Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'Adagio' soothes with classical music as summer ends
Actors Bae Soo-bin, left, and Kim Ji-young are seen in a scene from the upcoming film, “Adagio.” Courtesy of Triple Pictures
By Baek Byung-yeul
"Adagio," directed by star TV drama producer Yoon Seok-ho, tells the story of two wounded souls who meet on the scenic Jeju Island as summer ends, finding solace and healing through classical music.
Yoon, best known for his TV dramas themed around seasons, including "Autumn in My Heart" (2000) and "Winter Sonata" (2002), said he wanted to produce a film with a lot of classical music that could heal the audience.
"I was struggling due to COVID-19, my mother was ill, and I was deeply depressed. I once made a film in Japan but wanted to do one in Korea too. I read a book called 'The Rabbit Effect,' which suggested that kindness between people can heal," Yoon said during a press conference at a theater in Seoul, Thursday.
A poster of the upcoming film, “Adagio.” / Courtesy of Triple Pictures
"There was a Japanese novel I wanted to adapt, and I felt this was the right time for this kind of film, so I ended up creating it on Jeju Island. I wanted to make a healing film with music."
Based on Japanese author Yuki Ibuki’s novel, "Adagio" marks the director's first Korean film. He made his big screen debut with the 2020 Japanese film "The Wind in Your Heart."
Yoon is a key figure from the early 2000s "hallyu" or Korean Wave, achieving widespread popularity both in Korea and abroad, including Japan, with his hit dramas.
In "Adagio," two individuals in their 40s, Jun-woo (Bae Soo-bin) and Young-hee (Kim Ji-young), create an ensemble that heals each other's wounds through classical music. The film was officially invited to and screened at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival last year.
Young-hee visits a seaside village on the island after losing her husband and son. Kim said she chose this project believing it could provide solace to the audience after reading the script.
"Amidst the violence and bloodshed prevalent in recent content from streaming services and other works, I gladly accepted this role as I felt the film could provide me with peace," Kim said.
"Although it's a character who is in pain, I found myself unexpectedly healed. Having experienced this healing, I hope many people will also find relaxation and enjoyment while watching the film. I sincerely hope they find their own sense of healing," she added.
Jun-woo struggles with depression as a result of his wife's affair. "I've always wanted to work with Director Yoon, and I'm glad I finally got the chance," Bae said.
To portray the depressed Jun-woo, Bae revealed that he practiced intermittent fasting and isolated himself for a month before filming.
The director revealed he cast Bae, who has often played villains, because he has eyes that can evoke maternal instincts in women.
"Actor Bae Soo-bin often plays villains. My impression of him was as someone with doe-like eyes and a lonely, vulnerable presence that could evoke maternal instincts in women," the director said.
“Adagio” will be released in local theaters on Sept. 11.