Speaking with eloquence and wit, the lively cast and showrunners of The Silent Sea provided glimpses of filming anecdotes and highlights to expect when the series premieres on December 24.
At the virtual press conference held earlier, Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon, Kim Sun Young, Lee Mu Saeng and Lee Sung Wook answered questions from the media. Along with that, creators Park Eun Kyo, Choi Hang Yong and Jung Woo Sung conveyed preparations in the casting and shooting.
Korea’s First Sci-Fi Series
Set in the near future when the depletion of natural resources has devastated Earth, this Netflix Series tells the story of an elite crew sent on a special mission to an abandoned research base on the moon. The Silent Sea is the first Korean series to take place on the moon. It portrays an unpredictable set of events taking place in an abandoned lunar research station shut down five years ago.
There the crew members desperately search for clues to save mankind from extinction. However, the crew confronts evidence of why no one from the previous mission had returned alive. It is also based on director Choi Hang-yong’s short film by the same name, which received much acclaim at the 13th Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival in 2014.
Actor Jung Woo Sung was enthralled by this story that Choi has been crafting for over a decade. “I loved the spectacular ideas behind the story. I wanted to be involved in creating a sci-fi series that is uniquely Korean,” Jung said. His participation in the production of the series has garnered much attention from early on.
Also joining the creative process of this intriguing story of exploration is writer Park Eun-kyo, who received Best Screenplay awards at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Mother and at the Blue Dragon Awards for Crush And Blush.
A juggernaut cast — consisting of Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon and others — portrays the elite team members who risk their lives to participate in a special mission. With the synergy and the intense suspense they create, the sci-fi thriller The Silent Sea will surely become the grand finale of the year 2021 for Korean films and series.
A Revolutionary Project
Conceived from his graduation work 10 years ago, Director Choi Hang Yong together with an elite creative team and actors, secured a groundbreaking project in the history of K-Drama content. With Netflix picking the series, the story extended not just on its initial lunar-based situation but also explores its back stories.
#TheSilentSea is based on my graduation work. There were a lot of movies that depict outer space but are not specific to the moon. Thus, I wanted to create a story about the moon.
– Director #ChoiHangYong pic.twitter.com/tZ4dZBb1Cr— kdramadiary (@kdramadiarylogs) December 22, 2021
Confessing how he was mesmerized in the story, actor-producer Jung Woo Sung expounded on why he picked up the project.
“When you look at the setup of a story that really makes or breaks the entire production. This very unique setup of the story, I just fell in love. Whie there are a lot of scifi films out there, it wasn’t explored much in Korea. This smartly created setup, I felt like we could really create something special.”
Meanwhile, Writer Park reveals upon seeing the script of the short film, she knew the genre was difficult to tackle. Seh admired Director Choi for being ambitious and the script for being well-written.
“It was something that inspired me to take on the challenge. It provided a great motivation for me to create something special.”
A Script and Project The Lead Actors Love
Unanimously drawn to the script the main cast relayed their thoughts of the series. They all agree how amazing the script was done.
“When I first read the script, you know because sci-fi and outer space series is not that common in Korea, I thought it was a big challenge. I did watch the short film which silent sea was based on. I think it was amazingly done. The emotional development of the cast was perfectly drawn on the screen. So I thought that If this Director will create a Sci-fi film, I want to take part. It is worth the challenge.” – Bae Doona
“I wanted to do a genre drama. Perfect timing, when I read the script eureka, 10 exclamation marks popped in my head. The drama that I wanted. I really like it in all aspects there’s no reason to not like it. When I can imagine just by the script I always say yes just by the script.” – Gong Yoo
“Even before knowing the series, I’m already a big outer space fan. So I would look up documents about outer space. It was like one of my hobbies. I was so surprised by the chance given to me. There was no reason I would not want to do it because this was going to be a fun challenge to me and that’s why I wanted to take part of it.” – Lee Joon
“When I read the script, I felt excitement. It was a such a fresh approach. I really wanted to take part. I really remember the first shoot, I was counting down for the first shoot.” – Lee Mu Saeng
Dream Cast, Dream Project, Dream Producer
Top-tier actors Bae Doona and Gong Yoo also unveiled appreciation to the hands-on approach of producer Jung Woo Sung while filming.
