Exclusive: Why CEO Soyoung Lee Strongly Recommended 'MINARI' to Yeri Han (Interview Part 1)
2021.03.11
OSEN 2021.03.11 글 선미경 기자 /사진 사람엔터테인먼트, 판씨네마 제공
[OSEN=Seon Mi-kyung Reporter] Soyoung Lee, CEO of Saram Entertainment, played a pivotal role in getting actress Yeri Han to join the film 'MINARI' (directed by Lee Isaac Chung). After reading the script and wishing for the movie to be made, Lee encouraged Han to meet the director and adjusted her drama schedule to make the appearance possible. For Lee, 'MINARI' remains a special project.
As 'MINARI' gains global recognition, winning 90 awards, the actors are keeping busy. Han Ye-ri, in particular, has been promoting the film extensively, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely through online means, but also responding to overseas calls.
With Yeri Han gaining worldwide attention for 'MINARI', industry interest has also focused on Soyoung Lee. Many have asked Lee how Han came to be part of the film. In an interview with OSEN on the 10th, Soyoung Lee explained why she strongly recommended 'MINARI' to Yeri Han.
Soyoung said, "People often ask how Yeri Han got involved in the film. Many seem curious about how she could do such a movie. I think sharing the method is important." Above all, Lee wanted 'Minari' to be made. Though investment and production were not yet confirmed, the script was excellent, and it particularly appealed to her because it portrayed Korean emotions in an American film. This certainty allowed Lee to confidently recommend 'MINARI' to Yeri Han.
Regarding her connection to ‘MINARI’, Soyoung Lee said, "Director Lee Isaac Chung came to Korea like an exchange professor. While monitoring the 'MINARI' script with acquaintances, they recommended which actor would suit it, and that's how the contact was made. At that time, Yeri was filming the drama 'The Nokdu Flower,' making it difficult for her to monitor all scripts, so I read it first. The script was so good that I insisted she read it. Since an actor can't decide based solely on the script, I suggested she meet the director. Although Han wasn't in the best condition, she met the director out of strong will and gained a lot of inspiration from him."
Lee added, "The 'MINARI' script had completeness, but more importantly, it was a piece that could show Korean emotions within an American film. Though it's an American movie, it dramatically portrayed Korean people's feelings. I was eager for it to be made, and I believed that including a representative Korean face would be ideal. This perspective was from management rather than a director or actor."
Soyoung believed Yeri would recognize the value of 'MINARI' given her discerning eye for scripts. And indeed, Lee's belief and choice proved correct.
As 'MINARI' became a strong contender for the 2021 Academy Awards, Yeri's participation in the race also held significant meaning. Despite the online format due to COVID-19, Han has been named one of the top five contenders for the Best Actress award by major foreign media, marking an impressive journey. Soyoung has been quietly and steadily supporting her.
Soyoung reflected, "I went to the Sundance Film Festival with her, and later, while in LA, I indirectly observed the Oscar campaign for 'Parasite.' It was extremely challenging but rewarding, making me a bit envious. I thought it would be great if we could have such a race. While it's an honor for both the actor and me, we hope the next project and process won't be too influenced by this."
Though Lee could not participate in the production process of 'MINARI,' an American independent film, she created meaningful memories at last year's Sundance Film Festival. She was amazed that 'MINARI' became a significant work, earning meaningful awards and sparking thoughtful discussions.
Lee said, "There was some controversy when we received the Foreign Language Film award, but while the Oscar race is crucial, the awards received along the way are also significant. Han mentioned she didn't realize there were so many film festivals and awards. Seeing the numbers was a bit surprising. It's an incredible and enjoyable experience for us both. I think 'MINARI' will be a film that allows us to reflect on the process of winning awards with a family story during the COVID-19 era. After the Oscars, we'll likely discuss many other awards for this film. It's an honor and a remarkable journey to create a film that makes people think."
Since its release on the 3rd, 'MINARI' has topped the box office, continuing its successful run.
(인터뷰②에 이어집니다.) /OSEN 선미경 기자 [email protected]