[Edaily Starin, Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] “It made me focus more and think deeper. I call this the ‘Lee Chang-dong Magic.’”

Actor Seol Kyung-gu made these remarks about working with Director Lee Chang-dong during the official press conference for *Possible Love*, a film invited to the Competition section of the 83rd Venice Film Festival, held at 12:40 p.m. (local time) on the 6th in Venice, Italy. Director Lee Chang-dong, along with actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, Jo Yeo-jeong, and Jo In-sung, were in attendance.
“Possible Love” is director Lee Chang-dong’s new film, his first in eight years since “Burning.” The story follows two couples—Ho-seok (played by Seol Kyung-gu), a laid-off worker, and his wife Mi-ok (played by Jeon Do-yeon), as well as documentary director Ye-ji (played by Jo Yeo-jeong) and her husband Sang-woo (played by Jo In-sung)—who meet to produce a documentary and come face-to-face with each other’s different lives and hidden desires.
Seol Kyung-gu has teamed up with Director Lee once again, following “Peppermint Candy” (2000) and “Oasis” (2002). Reflecting on his collaboration with the director, Seol Kyung-gu said, “It’s been 24 years since I last worked with the director on *Possible Love*,” adding, “While I can’t go back to the way I felt during *Peppermint Candy*, there’s still that sense of tension and pressure from back then. At the time, it was hard, I hated it, and I wanted to turn back, but as time passed, I found myself missing those moments a lot.”
He added, “I even made a conscious effort to return to my roots, and I found myself unconsciously trying to do just that.”
Seol Kyung-gu also referred to it as “Lee Chang-dong’s magic.” He said, “The director doesn’t make things particularly difficult for me or demand a lot. But my mindset naturally led me to focus more on my acting and think deeply about it.”
He continued, “In the past, the atmosphere on set was heavy, but this time it was so enjoyable that I even wondered, ‘Is this really how Director Lee Chang-dong’s set is supposed to be?’” and credited the other actors present. Seol Kyung-gu said, “If I had been alone, I think it would have been very lonely and difficult, but it was so much fun that it almost didn’t fit the director’s usual set atmosphere.”

Jeon Do-yeon reunited with Director Lee for the first time since *Secret Sunshine* (2007). She said, “Since I’d already worked with the director on *Secret Sunshine*, I knew exactly what I needed to prepare for *Possible Love*.” She emphasized, “It was clear to me how much I needed to clear my mind and approach the set with an open heart, how I should embody the character on set, and what I needed to do.”
Jeon Do-yeon explained, “When we were filming *Secret Sunshine*, the director told me, ‘You have to show that you’ve grown, even just a little.’ At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant by ‘growth,’ but I realized it after everything was over.” She continued, “I came to understand what kind of acting I had been doing up until then and what kind of acting I need to do going forward.”
Regarding *Possible Love*, she added, “It might be a bit ambitious, but I thought it would be a time for another small step forward in my growth,” and noted, “Another incredibly valuable thing was the tremendous camaraderie—I think I experienced that camaraderie shining for the first time on set.”
Cho Yeo-jeong made her debut in a film by Director Lee. “As an actress, I never imagined I’d actually get to work on a film by Director Lee Chang-dong,” she said. “It was something I’d never even dreamed of, so I was happier than I can put into words.” She continued, “I don’t think there’s ever been a greater gift than getting to work with two senior actors and colleagues I admire so much all at once. On set, the four of us supported and encouraged each other like brothers or family. The teamwork was truly exceptional.”
Earlier, Director Lee had explained that the character Ye-ji, played by Jo Yeo-jeong, was similar to himself. Referring to the character she portrayed, Jo Yeo-jeong said, “Although I’ve always had a job that involves standing in front of the camera, it was a completely new experience to play a documentary director who captures moments from behind the camera and creates films. It gave me a fresh perspective, and while acting on set, I found myself thinking, ‘I’m truly happy to be an actress.’”
She continued, “Usually, I act by tormenting myself and enduring pain, but this time I felt a sense of pride,” adding, “I never imagined I’d feel that way on the director’s set. In fact, in certain moments and from certain angles, I even felt free. It was an unforgettable experience,” she said, visibly moved.

Jo In-sung joked, “I’ll keep this short.” He praised the teamwork, saying, “It was such a pleasure to work with Director Lee Chang-dong, two legendary Korean actors, and Yeo Jeong, whom I’ve always wanted to act alongside.”
He continued, “I can say this was a film that left such a deep impression that, even after filming wrapped, I found myself thinking I’d miss the set.”
Director Lee Chang-dong’s film *Possible Love* was invited to the Feature Film Competition section. Director Lee will compete against other master filmmakers for the Golden Lion, the award for Best Film. Notable films on the list include Hirokazu Kore-eda’s *Look Back*, Danny Boyle’s *Ink*, *Company* directed by Hollywood actor Casey Affleck, *Bucking Pasted* starring Kate Mara and Rooney Mara, and Martin McDonagh’s *Wild Horse Nine*.
If Director Lee wins for “Possible Love,” it will mark his second trophy, following “Oasis” 24 years ago. In 2002, Director Lee competed in the main competition with “Oasis” and won the Silver Lion for Best Director. This would also mark the first time a Korean filmmaker has won an award at the Venice Film Festival in 14 years, since the late director Kim Ki-duk took home the Golden Lion for “Pieta” in 2012.
“Possible Love” will open in select theaters on the 23rd and will be released on Netflix on November 6.