Lee Chang-dong and Jeon Do-yeon reunite in 'Possible Love'

Director Lee Chang-dong's film 'Possible Love,' starring Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung Gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, is garnering global attention after winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Set for release on September 23, the film depicts a laid-off working couple meeting a documentary filmmaking couple, leading to a confrontation between their disparate lives and hidden desires.

Lee Chang-dong and Jeon Do-yeon reunite after 19 years

The project is generating significant buzz as it marks the first time Lee and Jeon have worked together since the film 'Secret Sunshine' 19 years ago. Jeon expressed her deep trust in the project, noting that when the director proposed the story he had been preparing for 10 years, she requested to see the script the very next day. Regarding her character, Miyong, Jeon explained, "On the surface, she may appear oppressed and trapped, but in reality, she is an incredibly strong person."

The long-standing connections between the cast members are also drawing attention. Zo In-sung reunites with Jeon for the first time in 23 years since the 2001 drama 'Shooting the Star.' "I have been looking forward to acting with Noona," Zo shared, adding, "Acting with Jeon Do-yeon makes me feel like I am returning to my childhood." Sul Kyung Gu and Zo also noted their past history as they continue their professional journey together in this film.

Lee Chang-dong's directing style and inner conflict

The characters in the film reveal their respective wounds through the lens of documentary filmmaking. Sul, playing the laid-off worker Hoseok, suggested that revealing one's vulnerabilities in front of a camera is a difficult process. He specifically highlighted Lee's unique directing style, noting that the director would command actors to "remain silent" or emphasize eye contact to "contain all emotions within the gaze."

The film also depicts the psychological distance between characters. Sul mentioned a scene where his character is invited to Sang-woo's villa, explaining the character's sense of "inferiority" toward someone living a completely opposite life. Meanwhile, Cho Yeo-jeong, who plays the documentary director Ye-ji, revealed her approach to the role: "I struggled with my professional identity and remained immersed in filming, constantly pushing the camera forward on set."

Desire and the meaning of 'Possible Love'

The film tracks the characters' desires through the medium of a documentary. Cho portrayed Ye-ji's attempt to understand the subjects and capture their lives through her lens. Additionally, scenes featuring songs in the film serve as pivotal moments where characters discover and release their desire for inner freedom.

The cast noted that the title 'Possible Love' represents the core message they wish to convey. They expressed anticipation that the film's sharp exploration of desire across labor and class lines will pose profound questions to audiences.