Sul Kyung-gu Reflects on Fourth Collaboration with Director Byun Sung-hyun for 'The Plot'

Actor Sul Kyung-gu has opened up about the considerations he faced when embarking on his fourth project with director Byun Sung-hyun for the Netflix film 'The Plot'. The press conference, held on the morning of the 19th at the Busan Cinema Center, celebrated the film's invitation to the 30th Busan International Film Festival's Gala Presentation.

Director Byun Sung-hyun, alongside lead actor Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Takayuki Yamada, attended the event to discuss the movie. 'The Plot' is set in the 1970s and chronicles the suspicious operation of individuals gathered to land a hijacked airplane by any means necessary.

The film has garnered attention following its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, impressing audiences with its engaging narrative, distinctive characters, and unique directorial style.

This marks the fourth collaboration between Sul Kyung-gu and Byun Sung-hyun, following their work on 'The Merciless,' 'Kingmaker,' and 'Kill Boksoon,' making it a point of significant interest. Sul Kyung-gu shared, "Continuously working with director Byun Sung-hyun for four consecutive films didn't make it easier; it actually made me deliberate even more."

He admitted, "I was concerned that the audience might feel burdened by me appearing in four consecutive films by the same director, which led me to seriously consider whether I should take on the role." He added, "Initially, I had some reservations when we first worked together on 'The Merciless,' but since then, I've found great enjoyment in his distinctive style."

Sul Kyung-gu also expressed his curiosity about the director's approach to a large-scale film like 'The Plot.' "He told me he 'straightened me out' with 'The Merciless,' and then said he would 'crumple me up again' for this one, so I was eager to see how that would unfold. I heard I was indeed crumpled up this time. I'm grateful that he always strives to transform me as an actor."

Director Byun Sung-hyun responded with a smile, stating, "I really like Kyung-gu sunbaenim. I like him as an actor, and I like him as an older brother and a senior."

'The Plot' is scheduled for release on Netflix on October 17th.

Sul Kyung-gu, a veteran actor, made his debut in 1993 and has since become a cornerstone of Korean cinema. He is renowned for his versatile performances across a wide range of genres, including 'Memories of Murder,' 'Jail Breakers,' 'Silmido,' 'The Yellow Sea,' 'A Boy,' 'The Merciless,' 'In Our Prime,' 'The Book of Fish,' and 'Noryang: Deadly Sea.' His powerful screen presence and nuanced emotional portrayals consistently captivate audiences and have earned him critical acclaim.