[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “The reason was simply Director Lee Chang-dong.”

Actors Jeon Do-yeon and Seol Kyung-gu explained why they took on their roles at the production briefing for the Netflix film “Possible Love,” held on the 25th at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
“Possible Love” tells the story of two couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary director and her husband—who meet to produce a documentary and come face-to-face with each other’s different lives and hidden desires. Jeon Do-yeon (as Mi-ok) and Seol Kyung-gu (as Ho-seok), as well as Jo In-sung (as Sang-woo) and Jo Yeo-jeong (as Ye-ji), play the married couples.

Jeon Do-yeon reunited with director Lee Chang-dong for the first time in 20 years since “Secret Sunshine.” Jeon said, “Even though so much time has passed, when I saw the director, it felt like it was just yesterday.”
When asked why she chose “Possible Love,” she replied immediately, “The most appealing aspect was Director Lee Chang-dong himself.” She added, “When the director made the offer and I agreed to do it, I urged him to send me the script right away.”
She continued, “The afterglow I felt when I finished reading the script was so intense. I thought to myself, ‘This is Director Lee Chang-dong through and through,’” expressing her strong trust in him.
This marks Seol Kyung-gu’s third feature film collaboration with Director Lee, following *Peppermint Candy* and *Oasis*. Seol Kyung-gu remarked, “I was breaking out in a cold sweat because my schedule didn’t seem to allow for it. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Director Kim Hong-sun of *Field Mouse* for making my schedule work.”
“It made me want to return to my roots,” he said, recalling *Peppermint Candy*. Seol Kyung-gu added, “I didn’t have much experience back then, my emotions were overwhelming, and every day was tough—I think I really missed those days. Now that that longing has become a reality, I’m both overwhelmed and excited.”

Jo In-sung said, “I also heard about the project while I was filming *HUMINT*. To be honest, after filming *Hope* and *HUMINT*, I felt physically drained and thought I might need a break, but I told myself, ‘I’ll finish this one before taking a break.’”
He added, “One of the reasons I wanted to take on this project was the chance to work with two senior actors whom I deeply admire and respect. Also, since Yeo Jeong—whom I’ve always wanted to act alongside—joined the cast, there was no reason not to do it.”
Jo In-sung said, “I went to the set with the mindset of learning from the director. I actually learned a great deal from him, and it was an honor to have that opportunity.” He continued, “On the director’s set, it felt as though everyone had returned to their roots. I acted while staying focused and trying not to miss any of the director’s directions.”
Jo Yeo-jeong began by saying, “Working on the director’s film is something every actor looks forward to,” adding, “It was so wonderful it left me in a daze.” She continued, “After reading the script, the afterglow was so intense that I actually found it difficult to contact him right away. I held off for about three days before reaching out,” and remarked, “When would I ever get to work again with two senior actors and a colleague like In-sung in the director’s film? I felt this was a truly blessed opportunity in so many ways.”
Jo Yeo-jeong also shared, “Every minute and every second was precious and not to be wasted. I worked very hard to embody that character on set,” adding, “Every single day was precious and happy.”
Director Lee continued to praise the four actors and share his thoughts on working with them. Regarding Jeon Do-yeon and Seol Kyung-gu, he said, “Twenty years ago, there was a certain tension between us as actor and director, but now that we’ve worked together for so long, we’ve grown close on a personal level,” adding, “We got along like friends or siblings.”
He continued, “Jo Yeo-jeong and Jo In-sung helped create a great atmosphere on set,” adding, “Jo In-sung, in particular, kept the mood light with his constant silly jokes and humor.” Director Lee shared, “I felt a sense of regret, thinking, ‘Is it over already?’”
When asked why he chose love as the theme, Director Lee explained, “When the forces that dominate our lives grow stronger, how should we truly live? It’s because I felt that, especially at times like these, love is what sustains our lives.”
“Possible Love” is the first new film in eight years from director Lee Chang-dong, known for “Green Fish,” “Peppermint Candy,” “Oasis,” “Secret Sunshine,” “Poetry,” and “Burning.” Even before its release, the film has been recognized for its artistic merit, having been officially invited to the Competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the Special Presentations section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, and the Main Slate section of the 64th New York Film Festival.
It will open in theaters in Korea on the 23rd of next month and will be released on Netflix on November 6.