Castaway Diva female lead Park Eun Bin challenges a new role that would see her dance, sing and speak in dialect, will she be able to create another memorable character?
Castaway Diva narrates the story of Mok-ha, an aspiring singer who was rescued from a deserted island after 15 years.
Backed up by Baram Pictures and Kakao Entertainment, the series also boasts a brilliant creative team. Leading the production is Director Oh Choong Hwan of Big Mouth and Hotel Del Luna fame. Penning the script is Park Hye Ryun who wrote heartwarming and inspiring dramas such as Dream High and Pinocchio.
Director Oh and Writer Park previously worked on hit dramas Start-Up and While You Were Sleeping.
On October 19, Director Oh Choong-hwan and actors Park Eun Bin, Kim Hyo Jin, Chae Jong Hyeop, Cha Hak Yeon, and Kim Joo Hun attended and introduced tvN’s upcoming weekend series.
Castaway Diva‘s Merits and Message
Describing his latest work, Director Oh listed down the merits and message of Castaway diva that viewers would surely enjoy.
“It’s the story of a character who was rescued after 15 years, and when I first received the script, it felt like my own story. There were times when I felt like I was living on a deserted island. It’s a story that can reach out to those people and provide healing. It’s a very warm story. It’s not only a story, but it’s also enjoyable, fun, and suspenseful. There’s dancing, singing, and romance.”
Castaway Diva attracted attention as the next work of actress Park Eun-bin, who reached her peak as ‘Weird Lawyer Woo Young-woo’. Park Eun-bin is a character from an island who does not lose her smile and hope despite the difficult reality. After being rescued from an uninhabited island after 15 years, she takes steps toward her dream of becoming a singer in the unfamiliar world and the people she encounters.
Lauding the focal character of the series, Director Oh mentions he only has Park Eun Bin in mind for the role. Director Oh said that after seeing Park Eun-bin’s work and her character analysis which she wrote down in a notebook, he felt that it was “real” and that he was grateful that “she gave 200% on set.”
“The only person who can play the role of Seo Mok-ha is Park Eun-bin. We needed Mok-ha’s positive force and bright energy to persuade her. Because she plays the role of a girl who lives on a very distant island, she has a strong dialect. She has to dance, and she has to go to an uninhabited island and go to the beach. She has to excel in a lot of aspects. I went to see Park Eun Bin because she was the only one who could play this role.”
Park Eun Bin Shares Receiving Positive Energy From Seo Mok-ha
Coming from her acclaimed portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Park Eun Bin confessed her feelings about Castaway Diva.
“When I decided to take on this role, I wanted to choose with a light heart. There was a lot to do, and I thought I made a difficult choice, but I have absolutely no regrets. I needed Mok-ha’s strength, and it helped me a lot. Mok-ha is a friend with a dream and pure passion, and she sings well, plays the guitar well, swims in the sea to survive, and is a character who basically has to speak the dialect. It was a new challenge.“
She also said Castaway Diva came when she was filming Extraordinary Attorney Woo. At that time, she needed some time to rest but she found the title of the series interesting. After reading the script, she was curious about how the story unfolds.
For her character analysis, Park Eun Bin made an interesting remark.
“Isn’t everyone living with a deserted island in their heart where only they exist? There is a longing that only I know, and there is an echo of my own. I was curious about what a person who lives with such things thinks and what direction in life they decide. I was curious about how Mok-ha would deal with her emotional upheavals and what kind of life she would lead. I had a desire to gain the power of Mok-hwa and embody it.”
Getting inspiration from Mok-ha, Park Eun Bin is grateful for her latest character.
“Park Eun-bin needed Mok-hwa in 2022. Wouldn’t Mokhwa be a milestone in 2023? I decided to leave myself to Mok-hwa, and I am working very hard to survive after meeting Mokhwa. Thank you for your support so that I can complete the race well until the end. I hope you send love to this new project.”
Park Eun Bin practiced dancing and singing to prepare for her role as a deserted woman who dreams of becoming a singer. Even in her singing scenes, she sings them 100% herself, without a double.
“I wondered if I would be able to convey the song authentically if I didn’t sing it with my own voice. I thought that if I somehow let my voice be heard 100%, it would be able to resonate with the audience. From the moment I decided, ‘I will sing it,’ I took responsibility. I did my best to achieve it. Every time I hit a wall, I’m overcoming it by receiving cotton’s positive energy. I am putting in the same effort as my debut as a singer.”
Character and Creative Preparations For Castaway Diva
Vouching for Park’s singing skills, her fellow cast members supported her claim. Cha Hak Yeon praised her and said, “She was really good. I heard her sing, and it was so sweet. She can debut now without any awkwardness.”
Kim Hyo Jin also exclaims, “There is nothing our Eun-bin can’t do.”
Director Oh also reveals the hard work Park poured into the character.
“I had the feeling that Park Eun Bin was starting from zero. Although she is not a singer, she practiced a lot and is still doing so. She practices as much as she spends filming.”
Joining Park Eun Bin in the series is Kim Hyo Jin who plays the role of Yun Ran-joo, a once gorgeous top star whose life takes a new turn due to the sudden appearance of Seo Mok-ha, her biggest fan dreaming of becoming a singer.
Chae Jong Hyeop plays the role of Kang Bo-gul, a PD at a broadcasting station, who accidentally becomes involved when he discovers and rescues Seo Mok-ha during his volunteer work.
Cha Hak-yeon plays the role of Kang Woo-hak, a reporter at a broadcasting station. After accidentally rescuing Mok-ha with his younger brother Bo-gul , Cha Hak-yeon is a warm-hearted person who sincerely sympathizes with Mok-ha’s story and helps her in both material and spiritual ways.
Kim Joo Hun plays Lee Seo-jun, who started out as a manager who was in charge of Yoon Ran-ju in the past and is now the CEO of RJ Entertainment.
Kim Hyo Jin divulges how she prepared for the characterization of Ran-ju.
“I’m not sure because I’ve never been a top star, but I think it’s confidence and ability. Since Ran-ju was a talented singer, I think she must have been full of self-esteem and confidence, and I acted to see how Ranju’s unique diva could be expressed.”
Regarding her singing stage moments, Kim Hyo Jin relays how she brought out Ran-ju’s colors.
“I filmed while researching how to give variations depending on the song and stage, and how to express freedom and feelings on Ran-ju’s unique artistry. She sang skillfully while playing the guitar. Because I’m a singer, I really practiced a lot to look competent.”
Male Leads of Castaway Diva Share Views About Their Characters
Introducing his character in Castaway Diva, Chae Jong Hyeop promises to deliver an interesting character.
“I am a tsundere who is quiet and cold, but warm on the inside. I have played many tsundere-like characters, but I also wanted to show a slightly different side. I have my own color, and although there are inflections, I aimed at expressing my character’s distinct differences. I’m trying to show a slightly different side of myself with colors.”
Cha Hak Yeon talked about his new transformation as well.
“I have a lively, lovely, and active personality. I am professional when I work, and once I catch a case, I dig into it to the end. My emotions are also deep.”
This is Kim Joo-heon’s third collaboration with Director Oh, since Start-Up and Big Mouth. He reveals his love for the director.
“I wanted to meet again after Big Mouth ended, and he contacted me right away, so I had no hesitation. I would always like to be with you if I can be of help, and thank you for inviting me to join a great drama.”
Castaway Diva premieres on October 28. International fans can watch it on Netflix.
Source: joynews24
Photos: tvN Drama
