Actor Song Kang-ho (left) stars as a pansori artist in Park Chan-wook and Park Chan-kyong’s latest short “Day Trip.” (Moho films)
After their first Berlin-winning project together, the famous Park brothers are back with another short film ― this time about a pansori artist and his young student.
Director Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy,” “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance”) and his brother and media artist Park Chan-kyong in 2011 won the top prize at Berlinale for their short “Night Fishing.” The 30-minute fantasy film, which touches on local shamanism and dreams, was shot entirely with an iPhone 4.
The Park brothers launched a co-directing brand titled “PARKing CHANce” for “Night Fishing.” Their latest output, “Day Trip,” is the duo’s second project together.
The 19-minute film stars local heavyweight actor Song Kang-ho (“Thirst,” “Secret Sunshine”) and 14-year-old actress Jeon Hyo-jeong. The piece begins as the old pansori artist (Song) takes his discouraged student (Jeon) to a mountain. The student is upset because she only won third prize at a pansori ― Korea’s traditional vocal and percussion music ― contest, while she really wanted to win.
The movie’s original Korean title, “Cheongchuleoram,” refers to a student whose ability surpasses that of his teacher’s.
Actor Song had to go through rigorous make-up sessions for each shoot; his character required him to look much older than he is, as well as wearing a specially-designed wig. In the film, the stubborn artist has long, grey hair. Make-up artist Song Jong-hee, who was in charge of transforming actor Park Hae-il into a 70-year-old poet in last year’s erotic drama “Eungyo,” worked with Song for this movie.
Meanwhile, this is actress Jeon’s film debut. The actress currently majors in pansori at the National Middle School of Traditional Arts, and was selected for the role through an audition.
Her role required the actress to perform pansori well, so the Park Brothers contacted almost every educational institute that teaches the music to find the right actress. According to the movie’s promoters, Jeon impressed the Park brothers with her poise and instinctive acting performance, which made them hard to believe that she did not have any acting experience prior to the audition.
Park Chan-wook (left) and Park Chan-kyong pose for a photo after the press premiere of their short “Day Trip” in Seoul on Dec. 27. (Yonhap News)
The brothers’ project was funded by Kolon Sport, a local outdoor clothing company. The company celebrates its 40th year anniversary this year, and collaborated with the duo in making a film that features nature and its beauty in Korea.
The film was shot in a number of different spots in Gyeongju of North Gyeongsang Province, including Mt. Namsan and Yongyeon falls. Mt. Namsan, in particular, was considered sacred by many during Korea’s Silla Dynasty (B.C. 57 ― A.D. 935), for its beauty.
“Day Trip” was released online at www.kolonsport.com on Dec. 30.
By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)
