"I'm sorry. Song Kang-ho said he wouldn't do it." (Director Lee Sung-jin)

Casting the best actors of the 21st century at the same time can only be 'Mission Impossible.'

In particular, the new season of 'Beef' was not easy from the character setup. Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho had to play a couple with an age difference.

Director Lee Sung-jin recalled, "To be honest, Song Kang-ho refused when I first offered the role. He said, 'I'm not sure if the role suits me.'"

Youn Yuh-jung stepped in as a relief pitcher. She called Song Kang-ho directly. The director said, "Youn Yuh-jung called and said, 'Hey, you're Song Kang-ho. You can do anything,'" expressing gratitude.

It was the moment an unprecedented combination was born. In addition, Hollywood "trusted actors" such as Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny joined.

Netflix series 'Beef Season 2' held an online press conference on April 7. It was conducted via online video instead of in person.

Director Lee, the creator and showrunner, attended. Hollywood actor Charles Melton also participated. Representing the cast, they spoke with domestic reporters.

'Beef 2' is a story that begins with a couple's fight encountered by chance. A young couple witnesses a quarrel between a boss couple at a country club and becomes involved in unexpected incidents.

Although it is separate from the previous series, it has continuity. Director Lee explained, "Season 2 is a story that naturally continues from Season 1."

It is the next chapter of the protagonists. He added, "At the end of Season 1, don't they find someone they want to live with? In a situation where capitalism runs wild, I wondered what comes next."

Through different couples, it shows the capitalist system and conflicts between classes. Director Lee said, "Season 2 starts with a confrontation between two couples. After that, it proceeds by showing various stages of life."

He added, "When writing the script, it is impossible to write without the theme of capitalism and class conflict. It played a role as a big umbrella because it is a topic that must be explored."

This season is characterized by adding more Korean elements. A representative character is Austin Davis, played by Charles Melton. He appears as a Korean-American mixed-race character.

He is actually a Korean-American. He was born to a Korean mother and a white American father who was a U.S. soldier. He lived in Korea for six years during childhood.

Charles said, "We filmed in Korea, and it felt like returning to my hometown," and "The director created a space to show acting connected to Korean roots. I feel indebted."

Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho also contributed to strengthening Korean elements. It added the setting that they live in Korea as owners of an overseas country club.

Director Lee said, "After the success of Season 1, I had the opportunity to look into Korea's upper class. The world of chaebols was fascinating," and "I wanted to include Korea in the new season. If I do it, I wanted to do it at the highest level."

So casting the two was important. Chairman Park and her second husband could not be imagined without the combination of Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho.

Director Lee said, "Song Kang-ho politely refused, but Youn Yuh-jung called directly. She said, 'You can do any role.' I'm grateful," he said with a smile.

Charles had unforgettable acting chemistry with them. "I was able to work with the greatest actors ever," he said, "Just watching them act in person was an incredible experience."

Lastly, Director Lee said, "I feel proud of how great cultural achievements have been made on the Korean Peninsula. I hope we can continue that."

Meanwhile, 'Beef 2' will be released on Netflix on April 16.