Gearing up on its Netflix launch, Seoul Vibe takes us on a thrilling ride experience back to 1988.
Actors Yoo Ah In, Lee Kyu Hyung, Park Ju Hyun, Moon So Ri, Go Kyung Pyo, Ong Seong Wu, and director Moon Hyun-sung attended Seoul Vibe‘s press conference held at the Grand InterContinential Seoul Parnas on August 23.
Introducing the much-anticipated movie, Director Moon explained the relevance of its theme and concept in the culture of Korea.
“Seoul Vibe is set in 1988, a year that holds cultural significance to Korea as it held its first Olympics that summer… For Korea, 1988 is an era when bright and dark sides both existed. With such historical background, we wanted to create a visually stunning movie with a hip-hop-infused soundtrack.”
The story centers on a team of young mechanics and drivers who do an undercover mission. They aim to uncover the truth behind a money laundering scheme during the Olympics in 1988 to achieve their American dream life.
“Here’s A Quick Guide To Sanggye-dong Supreme Team In “Seoul Vibe”
Cast members’ Detailed Filming Preparations
During the press conference, Yoo Ah In shares his experience learning about cars and racing to familiarize himself before portraying the energetic racer and fiery leader of the Sanggye-dong Supreme Team, Dong-wook.
“I actually didn’t know much about cars before shooting the film. I spent a lot of time on the racing circuit and inside racing cars to become more familiar with my role… I tried to get familiar with driving techniques like drifting at a motor racing circuit,” he said. “During filming, I had rare opportunities to drive old car models, like Hyundai Pony, Sonata and Grandeur. That was amazing.”
In addition, the lauded actor tells how his character is passionate about having an American life.
“Dong-wook is very different from myself. He is so ambitious,” the actor said. “He admires American culture and fantasizes about living in America. Still, he is passionate enough to strive to realize his dream.”
On the other hand, Go Kyung Pyo said the idea of him portraying again a character who lived in 1988 is interesting. Looking back, he was known for acting in the series Reply 1988.
“The drama showed more of a lyrical side of 1988. This movie took a challenge and shows a more dynamic side by mixing current trends with the trend at the time.”
For this project, he even brought a DJ set to practice portraying his character, Woo-sam, who is a club DJ.
“It’s fun actually, even though I don’t get to use it too much these days because I am busy.”
Meanwhile, Moon So-ri shares that she permed her hair and carefully chose her clothes while acting as Chairwoman Kang, the villain in the film.
“Instead of trying to show what it really was like back in 1988, the director kept emphasizing to actors that the movie should have a ‘newtro’ concept… My character has been obsessed with power and money her whole life so I did not picture her as a beautiful woman, I tried to show her ugly side… I wanted to make her look hideous.”
The concept of “newtro” is from the combined words new and retro. For the cast to wear clothes from the 80s’, they got recent retro-inspired clothes and altered these to make them look like from the past.
Idol-actor Ong Seong Wu and actress Park Ju Hyun were glad to be part of the project and listened to Go Kyung Pyo explaining how they wear “retro” for the film.
“The 1980s were marked by loud fashion with bold necklaces. The entire cast focused on the dressing style of characters to set the tone of the film.”
Yoo Ah In also emphasized how all the cast and crew worked hard for the film and said,
“It was creatively and technically challenging. I believe this film raises the bar in terms of filmmaking ― be it the story ideas, effects, look and environment. I’m not sure how the film might be perceived, but a lot of hard work went into it and I’m proud of being part of this exciting film.”
Lastly, director Moon said he hopes they can make the audience enjoy watching the movie.
“We had a great time shooting the movie,” said director Moon. “I hope that energy can be shared with the film’s audience.”
You will not have to wait long as you can hop onto your seats and watch Seoul Vibe on August 26, exclusively on Netflix!
Source: Korea JoonAng Daily, Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Herald, The Korea Times
Photos: Netflix
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