'A Birth' retells of life of Korea's first priest

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 08:09

Films

'A Birth' retells of life of Korea's first priest

Posted : 2022-11-24 17:15

Updated : 2022-11-24 17:19

A scene from the film, "A Birth" / Courtesy of Min Film

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Actor Yoon Si-yoon, who portrays Korea's first priest, St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon, in "A Birth," said he focused on depicting Kim as a young adventurer rather than a religious figure in the upcoming biographical film.

"I thought it would be impossible to sympathize with Catholic priest Kim Dae-geon. I asked myself, 'How dare I say that I understand him?' So I tried to approach him as a bold adventurer who was eager to explore the unforeseen world and accept Western culture through religion, languages and education," he said during a press conference for the film, Wednesday.

"A Birth," directed by Park Heung-sik, focuses on the period from when Kim left to study in Macau, until he was martyred for his faith at the age of 25. Born and raised a Catholic, Kim traveled to a seminary in Macau and China at the age of 15 and was ordained as a priest in a cathedral in Shanghai in 1845.

During the wave of persecution of Catholics under the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), Kim was beheaded in 1846, at what is now the Saenamteo Martyr's Shrine in Ichon-dong, in Seoul's Yongsan District.

Actor Yoon Si-yoon, left, shows the poster of the film, "A Birth," to Pope Francis at Vatican City, Nov. 16. Courtesy of Min Film

The film portrays Kim not only as a symbolic religious figure but also as a young adventurer who wandered across the sea and land during a turbulent era when Catholics were oppressed and prosecuted. Kim was one of few Koreans who accepted Western culture. In the film, Yoon speaks fluent French, Latin and Chinese.

While shooting "A Birth," Yoon kept asking himself if he would be willing to risk his life for his religious faith. He also attempted dangerous stunts, traversing hazardous terrain and working in water tanks.

"I've been everywhere through all four seasons. The cast also filmed in a life-size boat set using water tanks. I felt like I was on a holy mission," he said.

He shared how the film helped him find humility. "I really wished that my flaws and shortcomings don't appear while expressing the character of St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon. Playing the character made me want to become a better person."

The film premiered in Vatican City on Nov. 16. Actor Lee Moon-sik recalled the overwhelming moment of meeting Pope Francis in person.

"More importantly, Yoon did an in-depth study about Vatican City and acted as a guide to the entire cast and crew. From that, we could all sense how much affection he has for his character and the film. Pope Francis told Yoon that he has the face of a saint," Lee said.

"A Birth" will hit local theaters, Nov. 30.

yeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr