Bae Doona borrows her character's words to speak out on social issues

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Mon, October 2, 2023 | 06:36

Films

Bae Doona borrows her character's words to speak out on social issues

Posted : 2023-02-09 16:46

Updated : 2023-02-10 16:46

Actress Bae Doona / Courtesy of Twinplus Partners

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Bae Doona said the thriller drama film "Next Sohee" is an emotional tribute to victims of institutional abuse.

Inspired by a real-life event, the film revolves around Sohee (Kim Si-eun), a high school student who starts job training at a call center. Sohee cannot bear the highly stressful work culture, which leads to her suicide. Detective Oh Yu-jin (Bae) starts to follow the traces to reveal the truth behind Sohee's death. The film accuses the company and school of negligence.

"There are still many Sohees out there who are barely clinging to life after societal exploitation," she said during a recent interview with The Korea Times. "I want to say to those who are hanging in there: 'thank you for not giving up and holding on.'"

"When I was in my 20s, life seemed vague at times. I could have been happy, but I was not. I want people who are going through tough times to feel less pain. I just hope for a better world for young people. The social issues that involve children or adolescent victims really outrage me because they are weak and vulnerable."

Bae said it was not easy playing Yu-jin's character who becomes more edgy and angry as the story unfolds.

"During the investigation, Yu-jin meets up with officials at the call center, school and provincial office of education. She gets angry about how nobody is willing to admit it's their fault and work toward a solution," she said.

"Next Sohee" debuted as the closing film at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival's parallel sidebar Critics' Week. It also earned critical accolades, winning awards at the 42nd France Amiens International Film Festival, 26th Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada and Tokyo Filmex in Japan.

Bae revealed that she advised director July Jung to submit their film to overseas film festivals.

"I was confident that this film was going to be a good one when I watched Si-eun's acting through the monitor. I told July, 'Go on, edit the film and submit it to film festivals around the globe. I think it's going to get positive reviews,'" Bae said.

A scene from the film "Next Sohee" / Courtesy of Twinplus Partners

Sadly, the actress could not attend the Cannes festival last year because she was filming Zack Snyder's Netflix sci-fi film, "Rebel Moon."

"Next Sohee" is the second film Bae and Jung have worked on together following the 2014 film "The Girl at My Door," which was invited to the "Un Certain Regard" selection of the 67th Cannes Film Festival in 2014.

Opening up about their friendship, Bae said, "I like empathetic and kind-hearted people. As a creator, however, July is stubborn, outspoken and sharp. Most of all, she makes great movies."

Bae has worked on international projects, such as the Wachowskis' "Cloud Atlas" (2012) and "Jupiter Ascending" (2015) as well as Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Air Doll" (2009) and "Broker" (2022). However, she still looks for diversity when choosing projects.

"I think my Hollywood projects are blockbusters that are typically large-scale and entertaining. But when I pick Korean projects, I try to focus on subjects that are a bit different or stories that are worth sharing with audiences," she said.

The 43-year-old actress said she loves her job despite feeling tired of jetlag and long working hours. "I really love my job. Whenever I walk into the set, I feel alive and proud of myself. It's a privilege to be able to speak out about certain issues through my characters," Bae said.

yeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr