'30 Days' promises laughter, unlikely romance

A scene from the film "30 Days" / Courtesy of MINDMARK

Upcoming rom-com stars Kang Ha-neul, Jung So-min

By Pyo Kyung-min

In the upcoming movie “30 Days,” actors Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min are set to delight theater-goers with their comedic chemistry, promising smiles and laughter.

Best known for his roles in television dramas “The Heirs” (2013) and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), Kang expressed his immense delight during the filming process in a press conference held at Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, Monday.

"This script stood out among the many I've read and it had me in stitches when I first read it. I thought it'd be a fun ride. The on-site experience surpassed my expectations. I haven’t got the chance to watch the whole movie yet, but from the clips I’ve watched, I believe the final product has exceeded the script's brilliance," he said.

Jung, who plays Kang's on-screen wife, also shared her sentiments. "I believe the film's charm shines thanks to the director's unique sense of humor," she said. "When I first got the script, it was such a delightful read. On set, it felt like a gathering of creative minds in a relaxed atmosphere, and the result is something truly captivating."

A scene from the film "30 Days" / Courtesy of MINDMARK

The plot centers around Na-ra (Jung) and Jung-yeol (Kang), a couple who have grown weary of each other's company. Despite initially experiencing a picture-perfect romance, their exasperation with each other's drastic differences drives them to consider divorce.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn during the 30-day divorce mediation process when the two are involved in an unforeseen accident, resulting in both falling into amnesia.

Directed by Nam Dae-joong, known for his knack for comedy, the film aims to serve up a fresh mix of humor.

"I'm quite passionate when it comes to comedy. Even within the seemingly straightforward comedy genre, I'm driven by a strong desire to approach it from various angles. I intended to create a comedy with a wide range of different elements, including the theatrical aspects and the type of humor often found in short-form content," Nam explained.

A scene from the film "30 Days" / Courtesy of MINDMARK

The director also revealed some behind-the-scenes stories, emphasizing the joyful atmosphere that permeated the set.

"There was never a moment when I didn't find myself happy during the filming of this movie. On set, the question that often crossed my mind was, 'How will I bring laughter to the audience if I can't bring laughter to the person standing right beside me?' This became a collective effort, with the cast and crew working in harmony to create a truly uplifting experience," he said.

At the press event, the cast displayed a heartwarming camaraderie as they actively listened to and cheered for one another.

This is not the first time Kang and Jung have worked together. The two first displayed their chemistry when they appeared together in the 2015 movie "Twenty."

"Back then, we were relatively inexperienced, but now we've grown as actors. It's quite satisfying to reunite with the more experienced version of Kang," Jung said.

Kang added, "There was no need to fret about how to connect with my co-star and build rapport. As a result, we started filming comfortably right from the very first scene. I believe this ease allowed us to approach the scenes with more flexibility and comfort."

A scene from the film "30 Days" / Courtesy of MINDMARK

The film's fun doesn't rely solely on the chemistry between the two lead actors. It also features a cast of scene-stealers who are sure to get audiences laughing. Veteran actors such as Jo Min-su, Kim Sun-young and Yoon Kyung-ho, along with entertainers Song Hae-na and Uhm Ji-yoon, also took part in Monday’s event.

Jo, a seasoned actress born in 1965, takes on the role of Na-ra's mother in the movie. She revealed that this was her first step into comedic acting. "At first, I contemplated declining the role because I was hesitant to step out of my comfort zone," she said.

"Throughout my career, I've mainly portrayed serious roles. However, I decided to join this film out of curiosity, wanting to explore how I would fare in a comedic setting,"

Despite her initial reservations, her impeccable acting skills earned her a reputation as one of the movie's prime sources of laughter.

A scene from the film "30 Days" / Courtesy of MINDMARK

All the actors present at the event collectively expressed their desire to bring boundless laughter to the audience, reflecting the enjoyment they experienced during the filming process.

Actress Hwang Se-in, who portrays Na-ra's younger sister, makes her screen debut with this film. She expressed her gratitude for the positive atmosphere on set, particularly as it marked her debut in the world of film.

"I wonder if I'll ever encounter such a wonderful experience in the future. I learned that filmmaking is about collaboration rather than showcasing individual talents,” Hwang said.

Uhm, a well-known comedian in Korea with her YouTube channel Umjirella, said, "When I asked my fellow comedians, everyone agreed that there couldn't be a more enjoyable set than this one."

Exuding confidence in the movie, she added, "Our film is a delight, and I hope it brings laughter to all who watch it."

"30 Days" is set to hit local theaters on Oct. 3.