Netflix unveils Korean original series 'The School Nurse Files'

From left, actor Nam Joo-hyuk, novelist Chung Se-rang, director Lee Kyoung-mi and actor Jung Yu-mi pose during an online press event for Netflix series “The School Nurse Files,” Thursday. Courtesy of Netflix

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Netflix's “The School Nurse Files,” adapted from writer Chung Se-rang's novel of the same name, is a fantasy comedy that follows the story of a school nurse with the supernatural ability to see jelly-like creatures that are invisible to others.

Actor Jung Yu-mi plays Ahn Eun-young, a high school nurse who tries to protect students from “jellies” using rather unlikely tools ― a multi-colored toy sword and a BB gun.

The jellies are invisible blobs of greed that can stick to humans and manipulate their actions. They become unleashed when Hong In-pyo (Nam Joo-hyuk), a teacher of Chinese characters, accidentally breaks the containment seal in the school basement. Then, Ahn and Hong team up to fight off these supernatural creatures.

Director Lee Kyoung-mi, who was behind hits like “Crush and Blush” (2008) and “The Truth Beneath” (2016), said it was a new experience to adapt a novelist's work for the series given that she has always written her own screenplays.

“It was a new experience to embody Chung's imagination and add new elements for the series. I enjoyed it because the world within the story felt so limitless,” Lee said during an online press event for the series, Thursday.

Lee added that the most challenging part was visualizing the jellies. “I wanted to make the jellies look strange but familiar. We got hints from the vibrant colors and movements of rare creatures often found in animal documentaries. Through modulation, we created new animal sounds for them,” she said.

A scene from Netflix series “The School Nurse Files” / Courtesy of Netflix

Jung said she was able to empathize with her character and situation. “I thought it would be lonely to see what others can't. However, Eun-young accepts her fate and remains resilient. Playing her character gave me a lot of strength and comfort,” she said.

The 37-year-old actor said she was taken aback when she first saw the multi-colored sword and BB gun she was supposed to use to get rid of the jellies.

“I've always wanted to perform action sequences. Although Eun-young's fight scenes are far from what I had imagined and the tools were weird, I quickly immersed myself in the character and fought against the jellies,” Jung said.

She also thanked her co-star Nam for bringing out her natural reactions. “It was a pleasure to work with Nam in such interesting roles. Thanks to his affable and quick-witted style of acting, I was able to react to him and it brought out the best of me,” she said.

Nam said he joined the project because the concept was interesting.

“The script was very interesting, and I wondered how the jellies would be portrayed onscreen,” he said. “Starring alongside Jung was comfortable. I just followed her lead, and we were able to create great synergy.”

In the series, Hong acts as a portable charger to Ahn by giving her special strength.

“The School Nurse Files” premieres Sept. 25.