Actor Jang Dong-yoon takes on a new role as a film director, unveiling his first feature-length project Nuruk—a deeply human story shaped by uncertainty, responsibility, and belief.
From Actor to Director
After a decade in front of the camera, Jang now faces the weight of directing. "Everyone on set looks to the director for answers," he said. "Even when I didn't know, I had to hide it and give direction. That responsibility felt completely different from acting."
His transition began with the 2023 short film Be My Ears, which earned an invitation to the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, signaling his potential as a filmmaker.
'Nuruk': A Story of Faith and Growth
Nuruk follows Dasul, an 18-year-old girl who loves makgeolli, as she sets out to find the missing nuruk (fermentation starter) after noticing a change in taste. Through this journey, the film explores themes of belief, resilience, and emotional healing.
Jang explained, "I wanted to tell a story about belief. People may view Dasul's faith differently, but ultimately I wanted to deliver a hopeful message—one that gives courage and comfort."
Built from Passion, Not Plan
The film wasn't initially intended for theatrical release. Jang developed the idea during the pandemic, gathering acquaintances to bring the project to life step by step.
"It wasn't a grand plan. I just followed the process, and somehow it reached theaters. That alone feels incredibly moving," he shared.
Director Lee Tae-dong, known for works like Good Job and Chief Kang, participated as producer, supporting the project's expansion into a full-length feature.
Actor-Led Direction and Chemistry
Actress Kim Seung-yoon, who also worked with Jang on his short film, praised his directing style. "Because he's an actor, his direction was very intuitive—simple and clear, like 'breathe more' or 'relax.' It made acting easier."
She described her character Dasul as someone who may seem fragile but carries emotional depth. "I hope audiences who feel broken in some way can find courage and comfort through her story."
A Director Focused on Human Stories
Jang emphasized his love for stories about people. "There's nothing more cinematic than reality," he said, explaining that real-life observations inspired the film.
Looking ahead, he expressed a stronger interest in directing over writing. "If I come across a good script, I'd like to reinterpret it in my own style," he noted.
A New Beginning
Reflecting on the journey, Jang said, "This moment, just before release, is the most emotional and meaningful. I wanted to create a film filled with human warmth."
Nuruk will be released exclusively at Megabox theaters on April 15.
