"A film led by two actresses—this kind of project isn't easy to make," said Jeon Jong-seo.

A noir centered on two women is rare. Even more so when there are no guns or knives involved. Instead of displays of physical power, Project Y places the collision of desire front and center. Emotions clash before bodies do, breaking away from genre conventions—making it a truly rare noir.

The film Project Y held its press screening and media conference on January 8 at Lotte Cinema World Tower. Attending the event were Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Shin-rok, Jung Young-joo, Kim Jae-gyun, and U-Ah.

The story follows two women in a buddy-movie format. Mison (played by Han So-hee) and Dokyung (played by Jeon Jong-seo) find themselves at the edge of life, stealing money and gold bars in a desperate bid to survive.

Directed by Lee Hwan, known for Park Hwa-young and Young Adults Matter, Project Y marks his first commercial feature. Once again, he places women who confront the world head-on at the center of the narrative.

"I started the film from curiosity about human desire," the director explained. "It begins with desire, opens the door to another desire, and follows how people gradually grow through that process."

He added, "I see this as a family film in a way. As in my previous works, I wanted to show how the sacrifice of Gayoung (played by Kim Shin-rok) leads to the growth of the two women."

Mison and Dokyung live within the nightlife industry. United by a single goal—to escape that world—they charge forward without hesitation. The director explained his choice of setting by saying, "It's a place where desire boils over the most. I wanted to tell a story about various human desires and different walks of life."

The contrast between the two leads adds depth. Though they grew up together, they are complete opposites. Mison clings fiercely to the dream of an ordinary life, while Dokyung throws herself headfirst into what she believes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Han So-hee described Mison as "a character who may look strong on the surface, but is deeply fragile—a person with a dual nature."

Jeon Jong-seo shared, "The biggest appeal was that it's a buddy film between two women. I felt there was so much room to express things beyond what was written in the script." She added, "Taking part in a project that's not easy to make was meaningful in itself. Every scene I filmed with Han So-hee stays with me."

Director Lee recalled the casting process fondly. "Without these two actresses, the film couldn't have been completed—honestly, it couldn't even have started. I met them together, and they both agreed on the spot. It's a great memory."

Kim Shin-rok, who plays Gayoung, praised their chemistry: "Watching the two move within the same frame was thrilling. Even familiar setups felt fresh because of them."

Beyond the central duo, the dynamic between Jung Young-joo and Kim Shin-rok adds intensity. Jung Young-joo delivers a commanding villain with a shaved head and leather jacket. "When I first saw her shaved head, I wondered how I could possibly stand up to her," Kim Shin-rok admitted. "I chewed ice desperately, determined not to be overpowered."

Jung Young-joo praised Kim Shin-rok in return. "I love her eyes. She creates far more than what's written in the script. She's the kind of actress who seems to build her character even in her dreams."

Kim Sung-cheol heightens the tension as the villainous 'Boss To.' "I wanted to portray not just a person, but something like black money itself—a dark, formless presence. Almost like a devil," he said.

When asked about the most memorable scene, Han So-hee pointed to the ending. "The moment when the two friends ask, 'How should we live from now on?' and answer, 'I don't know,' felt the most like them."

Jeon Jong-seo concluded, "We filmed with desperation in the cold. I still have many regrets, thinking, 'Maybe we could've done this differently.' I'm curious how audiences will feel."

Director Lee added, "I've often written characters defined by lack, but this time it's a bit different. I wanted to highlight the strengths of these two actresses and offer audiences a good kind of surprise. I hope to have many conversations with viewers after they watch the film."

Project Y is set to be released in theaters on January 21.