Korean Remake of 'Secret' Starring D.O. and Won Jin-ah Set to Release After 17 Years

The Korean adaptation of 'Secret' (말할 수 없는 비밀), featuring D.O. (도경수) and Won Jin-ah (원진아), is making its long-awaited return after 17 years. The press screening took place on January 14 at Megabox COEX in Seoul, attended by the lead actors and director Seo Yu-min (서유민).

This highly anticipated film, set to hit theaters on January 28, is based on the beloved Taiwanese movie of the same name, which was a fantasy romance that captured the hearts of audiences across Asia. The original film, starring Jay Chou (주걸륜) and Gigi Leung (계륜미), was released in 2008 and gained significant popularity in South Korea.

The new version tells the story of Yu-jun (D.O.), a student who encounters Jung-ah (Won Jin-ah) in a campus practice room where secrets of time are hidden, leading to a magical romance. The casting of D.O., a singer and actor, alongside Won Jin-ah and rising star Shin Ye-eun (신예은), has generated considerable buzz even before its release. According to ticket sales data, the film currently holds the top spot in pre-bookings, heightening expectations.

Director Seo Yu-min expressed his admiration for the original film, stating, "I loved the movie so much that I traveled to Taiwan just to watch it. When I was offered the chance to direct, I felt both excited and scared. I wanted to share this wonderful story with Korean audiences in a way that resonates with them."

Given the fame of the original, the film's ending, which contains a significant twist, has been widely discussed. Seo noted, "Many people are familiar with the original ending, which posed a challenge. However, I aimed to create a version that appeals to those who may not know the story while still incorporating elements that fans of the original would appreciate. We added layers of tension as Yu-jun questions Jung-ah's identity, leading to a more complex emotional arc."

D.O. portrays Yu-jun, who comes to Korea as an exchange student and falls in love with Jung-ah. He brings a range of emotions to the role, from the excitement of first love to the struggles of misunderstanding. This film marks D.O.'s first foray into the romance genre after 12 years in the industry, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

He shared, "I chose this film because I loved the original. I was particularly drawn to the character of Yu-jun, a pianist, even though I don't know how to play the piano. I wanted to explore the romance genre, which I hadn't done before."

D.O. also praised his co-stars, saying, "I had great chemistry with Won Jin-ah and Shin Ye-eun. We rarely had any NGs during filming, which made the process smooth. I was concerned that some lines might come off as cheesy, but after discussing it with the director, I felt we managed to express the emotions well."

Won Jin-ah plays Jung-ah, a music student with a secret that complicates her relationship with Yu-jun. She skillfully navigates the character's dual emotions, from joy to the pain of keeping secrets. She expressed her excitement about participating in the film, saying, "As a fan of the original, I was both excited and nervous about taking on this role. The opportunity to explore love in a film centered around romance was too good to pass up."

Shin Ye-eun, making her film debut as In-hee, a violin major who develops feelings for Yu-jun, brings a fresh perspective to the project. She stated, "As someone who loves music, it’s meaningful to have my first film be centered around it. I was eager to see how the original story would be reimagined in Korea."

Director Seo highlighted the film's unique elements, stating, "One of the biggest differences is how Yu-jun's character evolves. He experiences doubt and betrayal, leading to a more dynamic emotional journey. Unlike the original, where the male lead waits passively, we wanted to reflect modern sensibilities in Yu-jun's character."

He added, "We also wanted to portray Jung-ah as a character who actively seeks love rather than waiting passively. This aspect sets our film apart and adds depth to the emotional experience."

'말할 수 없는 비밀' is set to premiere on January 28, promising a blend of romance and fantasy that fans of the original and new audiences alike can enjoy.