Finding the Value of 'The Future' in Historical Tragedy

Actress Yeom Hye-ran believes that even films dealing with heavy historical tragedies must offer a glimpse of something forward-looking. In her latest film, "My Name," she portrays this through a poignant scene where she dances amidst a swaying barley field at sunset, a moment she considers the heart of the movie.

This specific scene required extensive filming and deep discussions with director Chung Ji-young to capture its multilayered emotions. It wasn't meant to be just a display of sadness, but rather a compass pointing toward what comes next.

"It was a very difficult and complex scene, but at the end of the day, I wanted to speak about the future rather than just dwelling on the past."

Jeju April 3: Through the Eyes of an Ordinary Mother

"My Name" is set against the backdrop of the Jeju April 3 uprising (a period of ideological conflict in 1948 that resulted in one of the bloodiest state massacres of civilians in Korean history). Yeom plays Jung-soon, a woman who lost all memories of her life before the age of eight.

She aimed to portray Jung-soon not as a victim, but as a resilient woman and mother forging ahead. The character’s journey of facing painful history head-on serves as a metaphor for the collective resilience of the Korean people.

The Universal Power of 'Remembrance' in Berlin

In February, Yeom attended the Berlin International Film Festival, where "My Name" was invited to the Forum section (a category dedicated to experimental and independent filmmaking). The trip left a lasting impression on her, specifically noting Berlin as a city of "remembrance."

She found common ground between the city's atmosphere and the film's narrative, as both carry the weight of painful history. Observing how global audiences connected with the story confirmed the universal value of the film's message.

  • Value of Memory: The importance of not forgetting and documenting tragedies.
  • Universal Connection: How audiences relate to human suffering regardless of nationality.
  • Historical Reflection: Using the past as a lens to understand the present and future.

Yeom Hye-ran’s Unwavering Journey as an Actress

Since her theatrical debut in 2000, Yeom has built a diverse career. Her first film role was in Bong Joon-ho’s "Memories of Murder" (2003), and she is set to appear in Park Chan-wook’s upcoming thriller "No Other Choice."

Notable Career Highlights

  • Guardian: The Lonely and Great God: Gained recognition as the protagonist's aunt.
  • The Glory: Achieved global stardom as the loyal assistant Kang Hyeon-nam.
  • When Life Gives You Tangerines: Her highly anticipated upcoming Netflix series.

Despite her rising fame, Yeom remains humble and grounded. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional balance and staying neutral, regardless of the praise or criticism she receives from the public.