Actress Song Hye-kyo makes her comeback to the screen after 11 years since ‘My Life’s on Fire’ (2014). This is through her first occult film, ‘The Black Nuns’.
In an interview for ‘The Black Nuns’ (directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae) held at a café in Samcheong-dong on the morning of the 21st, Song Hye-kyo said, “I felt the initial charm of genre films through ‘The Glory’, and I was motivated to challenge myself again in search of that novelty. I was drawn to the character who bravely does something I could never dare to do, and since it was my first time with the occult, I willingly participated.”
“I have mainly done melodramas until now, and after doing similar characters and stories for such a long time, it became boring. I felt that way, and I’m sure the viewers felt it even more. Acting became fun again through ‘The Glory’, my curiosity grew, and I became interested in myself. I’m really grateful for that. Sometimes a project can succeed or fail, but I want to continue to find joy in acting and keep challenging myself through the box office results.”
The film is a sequel to ‘The Priests’ (directed by Jang Jae-hyun), which opened a new chapter in Korean occult films, depicting the story of people who embark on a forbidden ritual to save a boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit. It portrays the noble spirit of sacrifice of the lowest-ranking nuns in the Catholic Church, who strive to save the boy even if no one acknowledges their efforts. It blends the deep ‘woman’s friendship’ of Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-bin with the ‘occult’ theme.
Song Hye-kyo plays Sister Unia, who breaks the taboo that ‘a nun who has not been ordained cannot perform an exorcism’ to conduct an exorcism ritual for the boy. She showcases various facets, from her strong first appearance while smoking and her girl-crush demeanor that speaks her mind, to her chic yet warm twists and her desperately sacrificial side.
Song Hye-kyo said, “In the film, I swear and smoke. I think I’ve gradually increased my swearing in life, so it wasn’t too difficult, but smoking required practice. I didn’t want to lie, so I started smoking six months before filming and sought help from friends who smoke,” adding with a hearty laugh, “Fortunately, I succeeded in quitting smoking after the project ended.”
When asked about her thoughts after watching the film, she said, “Honestly, it’s hard to view it objectively. I only see my shortcomings, and like all actors, I don’t think anyone is satisfied with their own acting. The audience’s reactions and evaluations are probably the most accurate,” she said with a shy smile.
She did not hold back her praise for Jeon Yeo-bin, with whom she shared the screen. Song Hye-kyo described her as “a pure person, a passionate and sharp actor, a friend with an attractive face,” adding, “I was inspired throughout the acting process, and I learned a lot. I could feel her genuine love for acting, and it was a joy to match my rhythm with hers.”
“Just looking at her face made me feel sad. I think the sense of solidarity was quite deep. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the power that Jeon Yeo-bin possesses? (laughs)”
Despite appearing almost bare-faced, when asked about comments on her beauty, she said, “I let that go a long time ago. I don’t think it’s the age to compete with my face,” but added, “What I felt while doing a genre film is that I really couldn’t care about my appearance. There was no reflector at all. I did my best within the given environment, but it’s more comfortable to let go and approach it. (As I challenge myself with genre films) I’m letting go more and more,” she replied, bringing another smile.
Additionally, she added, “I want to receive more compliments about my acting than being called pretty.” (Continued in Interview ②)
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