“With the mindset of representing the nation” Ha Jung-woo, Im Si-wan, and Kim Sang-ho, the theater revival race ‘1947 Boston’ [Comprehensive]

[Newsen article by Reporter Bae Hyo-joo/Photo by Reporter Yoo Yong-ju]

A heart-warming true story heats up Chuseok theaters.

The press preview of the movie ‘1947 Boston’ (directed by Kang Je-gyu) was held at the entrance of Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on September 11. Ha Jung-woo, Im Si-wan, Kim Sang-ho, and director Kang Je-gyu attended the meeting held after the movie screening.

The movie ‘1947 Boston’, which will be released on the 27th, is a story about the challenges and thrilling journey of marathon runners to participate in international competitions wearing the Taegeuk symbol for the first time after liberation in 1947.

Ha Jung-woo played the role of Son Ki-jeong, a gold medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Ha Jung-woo, who plays the role of marathon gold medalist Son Ki-jeong, who set a new world record of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 19 seconds at the 1936 Berlin Olympics held during the Japanese colonial period, begins with Son Ki-jeong’s frustration at having to go up to the podium with the Japanese flag on his chest, and the Taegeuk mark for the first time in 1947. It is expected to deliver a deep resonance by delicately expressing the charismatic leadership of the national marathon team coach who participated in the international competition.

Seo Yun-bok, played by Im Si-wan, is a national representative of the 1947 Boston Marathon and dreams of becoming the next Son Ki-jeong. Although he never learned running properly due to his difficult family circumstances, he is an indomitable marathoner who sweeps various competitions with his violence and wickedness. Im Si-wan, who was completely immersed in the character, went through intensive practical training, including constant practice and constant participation in marathon competitions, so that he could naturally adapt the posture, behavior, and facial expressions of a marathoner to his body. Not only that, he also managed a thorough diet to recreate the hard and stocky physique of a marathoner, lowering body fat to 6% and maximizing synchronization with real people.

Kim Sang-ho plays the role of Baek Nam-hyeon, a strong supporter of the national team, and fills the play richly. Nam-Hyeon Baek, played by him, is a local coordinator who supports the Boston Marathon national team in both material and spiritual ways, from financial guarantor to interpretation, training support, transportation, and lodging. It raises the level of immersion by honestly expressing the ambivalent feelings that Korean residents may feel toward their homeland during difficult times and living harshly in a faraway land. In addition, it is expected to bring laughter and provide pleasant vitality with the appearance of the king of capitalism, saying ‘money, money, money’ at the end of every word.

What stands out more than anything is the passionate performance of Im Si-wan, who created the body of a marathoner by lowering his body fat percentage to 6%. On this day, Im Si-wan began by saying, “Because there is a real person, I thought this was a project that I should never become someone to that person,”and “I thought I should approach the work with a sense of responsibility.”

He continued, “Seo Yun-bok is the first person to wear the Taegeuk symbol and participate in an international competition. Although I feel resentful as a character, I thought I should approach the work with the mindset that I am also a member of the national team.”

He also said, “Of course, the things I spent the most time preparing for were diet and exercise. I lived on chicken breast and salad from the time I prepared for filming until the end. I also exercised every day. To make my muscles look firm, I cut and exercised. “I tried to maintain my bulging muscles by working out between cuts. My body fat percentage was 6%, and although I didn’t aim for that, it was amazing to see that number for the first time in my life,”he said.

Ha Jung-woo also praised Im Si-wan’s passion and said, “Seeing him from the side, I felt that he put in a lot of effort. He looked like a real athlete.”He added, “I watched the time actor Im Si-wan prepared to play this role from the side, so I was able to film the competition scenes. “I think I was naturally moved,”he added. “I saw the finished version for the first time today, and I think teacher Seo Yun-bok will like it because actor Im Si-wan did such a great job.”

Meanwhile, Ha Jung-woo, who is visiting theaters one after another with the movie ‘Unofficial Operation’ released this summer and ‘1947 Boston’ during the Chuseok season, said, “The release date is something I cannot be involved in.””We are releasing two films,” he said.

He continued, “This is not the first time I have encountered a situation while filming and releasing a movie. Since this has happened before, I just want to accept it well and handle my schedule calmly.” He added, “The absolute number of audiences has not yet returned, so I just hope that everyone can work together to create good synergy, both last summer and again during Chuseok.”

Also, regarding his role as the historical figure Son Ki-jeong, Ha Jung-woo said, “Mr. Son Ki-jeong led the team on a journey to the Boston Marathon, and he seemed to have a sense of responsibility. He participated in the Boston Marathon with a sense of responsibility for not being able to wear the national flag at the Berlin Olympics. He raised the expectations of prospective audiences by saying, “As an actor, I also thought about Mr. Son Ki-jeong’s feelings while working.”

Released on the 27th.

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