Director Hyun Hae-ri Reflects on Late Actor Song Jae-rim's Final Film 'Crash'

As the release of the late Song Jae-rim's final film, 'Crash' (폭락), approaches, director Hyun Hae-ri shared his heartfelt memories of the actor. In an interview held on January 13 at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Hyun discussed the film's premise, which is based on the real-life cryptocurrency crash that caused a staggering loss of 50 trillion won, affecting 280,000 victims in South Korea alone during the Luna Coin collapse.

'Crash' chronicles the journey of a young entrepreneur who exploits various support systems for personal gain, leading to moral decay from 2009 to 2023. The film explores the dark side of startup investments and the addiction of young people to stock trading by day and cryptocurrency gambling by night.

Song Jae-rim plays the lead role of Yang Do-hyun, a self-proclaimed business genius who develops a cryptocurrency named MOMMY, navigating the intense temptations of wealth. Hyun Hae-ri explained that he chose Song for the role due to his ability to convey a sensitive and cool demeanor, which he felt was essential for the character, despite Song's typically bright and lovable persona showcased in variety shows.

The director noted that the filming atmosphere was vibrant, with a youthful crew that fostered open communication. He expressed disbelief at the news of Song's passing on November 12, 2022, stating that it felt surreal given their close working relationship.

Hyun Hae-ri also shared his emotional struggles during the film's promotional events, revealing that he still finds it hard to accept Song's absence. He reflected on how Song had shifted his focus from variety shows in his twenties to serious acting in his thirties, often discussing acting techniques and sharing scripts with fellow actors.

The director expressed regret over the film being Song's last project, wishing it were not so, and lamented the editing process that cut down the film's runtime significantly. He also discussed the film's release timing, which was influenced by the fluctuating cryptocurrency market and the U.S. presidential election.

Hyun Hae-ri, who identified himself as a victim of the Luna incident, shared his thoughts on the cryptocurrency craze, emphasizing the emotional turmoil and the societal pressures that led many to invest recklessly. He concluded by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency and the lessons learned from his own experiences in the market.