Yamada Takayuki Emphasizes Historical Awareness at 'The Childe' Press Conference Amid Past Controversy

Japanese actor Yamada Takayuki attended a press conference for the Netflix film 'The Childe' (director Byun Sung-hyun) in Busan, emphasizing the importance of historical understanding.

The press event, held at the Busan Cinema Center on September 19th, saw director Byun Sung-hyun, along with lead actors Sol Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Yamada Takayuki, discuss their film.

'The Childe' is inspired by the 1970 Yodo-go hijacking incident in Japan, a sensitive topic that evokes the geopolitical landscape of Northeast Asia. The film navigates a narrative that spans across Korea, Japan, and North Korea.

While the film has garnered attention for its stylish direction and the comedic elements that aim to balance the sensitive subject matter, Yamada Takayuki's casting had previously drawn criticism from some domestic film enthusiasts due to past controversies.

These controversies stemmed from remarks made on a Japanese Fuji TV program in February 2022, where he was accused of disparaging Korean entertainment. However, Yamada Takayuki later clarified that the remarks were due to malicious editing by the broadcaster and expressed his grievances, even lodging a formal protest on the program the following year.

During the press conference, Yamada Takayuki maintained a cautious demeanor. He shared that he conducted thorough research for his role and engaged in extensive discussions with director Byun Sung-hyun. He also noted the challenges and learnings involved in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in his performance.

Most notably, Yamada Takayuki stated, "I believe knowing history is important." He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a project that sheds light on a real historical event, even through a comedic lens. He also conveyed his interest in future collaborative projects across different countries.

'The Childe' is set to be released on Netflix on October 17th.

Yamada Takayuki has been recognized for his powerful performances in a wide range of films and television dramas. His ability to portray diverse characters has earned him critical acclaim both in Japan and internationally. Fans eagerly anticipate his future projects and the unique charisma he brings to each role.