Ra Mi-ran takes on fantasy challenge with 'The Mysterious Candy Store'

Actor Ra Mi-ran in a scene from “The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Actor Ra Mi-ran expressed both excitement and pressure in taking on the lead role for the upcoming fantasy film "The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang," based on the hit Japanese children's book series.

"I felt a sense of responsibility in playing Hong-ja because the original work is loved by so many people," Ra said during a press conference at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday.

"I was motivated by the desire to create a Korean version of the story and to challenge myself with the fantasy genre after focusing on more realistic roles in the past."

"The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang" is a fantasy drama based on the best-selling Japanese novel series "Mysterious Candy Store Sentendo" by Reiko Hiroshima. The story follows the mysterious owner of a candy store who sells magical treats that grant wishes to lucky customers holding specific coins.

The original book series is a major cultural phenomenon in Korea with more than 2 million copies sold. Its popularity has led to various adaptations including an animated series and a movie in Japan and a musical in Korea. The musical version here attracted over 300,000 viewers, making the series a representative family fantasy franchise.

Director Park Bong-seob said he wanted to add a more approachable and comedic touch to the character of Hong-ja. He added that while the original character is quite tall and large, he cast Ra for her unique charm and ability to blend the mysterious aura of the store owner with a sense of warmth.

"I wanted her to be a character who approaches people with more friendliness and humor, even while maintaining a certain level of coldness from the original work," Park said.

Actor Ra Mi-ran speaks during a press conference for her movie “The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang" at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Ra said she initially worried about the physical differences between herself and the character but found confidence through the styling process.

"I felt a transformation the moment I put on the white hair and the costume with the help of the staff," Ra said. "It was a fun experience to maintain that look throughout the filming and I treated the entire project as a pleasant challenge."

Actor Lee Re plays the role of Yo-mi, the owner of a rival candy store who constantly interferes with Hong-ja's business. Lee said the script moved her because of its mix of fantasy and realistic elements and she worked hard to portray Yo-mi as a character that audiences cannot truly hate.

"The costume and makeup helped me become Yo-mi without much effort," Lee said. "I really enjoyed the styling including the bob hair and princess-like outfits which I had never tried before in my life."

The 88-minute film is scheduled to hit local theaters on May 29.