Anticipation Builds for 'Pagua' Featuring a Unique 60-Year-Old Killer

'Pagua' (파과), directed by Min Kyu-dong, is generating excitement with its unprecedented portrayal of a 60-year-old killer. The film's production press conference took place on March 27 at Lotte Cinema in Konkuk University, Seoul, featuring director Min Kyu-dong and actors Lee Hye-young and Kim Sung-cheol.

The action drama centers around Jojak (played by Lee Hye-young), a legendary killer who has spent over 40 years eliminating 'cockroach-like' humans, and the mysterious killer Tu-woo (played by Kim Sung-cheol), who has pursued him throughout his life.

'Pagua' was officially invited to the 75th Berlin International Film Festival last month and has also received attention from the Brussels Fantastic Film Festival. Director Min expressed his gratitude, stating, "It was an honor to showcase the film at a festival that offers a deep perspective before its release in Korea. Viewers have shared various reviews, describing it as brutal yet lyrical, violent yet beautiful, and a film that tackles profound life narratives with intense action. I appreciate that they recognized our intentions."

Lee Hye-young shared his excitement about working with director Min, saying, "It was an honor to take on this challenge, and everyone who has seen it has given positive feedback. Director Min's films typically provoke thought, and I believe this one strikes a unique balance between action and contemplation. I'm anxious to see how Korean audiences will react."

Lee, who plays the killer Jojak, previously made headlines by stating he was cast because he had not undergone Botox. He humorously remarked, "There are many great actors my age in Korea, and I wondered, 'Why me?' But I realized it was likely because I hadn't had Botox. Now that filming is over, I might consider it!"

Describing his character, Lee said, "Jojak has lived as a legendary killer for over 40 years and is still active. I read the script first, as the director suggested, and thought, 'How will they turn this into a movie?' I expressed my fears about the action scenes, saying my body isn't what it used to be. The director reassured me that while action is expected, I could choose to do it or not. After seeing the film, I realized he had everything planned out. The conditions on set were very demanding, but I followed the director's instructions."

Kim Sung-cheol, who plays Tu-woo, shared his initial impressions of the script, saying, "I found it incredibly captivating. When I read the script, I had already heard that Lee Hye-young would be playing Jojak, so I imagined him while reading. The filming was tougher than I expected, but ultimately, it feels like the action is not just action; it’s integrated into the drama."

He elaborated on his character, stating, "Tu-woo appears suddenly, searching for Jojak. We don’t know what kind of life he lived for 20 years before becoming a killer. The film unravels his mysterious motivations throughout, making him an intriguing character. The director wanted to shoot Tu-woo's action scenes in long takes, which made the first appearance of Tu-woo particularly intense. We rehearsed for about two hours, thinking it would take five tries, but it ended up being 17!"

Lee Hye-young also discussed the challenges of action acting, noting, "There are so many action films out there. While many portray killers without moral or ethical considerations, our film is different. It makes you think. The action isn’t just about looking like an action star; it has to come from a genuine place, which made it difficult. I sustained several injuries because I wasn’t fully prepared, and I’m grateful to the stunt coordinator for their hard work. Without them, these scenes wouldn’t have been possible."

When asked about casting Lee and Kim, director Min Kyu-dong said, "Lee Hye-young was a mysterious figure to me when I saw him in theaters as a child. I wanted to meet him for this film because the character requires someone who can embody a rare presence. I believed he could transcend the text and create a cinematic impression. Our first meeting felt like a fateful moment, and I thought about how his energy and aura could resonate with the audience."

Regarding Kim Sung-cheol, he added, "His performance and charisma on stage are remarkable. I remember wanting to see more of him when he received a standing ovation. Tu-woo needed to be a character that could unsettle Jojak while also being visually appealing and complex. This film also explores how to portray the physicality of a 60-year-old killer. It was a relief to find Kim Sung-cheol, who was eager to take on an action role. I felt fortunate to work with someone willing to experiment."

Director Min emphasized the film's unique concept, stating, "'Pagua' features an unprecedented 60-year-old female killer and a mysterious pursuer, creating a story that shakes up their lives. The film is not just about action; it delves into themes of existence, loss, and recovery. I wanted to create a narrative that resonates beyond mere action."

He further explained the contrasting characters, saying, "Jojak has lived a consistent life in isolation for nearly 50 years, while Tu-woo is vibrant and emotional. Their conflict is intriguing, as Tu-woo desires to kill Jojak, yet he realizes that without Jojak, his own existence lacks meaning. This dynamic creates a fascinating tension."

Min concluded, "'Pagua' is a battle of both body and mind. The outcome reveals not just winners and losers but the essence of human life. While it retains the genre's action elements, it also leaves an emotional impact that sets it apart."

Lee Hye-young expressed confidence during the Berlin Film Festival, stating, "I believe it's even more entertaining than 'Mickey17' (미키17) by Bong Joon-ho." When asked about the film's message, Min Kyu-dong expressed his hope that 'Pagua' would be remembered as a film that lingers in the audience's minds long after they leave the theater.

Finally, Kim Sung-cheol shared his wish for 'Pagua' to provide comfort and inspiration during these challenging times, hoping for a more peaceful situation by May 1.