Uhm Jeong-hwa reflects on 'OK! Madam' and its upcoming sequel

The film 'OK! Madam,' which faced significant setbacks due to the pandemic, is returning with a sequel four years later. 'Okay! Madam 2,' releasing on the 12th, is a comedy-action film following the family of former agent Mi-young (Uhm Jeong-hwa) as they become embroiled in a kidnapping plot during a luxury cruise vacation. While the original film was set on an airplane, this installment scales up the action by moving the setting to the open sea on a cruise ship.

Released in 2020, 'OK! Madam' was a commercial success, drawing 1.22 million viewers. However, the unexpected onset of COVID-19 and the implementation of social distancing just five days after its release hindered its momentum. During an interview on the 4th, Uhm shared her feelings regarding that period.

“Because the COVID-19 situation intensified only five days after the release, we had to implement social distancing,” she recalled. “After hitting 1.22 million viewers, I felt that if we maintained this pace, we could meet many more people. I had even blown up 2 million balloons in anticipation, but it just didn't happen.” Uhm added that she eventually shed tears due to the unpredictable circumstances.

A reunion of the original cast and a realistic family dynamic

The sequel reunites the cast that drove the success of the first film. Led by Uhm, original members Park Seong-ung, Lee Sang Yoon, and Bae Jung-nam return, while Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Sooyoung join the cast.

In the film, Uhm portrays a character living as an ordinary twisted doughnut shop owner facing real-world struggles. Her business is struggling due to competition, and her wrist condition is no longer what it used to be. Adding to the family's precarious daily life is Seok-hwan (Park Seong-ung), an unemployed husband dreaming of returning to the National Intelligence Service, and a teenage daughter obsessed with idols.

Park plays Seok-hwan, who remains fixated on his past as an office worker at the National Intelligence Service. Even while unemployed, he delivers a comedic performance by expressing jealousy toward Cheol-seung (Lee Sang Yoon). The synergy between the actors, who have worked together since the first film, serves as the core of this production.

Sooyoung witnesses Uhm Jeong-hwa's dedication

The intensity of the production was highlighted by the testimonies of her colleagues. Appearing on the YouTube content 'Sizzling with Na Yeong-seok' on the 7th, actress Sooyoung expressed her deep respect for Uhm. The video features a dinner gathering with Uhm, Park Seong-ung, Lee Sang Yoon, Bae Jung-nam, Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Sooyoung.

“Seeing how Uhm Jeong-hwa takes full responsibility for a project and carries it through to the end regardless of the situation, learning from her is a given—it actually reached a point where I was just shaking my head in awe,” Sooyoung said. Despite the grueling schedule of filming on an active cruise ship, Uhm maintained a positive atmosphere by greeting every single staff member on set.

Sooyoung added, “We had to shoot within a tight timeframe, and she had so much energy.” Uhm confessed her desperation for the project, noting that during the scriptwriting stage, she was even told it might be impossible to make. “I know that process so well, and because I wanted it so much, I approached it with a different kind of affection. I didn't want to leave any regrets,” she said. Uhm expressed her hope that the film's success will lead to a third installment.