“I have never seen anyone so diligent. He would be on set every single day and he would take care of every detail. He took such good care of us. Because he is a seasoned actor he understands where we might feel uncomfortable so he is very keen on checking how we feel.” – Bae Doona
“Because he knows how an actor feels himself. He knows how an actor would feel comfortable. He is always there on set with us. I could feel his passion on this project. I could feel his affection for all of us. His presence of him is a morale booster. Jung Woo Sung is a big celebrity for me.” – Gong Yoo
Speaking of Producer Jung’s effort, lauded character actress Kim Sun Young divulged joining the project because of Jung Woo Sung. Reckoning a moment when he visited a humble theater troupe she belonged to, she felt so much gratitude for how he was appreciative of their work.
Lee Sung Wook concurs with the pleasant working environment not just with his fellow actors but with the creators.
When we were on set, the producer and director would compliment me and the rest of the actors. – Lee Sung Wook
A Peek At The Expedition Team of The Silent Sea
Giving a peek at her character, Bae Doona shared her character as a renowned scientist. who wants to uncover the truth that happened in the station.
Mentioning she wasn’t sure if she can handle the challenge but after reading the script and seeing the short film, she was up to the challenge. Moreover, she was gravitated by the Korean sentiments and profound messages on the social issues discussed.
Producer Jung disclosed how the courting period for the actress spanned a long time since she was on a resting period. It was a casting process done overseas, thus, it was a special experience for him.
For his new role, Gong Yoo ensured assimilating to the character well. He describes Han Yoon-jae as a “duty-led” person who prioritizes his teammates’ welfare first and is stoic by nature. Deviating from his previous roles, he decorated his latest character with a tough-looking demeanor, hence, the effort to go for a tan and tattoo.
“I wanted to emphasize the history of Yoon-jae in the series. He’s a former veteran so I want to have a different haircut,” he said.
Expressing how he wanted Gong Yoo to be onboard the project, Director Choi affirmed how the actor is perfect for the role of Han Yoon-jae. He appreciates that Gong Yoo can lead as a character and also as an actor on set.
Expressing how he wanted Gong Yoo to be onboard the project, Director Choi affirmed how the actor is perfect for the role of Han Yoon-jae. He appreciates that Gong Yoo can lead as a character and also an actor on set.
Likewise, Lee Joon conveys creating special affinity with his character Yoon Tae-seok. Hinting at his closeness to Captain Han, viewers can expect bromance between them.
He narrates his character to be kind, diligent and shy. Initially, he thought it would be a struggle, but after the filming, he can only remember the good times they had especially how they had a blast dancing all the time.
Recounting a lot of fun role-playing moments off-camera, Kim Sun Young brightens the mood of the press conference with her stories. Explaining her love for role-playing conversations often involves Gong Yoo and Lee Joon. However, Bae Doona would run away but was truly enjoying their antics.
Aspiring Another Exceptional K-Content Series
With an extraordinarily talented and experienced cast, the actors of The Silent Sea all concurred on being happy for the pleasant filming experience. Much is to be credited to the showrunners who ensured their vision coupled with the splendid acting stage that would bring out the best of the characters.
Addressing the growing prominence of K-Content, Jung Woo Sung gave a perceptive response. He asserts how it would not be fair to have a thinking of marking the success of a new work based on the previous works that garnered worldwide attention.
“I think that it’s almost like we are in a relay where there are different kinds of K-Content showcased to the world. There is pressure definitely. Each piece has their own universe and sentiment pressure is there. I think The Silent Sea is a story of its own. Whether it will resonate with the global audience, we have to wait and see. I think more focus should be put on with our passion and not how it will please the audience.”
As the conference winds down, the lead stars reply to interesting questions. When Lee Joon was asked about his relatively busy schedule, he remarked feeling grateful and happy.
“I am very happy to be in so many productions. The Silent Sea was wrapped up the earliest. At that time I was concerned that my portrayals will be the same. But I know I played all of it differently. I’m happy and grateful to be in this string of productions.”
Gamely answering an adorable question of what he will bring if he will stay on the moon for good, Gong Yoo revealed his charming side.
“I need a woman to bring along if I will be settling on the moon for good. If it’s just a visit I need to bring a device to watch NBA games and Netflix.”
Closing the event, each of the attendees invited the viewers to support the launch of The Silent Sea.
Join the cast of The Silent Sea on their upcoming expedition this December 24 only on Netflix!
abbyinhallyuland thanks Netflix for the invite to the press conference
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