Ahead of its premiere, The Glory lead stars and creative team meet the press to share filming stories and what to expect in the series.
The Glory will have two parts. Part 1 starts streaming on Dec 30 with 8 episodes, and part 2 next month to complete its 16-episode run. It is Rated PG-19 and there are some explicit scenes so set expectations for young members of the family.
Writer Kim Eun Sook, director Ahn Gil Ho and lead stars: Song Hye Kyo, Lee Do Hyun, Im Ji Yeon, Yeom Hye Ran, Park Sung Hoon and Jung Sung Il attended the event.
The series follows the story of Dong-eun, starring Song Hye Kyo from Encounter, Descendants of the Sun, who has painful memories from bullying and school violence. 18 years later, her revenge begins by driving all the perpetrators and everyone around them to the brink of ruin.
Yeo-jung, starring Lee Do Hyun from Youth of May and Sweet Home, is another victim of a miserable tragedy. Accidentally, or intentionally Dong-eun and Yeo-jung get tangled and conspire the revenge together.
Director Ahn Gil Ho, known for his works Happiness, Record of Youth, and Memories of the Alhambra and writer Kim Eun Sook, famous for her romance dramas The King: Eternal Monarch, Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, and The Heirs, has collaborated for this production, which raises anticipation to its release.
“The Glory” Presents Revenge-Driven Plot In Unveiled Official Main Trailer
Kim Eun Sook and Ahn Gil Ho Challenge Revenge-Driven Plot
Revealing that she picked up the idea of the story because of her daughter who will be an incoming high school sophomore, writer Kim Eun Sook summed up the series as the story of a woman crushed by school violence. Highlighting a profound question, she mentioned the weight of the pain carried by the victim and the perpetrator.
“The story just reverberated with me. We have an incredible cast. So, it is a no-brainer not to take this series.” – Director Ahn Gil Ho
In describing the main leads of the story, Director Ahn also made a sound description proving the apparent synergy that will be seen throughout.
“The two characters hold a deep wound. When they are together while they look happy, they have this kind of loneliness.”
Song Hye Kyo’s Long-Awaited Character
Returning to the small screens, Song Hye Kyo shared the reason why she chose the project. She discloses how after doing a lot of melodramas, but her work in The Glory is totally different as it was fun and challenging.
“When I read the script of The Glory, I felt that it was exactly what I am looking for. I always have the thirst for this kind of character and story. I thought it was meticulously and beautifully written. If I do a good job, it will be a great show.”
Preparing for her character, the actress unveils how she shaped up Dong-eun.
“It was very challenging to portray Dong-eun as a school violence victim. She was helpless and hurt and with all of that hurt, she was open to it. She was unable to put up against it. I want to show how I toughened up Dong-eun’s character as an adult.”
Writer Kim who previously worked with her in Descendants of the Sun was totally in awe by the actress. Director Ahn feels the same toward Song Hye Kyo.
“Dong-eun has a duality of being fragile and strong. I thought Song Hye Kyo is the only one who can pull it off. – Ahn Gil Ho
“I didn’t know Song Hye Kyo can have that expression. It was completely different so I was elated.” – Kim Eun Sook
Lee Do Hyun’s Earnest Filming Preparations
Lauding the male lead for his hard work, Lee Do Hyun revealed preparing a few choices to pick from in his scenes. He confesses to reading the script which has the first four episodes in one sitting. Divulging his interest in his character Yeo-jung, he asserts wanting the viewers to feel the same.
“There’s a duality inside Yeo-jung as well. I had a lot of conversations with PD Ahn on how to work with lines and the scenes. Practicing it five or more times.”
Writer Kim who met Lee Do Hyun to offer the role attests to how meticulous the actor was in defining his character.
Likewise, Song Hye Kyo explains even if The Glory is not romance-driven, the chemistry between her and Lee Do Hyun is fascinating. She adorably quips that because he prepared a lot of lines in the scenes, she can assure that their moments in the series are nice.
Im Ji Yeon’s First Villain Role
The chameleon actress also challenges a new look to her elaborate career. She also expresses her admiration for writer Kim Eun Sook.
“When I first read the script, it gave a big shock to me. I was totally immersed in the story. I thought, wow, this is what Writer Kim is. It was the first time for me to take a villain role. I always wanted to do it.”
Further acquainting viewers to her character, the actress communicated the perspective she brought to her character.
“Yeon-jin is at the center of the school violence perpetrators. She was born into a privileged family and married well. In the beginning, I tried to understand her. But the answer I got is that she’s oblivious to why it was wrong to be mean or inflict pain. There’s no sense of guilt because she doesn’t know it. “
Writer Kim explains how Im Ji Yeon is perfectly cut to Yeon-jin’s character.
“We need someone for Yeon-jin to be angelic on the outside but evil inside.”
What To Look Forward In The Glory
Taking turns, the cast expounds on the drawing points of the story. Yeom Hye Ran relays being taken aback by the vengeance plot. All the characters are so intertwined and persuasive.
Meanwhile, Park Sung Hoon conveys how he used to play a villain character role. As a big fan of writer Kim, he is happy to be part of her career’s inflection point.
Echoing the happiness shared by his co-star, Jung Il Sung attests to great work that will transpire owing to a great cast and crew.
Mutually appreciative of each other, Writer Kim praised Director Ahn for his diligence at work while the latter commends her as well.
“We don’t know when PD Ahn sleeps. He’s the first director who never skipped my messages. Because of his energy, I was also driven. There were scenes I’m concerned but he shot it to perfection. I call him a magician. It was great working with him.” – Kim Eun Sook
“It was a great experience for me. I love Writer Kim’s hard work. Now I understand why they said a lot of fantastic things about her.” – Ahn Gil Ho
A Story For Global Audience
Wrapping up the press conference, Writer Kim Eun Sook responds to the question from the media about the global appeal of The Glory with school violence as the main theme.
“School violence is a universal theme. I don’t think it is uniquely Korean. The global audience can relate to it.”
Taking turns to invite viewers, the lead cast hopes that viewers will enjoy the show.
The Glory Part 1 premieres on December 30 exclusively on Netflix.
abbyinhallyuland extends gratitude to Netflix for the invite to the virtual press conference.
All Photos Courtesy of Netflix
The post PRESS CONFERENCE: “The Glory” Aims To Give Enlightening Message On School Violence appeared first on kdramadiary.
PRESS CONFERENCE: “The Glory” Aims To Give Enlightening Message On School Violence
Source: Pinoy Student Wars
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