Kim Jun-ho, Kwon So-hyun, and Min-seo Star in the Press Screening of 'Manhole' Based on the Original Work by Park Ji-ri!

The film 〈Manhole〉 that will ultimately confront the deepest story successfully held its press/distribution screening and press conference on November 5 (Wednesday) at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall with the attendance of the director and actors.

The film 〈Manhole〉 held its press/distribution screening and press conference on November 5 (Wednesday) at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall, marking the beginning of its official release journey. The film 〈Manhole〉 is a deep thriller drama where high school student 'Seon-oh' faces unexpected events while living a daily life burdened with repressed wounds. Based on the bestselling novel 『Manhole』 by Park Ji-ri, it is the first film adaptation that vividly captures the psychological depth of the characters' inner lives on screen. Director Han Ji-soo reinterprets the depth of the original work with a tense narrative and a sensuous mise-en-scène, intricately portraying the crumbling inner world of 'Seon-oh' (Kim Jun-ho) amidst the indifferent forgiveness of family and the escapades with friends.

At the press conference, director Han Ji-soo and actors Kim Jun-ho, Kwon So-hyun, and Min-seo attended, sharing genuine insights from the production behind the scenes, the thematic consciousness, and the charm of the characters, garnering great interest. First, director Han Ji-soo stated, "When I first read the novel 『Manhole』, I was impressed by its powerful and multi-layered narrative," and added, "The moment I closed the last page, a complex emotion surged, and I naturally thought about wanting to make it into a film." He particularly mentioned the process of reinterpreting the first-person perspective of the original work into visual language, saying, "I had a lot of concerns about how to film the widely distributed events and the relationships between the characters. Therefore, I structured the story as much as possible around 'Seon-oh' so that the audience could immerse themselves naturally."

Regarding the reason for deciding to participate and the charm of the character, actor Kim Jun-ho, who plays the protagonist 'Seon-oh', said, "When I first read the script, I felt as if I was suffocating," and added, "It doesn't give you the answers but ultimately makes you feel various emotions, which is why I decided to participate." Kwon So-hyun, who plays 'Seon-joo', shared, "The power of the story was incredible. Although she has experienced wounds, the way she overcomes them in her own way is a significant charm of 'Seon-joo', and there are points where I resemble her." Min-seo, who plays 'Hee-joo', expressed her affection for the character, saying, "'Hee-joo' is a deep character who does not judge people by their appearance and can love and cherish sincerely."

When asked what message he wanted to convey to the audience, director Han Ji-soo said, "There is always irony in life. Sometimes luck becomes misfortune, and misfortune can also become a catalyst for growth," adding, "〈Manhole〉 is a story about how to accept that irony. I believe that living each moment to the fullest is a healthy attitude towards facing this irony." He further added, "I made the film with the hope that 'Seon-oh' would acknowledge his mistakes and move forward again."

Finally, actor Kim Jun-ho expressed, "This is a very precious work to me. I thank everyone who took the time to come here," while actor Kwon So-hyun said, "I hope this film remains a work that gives the audience space to think." Actor Min-seo concluded by saying, "I hope you find the hidden beautiful scenes throughout the film," as the press conference came to an end. 〈Manhole〉 will be available in theaters nationwide starting November 19.