Hong Kyeong Delves into Japanese for 'The Childe,' Mastering Hiragana for Authentic Performance

Actor Hong Kyeong revealed his dedication to his role in the Netflix film 'The Childe' (Korean title: 'Good News'), going as far as to learn the Japanese language from its basic Hiragana script.

The revelation came during a press conference held on the morning of October 19th at the Busan Cinema Center for the film's invitation to the Gala Presentation section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Director Byun Sung-hyun, along with lead actors Sol Kyung-gu, Hong Kyeong, and Takayuki Yamada, were present to discuss the project.

'The Childe' is a thrilling film set in the 1970s, centering on a suspicious operation by individuals brought together to land a hijacked airplane by any means necessary. The movie has garnered attention for its immersive storyline, distinctive characters, and unique direction since its World Premiere screening in the Special Presentation section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival.

Hong Kyeong portrays Air Force Lieutenant Seo Go-myung. Reflecting on his character, Hong stated, "Seo Go-myung was a real person, and a crucial figure in that situation. While the film takes inspiration from a specific event, much of it is a fictional reconstruction born from the director's imagination. I had the freedom to explore how to embody this young man as written by the director. I strived to understand the foundation the director laid for Go-myung." The film is inspired by the 1970 Yodo-go incident, where the Japanese Red Army hijacked a civilian airliner. The cast includes Takayuki Yamada and other Japanese actors, with Korean actors also performing in Japanese.

Director Byun Sung-hyun expressed his astonishment at Hong Kyeong's Japanese skills, noting, "When Hong Kyeong spoke Japanese, I was surprised. Typically, actors memorize foreign language lines to make them sound natural. However, Hong Kyeong started by studying Japanese Hiragana, akin to learning the Korean alphabet. He expressed a desire to understand his co-stars better, which impressed me."

Park Ga-eon, Senior Programmer for the Busan International Film Festival, who moderated the press conference, also commented, "Hong Kyeong handles not only English but also Japanese, and it doesn't feel like acting; it feels like a language spoken by a real person."

Despite the high praise, Hong Kyeong remained humble, saying, "I don't think it was exceptionally brilliant. It feels a bit awkward. The production company representatives and producers gave me ample time. Thanks to the director, I, as an actor, was able to have an extended pre-production period, which is a crucial element for someone with my limited experience. The roles of the CEO and PD were significant. I feel awkward because it doesn't seem proportional to the time invested. I am grateful for your kind reception."

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

Hong Kyeong has been steadily building his reputation in the Korean film industry with impactful performances in various projects prior to 'The Childe.' His work in independent cinema, in particular, has earned him recognition for his solid acting skills, solidifying his position as a rising actor. 'The Childe' marks his first invitation to the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, offering him a significant platform to gain recognition from a global audience.