'Phantom' is action-packed spy thriller with multi-layered mystery

From left, director Lee Hae-young, actors Seo Hyun-woo, Park Hae-soo, Park So-dam, Lee Ha-nee and Seol Kyung-gu attend a press conference for the film “Phantom” in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director Lee Hae-young, whose stylish crime thriller “Believer” (2018) earned him commercial success and critical acclaim, has returned with the action spy thriller “Phantom” with an ensemble cast.

Set in 1933 during the Japanese colonial occupation of Korea, the film follows five people suspected of being a spy for an anti-Japanese resistance group. Trapped inside an isolated hotel, the five characters must use their wits to survive and escape while suspecting one another.

Lee explained that the film is a period piece, but its plot and characters are mostly fictional.

“The film drew inspiration from a clandestine organization that fought against Japanese colonial rule in the 1930s, but it is very much a fictional story. I wanted to make a film where every character has a moment to shine ― both as an individual and as a team. The mise-en-scene elements come next,” he said during a press conference for the film, Monday.

The cast revealed that they poured their hearts and souls into “Phantom,” which they filmed two years ago.

Seol Kyung-gu, who plays the role of Japanese police officer Murayama Junji, said there was something appealing about the mystery genre.

“There are many films set in the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule, but 'Phantom' is jam-packed with a mixture of multiple genres, including mystery, action and thriller. It also boasts entertaining elements, which are essential in a film,” he said.

Actor Seol Kyung-gu in a scene from the film “Phantom” / Courtesy of CJ ENM

Park So-dam, who is making her return to the big screen for the first time after surgery for thyroid cancer, thanked the director for giving her the role. In the film, she portrays Yuriko, a Korean who works as a secretary for a high-ranking official within the Japanese colonial government in Korea.

“Around this period last year, I was lying in bed after surgery (for thyroid cancer). I'm glad that I am able to greet my co-stars and fans after regaining my health,” she said.

“'The Silenced (2015)' was the first time I worked with director Lee. He's a very detail-oriented director who has a lot of ideas. He was very generous in sharing with me all the acting tips. So I wanted to work with him again.”

Park Hae-soo, who was the last person to join the cast, plays the role of Kaito, a mastermind behind the Japanese operation to hunt down the spy. The “Squid Game” star speaks only Japanese throughout the film, which was a challenge for him.

“I practiced Japanese lines five to six hours a day. At first, I was hesitant about playing the role, so I called Seol for advice. He told me to meet with director Lee before I make a final decision. At our meeting, director Lee gave me a lot of courage that made me change my mind,” he said.

Lee Ha-nee said the audience will be able to connect with five different characters by putting them in their shoes. “The audience can think of it as solving a jigsaw puzzle. It will be enjoyable if the audience watch each of the suspects and try to figure out who is the phantom, the spy,” she said.

“Phantom” will hit local theaters, Jan. 18.