Jung Ho Yeon opened up about the intense preparation she put into her action scenes and shared her deep respect for veteran actors Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung.
Following the global success of the Netflix series Squid Game, Hope marks Jung Ho Yeon’s first major role in a Korean production, aside from her brief appearance in the Netflix series Chicken Nugget. She explained that she chose not to rush into her next project just to prove herself and instead took time to carefully decide on her next step.
Jung Ho Yeon said, “I worked out a lot and made sure to get enough rest after Squid Game. I wanted to give myself time instead of rushing to find my next project just to prove myself. I was incredibly grateful and happy, but I felt a lot of pressure to do well at the same time, and those emotions conflicted with each other. So I decided to slow down and take my time.”
Director Na Hong Jin previously revealed that he first met Jung Ho Yeon after receiving a recommendation from Hwang Jung Min. Jung Ho Yeon shared how the veteran actor helped connect her with the project.
“I heard that Hwang Jung Min thought the character Seong Ae needed someone who felt fresh and unique,” she said. “I heard that Hwang Jung Min remembered my performance in Squid Game while looking for an actor who could handle firearms naturally, and that’s how he ended up recommending me to the director.”
Preparing for the film’s demanding action scenes was not easy. Jung Ho Yeon explained that she focused heavily on building her physical strength.
“I started with weight training because the firearm I used weighed about 5 kilograms (11 pounds). I also knew that director Na Hong Jin is known for doing many takes, so I increased my muscle mass by about 4 kilograms (9 pounds) to build my stamina,” she said. “I also trained with firearms for six months and earned a manual driver’s license. I received separate training from a professional racing instructor for the drifting scenes.”
She also talked about adapting to director Na Hong Jin’s unique directing style, especially his commitment to repeated takes.
“We filmed the gun scenes for a very long time. I think we did around 18 takes, although the director said it was actually more than 20,” Jung Ho Yeon recalled. “Director Alfonso Cuarón is also known for filming long takes, so I had some experience with that style. I was surprised at first, but this time I was able to accept it more naturally. I found myself relying on my instincts and acting more naturally after doing more than 18 takes.”
Jung Ho Yeon also shared her experience working alongside Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung, praising both actors for their professionalism and personalities on set.
“Hwang Jung Min is never late for filming. He always arrives early and that naturally made me want to arrive early as well,” she said. “Once you get comfortable with a project, it’s easy to let your guard down, but he always stays focused and prepared. He was extremely careful and made safety a top priority, especially during action scenes.”
She also praised Zo In Sung’s ability to create a warm atmosphere on set.
“Zo In Sung is such a flexible and thoughtful person. He made everyone feel comfortable by joking around and taking care of the staff members,” she said. “I learned a lot just by watching the way he brought energy to the set.”
Jung Ho Yeon added, “If Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung were like the father and mother figures on set, I felt like the cheerful child between them. Everything felt new and exciting, and I enjoyed every moment.”
She admitted that seeing her name alongside Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung on the film’s poster still feels surreal.
“Seeing the poster and my name next to Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung honestly felt like a dream. I got goosebumps,” she said. “Watching director Na Hong Jin, cinematographer Hong Kyung Pyo, Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung discuss the film right beside me was an incredible experience. Every moment felt meaningful, and I was very happy throughout the entire process.”
She concluded, “I want to stay focused and give my best in every moment. My biggest challenge is figuring out how to build on this precious opportunity and continue growing as an actor for a long time.”
>> Early Reviews of ‘Hope’ Praise Its Ambition, But Question Alien Visuals
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