[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “Promoting a movie? I’ll approach it as if I’m competing against Director Yeon Sang-ho. (Laughs)”

Actor Bae Hyun-sung shared his thoughts on joining Director Yeon Sang-ho’s cinematic universe during an interview for the film *Lost Paradise*, held at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th.

“Paradise Lost” is a psychological thriller that begins when Ryu Seon-woo (played by Bae Hyun-sung)—whom his mother Ryu So-young (played by Kim Hyun-joo) had believed to be dead after losing him in a camping school bus disappearance nine years ago—miraculously returns alive.

Following his special appearance in “Hellbound 2,” Bae Hyun-sung has joined Yeon Sang-ho’s cinematic universe as the lead in “Paradise Lost.” Regarding his decision to take the role, he said, “I read the script and found it incredibly interesting. As soon as I finished reading it, I said I wanted to do it.”

“Lost Paradise” is known to have wrapped filming in just 14 days. Bae Hyun-sung remarked, “I’m a bit disappointed that the filming for ‘Lost Paradise’ was so short. I hope I can work with the director again in the future.”

When asked what kind of role he’d like to play, he replied, “No matter what role I take on, the director seems to make every character charming,” adding, “I think any role would be good, but since I played a bad guy this time, I think it would be fun to play a good guy next time.”

He also revealed some nervousness, saying, “I was happy to be able to star in the film. Thanks to *Paradise Lost*, I got to attend the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, but it still feels hard to believe.”

He also attended the Toronto International Film Festival thanks to *Paradise Lost*. Bae Hyun-sung said, “I never imagined I’d be able to go to an international film festival while acting, but going to Toronto made me realize there’s a much bigger world out there.” He continued, “Fans from all over the world came to welcome me, enjoyed the movie, and filled the theater to capacity. It was a wonderful experience.”

Through this project, Bae Hyun-sung took on a new acting challenge. He tackled everything from a sharp, edgy look to profanity and smoking scenes. Bae Hyun-sung said, “When I act, I always want to challenge myself to show new sides of myself.”

He continued, “At first, I was worried because it was such a strong character. Before filming, I had many discussions with the director and the makeup team, and I went through a process of trying on wigs and experimenting with various makeup looks,” adding, “Thanks to that time, I think my unfamiliar, new side came through on screen.”

When asked what kind of son he is in real life—given that he played a character who reappears after nine years and creates tension with his mother, Ryu So-young (played by Kim Hyun-joo)—Bae Hyun-sung smiled and said, “I’d have to ask my mom, but I think I grew up being a good listener.”

He mentioned that his family attended a preview screening, saying, “When I was taking my bow on stage, I could see my family sitting right up front.” He continued, “I saw my mom wiping away a few tears with her hand. Watching that, I felt like I was about to tear up too, so I looked away. After the movie ended, my mom told me, ‘You did a great job.’”

How was his on-screen chemistry with Kim Hyun-joo as mother and son? Bae Hyun-sung expressed his gratitude, saying, “I felt a warm connection from the very first time I met her. We didn’t have much time to talk during filming, but while we were acting, she gave me a lot of energy,” adding, “It was a huge help when I was acting.”

Previously, Kim Hyun-joo had told Bae Hyun-sung, “Thank you for playing my son.” Bae Hyun-sung replied, “I also want to thank her for playing my mother,” adding, “I think I learned a lot from her love for the project and her character. I realized that kind of passion is important and can have a tremendous impact on your co-stars.”

He also shared a behind-the-scenes story, saying, “Before filming, my algorithm kept showing me your past videos. I watched them a lot.”

Director Yeon Sang-ho is showing great enthusiasm for promoting the film by actively participating in the filming of short clips. In response, Bae Hyun-sung quipped, “My motivation has taken quite a hit,” drawing laughter.

He continued, “The director said, ‘What good are actors if they can’t even do this?’ If the director films first, it dampens my motivation, so I want to go first—but whenever I try, the director is already in front of the camera before I know it. His passion is truly remarkable.”

Regarding promotional activities following the film’s release, he joked, “I’m ready,” adding, “I’ll approach it as if I’m competing against the director.”

“Paradise Lost” opens on the 21st.