All the Boys” film series has completely changed his personal life and acting career.
“The insecurity I had in my personal life ― the way that I looked out for family and friends ― has become completely different now. The people I get to meet and have discussions with are filmmakers and creatives. The projects that I am considered for have changed since my work in 'To All the Boys.' Now, I am in the position where I get to choose from the stories to tell next, I owe a lot to the film, Jenny and the filmmakers that made it possible.”
Han recalled that there had been trial and error moments regarding the fact that the main character was Asian American.
“Lara Jean is really relatable. People can connect to her because of her warm heart and courageous spirit, I think that's universal,” she said.
“The reason why it has found its success is that people like to spend their time with characters who are good-hearted. Peter and Lara Jean are essentially good people, and being with them in a warm world is what people want especially today.”
The author also shared her thoughts on Korean content gaining global attention these days.
“I think Korean storytelling is very special. When I watch a Korean drama, it's a totally different experience. The production value and the artistry are high and there's something about it that's very emotional and makes you laugh, cry and fall in love,” Han said.
“I'm so proud of how it has enchanted the whole world. As a Korean American, I've always been proud of being Korean and loved Korean music. I remember going to Korea when I was 13 years old. Roo'Ra and Kim Gun-mo were popular back in those days. Today we have BTS and BLACKPINK, and the whole world gets to see how amazing the art Korea puts out is.”
“To All the Boys: Always and Forever” will premiere on Netflix, Feb. 12.