[Edaily Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Akina Asakura, the author of the original novel on which the film "The Final Interview" is based, shared his expectations and a message of support for the Korean remake.

On the 39th, the distributor NEW released an interview with author Akina Asakura, writer of the original novel *Six Lying College Students*, on which the film *The Final Interview* is based.

The film “Final Interview” tells the story of six job applicants gathered for a final interview who discover mysterious envelopes containing revelations about each other, leading them to suspect one another and fall into confusion. The film stars actors Jo Yi-hyun, Kim Jae-won, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Yu-seok, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Bae Kang-hee.

Author Akina Asakura, whose original novel *Six Lying College Students* garnered attention upon its release in Japan—including a nomination for the local Bookstore Award—shared his thoughts on the Korean remake.

Recalling the moment he received the proposal for the film adaptation, Asakura stated, “It was truly an honor and a joy. As a regular moviegoer, I’ve always loved Korean films, so the mere fact that I’m becoming a part of the Korean film industry brings me pure joy.”

He continued, “There is no doubt that Korean content is highly regarded worldwide, and I, too, have often felt my heart race while watching countless Korean productions. I’ve always been captivated by their unique directing style and immersive quality—quiet and subtle yet undeniably suspenseful.” He added, “I expect the film ‘Final Interview’ to deliver intense suspense and taut tension as well.”

He also expressed anticipation for the Korean adaptation. Regarding the setting that reflects the reality of the Korean job market, Writer Asakura replied, “I’ve vaguely heard for some time that ‘competition for college admissions and job hunting in Korea is particularly harsh and fierce.’ That’s why I felt that the setting for this work would shine even brighter—or perhaps only truly shine—when set in Korea.”

She continued, “I am confident that the realistic adaptation and subtle adjustments unique to the Korean remake will definitely create great chemistry. Since the differences between the Japanese and Korean versions will highlight our respective cultural backgrounds, I’m even looking forward to seeing those differences.”

Referring to the theme of job hunting, author Asakura said, “‘Six Lying College Students’ is a mystery set against the backdrop of job hunting, but at its core, I wanted to convey a message about the pain and sense of alienation that anyone might have felt at least once in their daily lives.” He continued, “I believe this is a work that anyone—whether they’ve experienced job hunting or not—can immerse themselves in and enjoy.”

Finally, addressing Korean audiences and readers of the original novel, he said, “I, too, am eagerly awaiting the release of the film *The Final Interview*. Whether you’ve read the novel first or are experiencing it for the first time through the movie, you’ll be able to feel the thrill of a psychological battle that remains unpredictable until the very end. I hope Korean audiences will definitely come out to enjoy it with us in theaters.”

Author Asakura is currently regarded as one of Japan’s most promising mystery writers, having been nominated for the Novel category at the 20th Honkaku Mystery Award and for the Novel and Serialized Short Story Collection categories at the 73rd Japan Mystery Writers Association Award.