[Photos] Shim Eun-kyung Takes on a New Challenge in 'Day and Night to Each Other'… Four Couples, Intimate Conversations; Opens Nov. 4

Four perspectives that fill the spaces in everyday life

Opening Nov. 4, director 'Kim Jong-kwan'’s new film 'Day and Night to Each Other' delicately captures a rich range of emotions unfolding around a single table. 'Shim Eun-kyung', who plays Hye-jin, a popular web novelist, creates a multifaceted character who breaks out of convention and openly expresses her desires. Hye-jin shows her independent streak by boldly asking her production company for an overseas business trip she wants, while firmly turning down Dong-nam ('Lee Hee-jun'), an independent film director hoping to adapt her novel.

Expanding performances through trust

For 'Shim Eun-kyung', this film was a new challenge in her acting career. The character had a tone she had never tried before and was unlike her own real-life personality. At a press conference held Nov. 2 at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, 'Shim Eun-kyung' said the calm atmosphere that 'Kim Jong-kwan' is known for on set helped her overcome the uncertainty. “There’s a distinctive energy on the director’s set that puts actors at ease,” she recalled. “The nervousness of the first day of filming gave way to calm, and I found the courage to try something new.” The director’s quiet encouragement led to the actors’ spontaneous ad-libs and a wealth of ideas.

The beauty of small, everyday moments

'Day and Night to Each Other' is an omnibus film that weaves together stories about four different couples, all set in a café. It was selected as the opening film of the 31st 'Busan International Film Festival', which wrapped last month, earning early recognition for its artistic merit. 'Kim Jong-kwan'’s directing approach—keeping stage directions in the script to a minimum and leaving room for actors to expand their performances—shines once again. An extension of his earlier film 'The Table' (2017), this film richly evokes subtle emotional shifts—dreams and secrets, tenderness and awkwardness—through everyday conversations. 'Kim Jong-kwan' explained his intent: “I wanted to continue the signature project that speaks to the beauty of small, seemingly insignificant things.”

A quiet ripple shaped by introverts

Led by 'Shim Eun-kyung' and 'Lee Hee-jun', the film brings together a large cast of accomplished actors, including 'Kim Min-ha', 'Joo Jong-hyuk', 'Han Sun-hwa', 'Jang Ryul', 'Jeon So-young' and 'Kim Dong-hwi'. 'Kim Jong-kwan' expressed his gratitude, saying, “The film reached a higher level of completion thanks to the actors, who brought focus and passion and took part with such enthusiasm.” 'Kim Min-ha' said, “The distinctive, whisper-like strength of introverts made the film even more beautiful,” while 'Jeon So-young' and 'Shim Eun-kyung' urged audiences to pay close attention to the dialogue and subtle expressions. The film’s profound resonance, connecting its creators with audiences, is set to grace theaters this fall.