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Suspense thriller 'The Hidden Face' explores depths of complex human nature

The upcoming film "The Hidden Face" seeks to explore the morally ambiguous aspects of human nature by placing its characters in extreme situations.

"There is no absolute good or evil in a person. Only spontaneous decisions driven by intentions and desire," director Kim Dae-woo said at a press conference Tuesday.

Based on the 2011 Spanish and Colombian movie of the same name, the suspense thriller revolves around orchestra conductor Sung-jin (Song Seung-heon), whose fiance and cellist Soo-yeon (Cho Yeo-jeong), mysteriously disappears after leaving only a video message informing him of her leaving.

Confused and alone, Sung-jin falls for Mi-joo (Park Ji-hyeon), a replacement for Soo-yeon in the orchestra. The two begin an affair, unaware that in a shocking twist, Soo-yeon is secretly locked in a hidden room in her own house, watching everything unfold.

The cast members and director of "The Hidden Face" pose for photos at a press event in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2024. (Yonhap)

The director said he took great care in designing the maze-like secret room to represent the mysterious and unknown aspects of human nature buried deep in the unconscious.

"I believe everyone has such a secret room hidden within their consciousness. In the film, the room carries a symbolic meaning that alludes to these aspects," he said.

Actress Cho, best known for her role in Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite," said she put forth immense effort to portray the desperation Soo-yeon feels while being trapped in the room, forced to watch her fiance's betrayal.

"It was physically challenging to bang on the doors and walls and shout endlessly to be heard. I tried to depict the changing intensity of her banging and shouting as time passed," she said. "I focused so much on my scenes inside the room that, by the end of filming, I had almost grown attached to it."

A poster for "The Hidden Face" is shown in this image provided by Next Entertainment World (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Song explained Sung-jin comes from a modest background but climbs the social ladder to be with Soo-yeon, who comes from a wealthy family. However, his hidden desires are awakened when he meets Mi-joo.

"I had extensive discussions with the director about my character. He wanted to portray Sung-jin as someone who conceals his true nature and is reluctant to reveal his desires openly," he said.

The actor previously worked with the director on the 2014 erotic romance "Obsessed," which he described as a breakthrough in his career.

"I have really fond, happy memories of filming 'Obsessed,' so I was ready to embrace whatever the director suggested for our next project," he said, explaining his deep trust in the director. "He has a clear vision and a distinctive style."

This still image from "The Hidden Face" is provided by Next Entertainment World. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

For actress Cho, "The Hidden Face" marks her third collaboration with the director, following "The Servant" (2010) and "Obsessed."

"Every actor has many different sides, waiting for the right opportunity to reveal them. Since the director is someone who discovers those new aspects in actors, I had deep trust in him to bring that out of me," she said. "In addition, I really enjoyed reading the script, and for the first time in a while, I felt my heart race with excitement for a new project."

"The Hidden Face" is set for release Nov. 20.

Written by Woo Jae-yeon

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