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.
‘Pretty Crazy’ offers hilarious spin on demonic possession
Actor Yoona in a scene from “Pretty Crazy” / Courtesy of CJ ENM
By Baek Byung-yeul
Director Lee Sang-geun, who won over audiences nationwide with his 2019 disaster blockbuster “Exit," is back after six years with his new comedy "Pretty Crazy," which promises to cool down the summer heat. His latest film is a whimsical comedy-fantasy that follows a familiar-but-fresh premise — a woman who turns into a demon every night.
The film showcases his signature blend of humor and heart as it follows the chaotic journey of Sun-ji (Yoona), a woman who runs a bakery by day but becomes a mischievous devil by night. Her misadventures are handled by Gil-gu (Ahn Bo-hyun), a part-time worker who reluctantly becomes her protector.
The film marks a long-awaited comeback for Lee, who spent three years on post-production after wrapping filming in 2022.
"When I debuted six years ago, I didn't know anything, so I wasn't as nervous," Lee said at the film’s premiere. "Now, I feel a hundred times more anxious. I'm so curious to see how the audience will receive this new work, and I hope they can feel the sincerity we put into it."
From left, director Lee Sang-geun and actors Yoona, Ahn Bo-hyun and Joo Hyun-young pose during a press conference for “Pretty Crazy“ at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Newsis
Lee shared that the film's protagonists, like the lead in “Exit,” are unemployed, a detail he drew from his own life.
"For a creator, drawing from your own experiences is the easiest and most comfortable way to build a character," he explained. "I spent a long time as an aspiring director without a job, so it was natural for me to channel my past into these characters."
"Pretty Crazy" also reunites Lee with Yoona, who played a leading role in “Exit.” Yoona's dual-role performance as the lovable baker and the high-spirited demon is already generating buzz.
"One of Lee's greatest strengths is his ability to tell human stories," she said. "'Exit' was loved for its witty and heartfelt take on family and common emotions, and I think ‘Pretty Crazy’ also successfully blend comedy with genuine human connection."
Actors Ahn Bo-hyun, left, and Yoona in a scene from “Pretty Crazy” / Courtesy of CJ ENM
Yoona described her role as Sun-ji as the most energetic character she's ever played.
"I tried to vary my tone and visual style," she said. "I wanted to portray an exaggerated and highly energetic character. This character allowed me to be bold and fearless, so I did everything I wanted to do during filming."
Ahn, known for his masculine roles, shared that his character Gil-gu was a completely new experience.
"It's a really great film," he said. "When I first saw the character, I knew I had to put in a lot of effort, but it wasn't easy to pull off. I've played many masculine characters, but this one was someone you just wanted to protect."
Lee added that the film's genre is open to interpretation. "Many people who've seen it say they can't quite grasp what kind of movie it is," he said. "For some, it might be a love story and for others, a drama or a mystery. I hope people can enjoy it as a film that blends different genres."
“Pretty Crazy” will hit theaters on Aug. 13.