[Dispatch=Kim Ji-ho] Actress Shin Min-a took on a challenge in a thriller film. Playing twin sisters with visual impairment, she delivered a dual role. Over 1 hour and 40 minutes, she demonstrated the title of thriller queen with refined acting.

A press screening and press conference for the film "Pupil" (directed by Yom Ji-ho) was held on the 15th at 2 p.m. at CGV iPark Mall in Yongsan, Seoul. Director Yom, Shin Min-a, and Kim Nam-hee attended.

"Pupil" is a suspense thriller film. The protagonist is Seo-jin, who gradually loses her sight due to a genetic disease. The story follows her as she investigates her twin sister's death and faces the truth. It is based on the Spanish film "Julia's Eyes."

Shin Min-a transformed into Park Seo-jin, a photographer being stalked. Simultaneously, she also played Park Seo-in, her twin sister with visual impairment who met a mysterious death. Kim Nam-hee gave a passionate performance as Detective Lee Do-hyuk.

One can appreciate Shin Min-a's wide spectrum of acting. Being pursued by a stalker, she displays extreme anxiety. She sobs over her sister's death, and while tracking the truth, she shows a composed attitude mixed with trembling.

She also convincingly expressed the eyes of a woman with visual impairment. Following an acting performance swept up in anger, she even wields a knife. She cleanly handled raw, rough action scenes as well.

Shin Min-a said, "I put a lot of thought into expressing Seo-jin's emotions and fear as she gradually loses her sight," adding "I also tried changing the position of the pupils little by little."

In the latter half of the film, Seo-jin has eye surgery and gets bandaged. Shin Min-a performed acting while bandaged, placed in extreme circumstances.

She recalled, "Since I actually couldn't see, I became sensitive to even the smallest sounds. Even though I had already grasped the movements before closing my eyes, due to my fear, it felt like my position changed during filming."

It's her first time doing a thriller with a dual role. Shin Min-a said, "I thought Seo-jin and Seo-in were completely different characters," emphasizing "I set their emotional lines distinctly as different people."

Regarding Seo-jin, she said, "Although they have the same face, their personalities and pursuits are different. Seo-jin has deficiencies and protective feelings toward Seo-in while also admiring her. I tried to hold onto that complicated emotion."

Regarding Seo-in, she said, "Seo-in concentrates on the art she pursues, but carries a feeling of worry about being a burden to her sister. I made sure audiences could empathize with their relationship as well."

Kim Nam-hee, appearing as the second lead (as Detective Lee Do-hyuk), also delivers bold acting. In Kim Nam-hee's filmography, it is unprecedented in intensity and boldness. She gives a performance as challenging as Shin Min-a's dual role.

Kim Nam-hee said, "When talking with friends, I jokingly say, 'I do a lot of extreme acting. I either play completely crazy people or fools. I can't remember doing a normal role.' This is the peak of that."

Finally, Shin Min-a said, "I'm happy we can release this film in theaters. I hope our 'Pupil' also receives much love from many people as a thriller," and took her leave. Director Yom also encouraged the release, saying "We put a lot of effort into the sound and visuals."

Kim Nam-hee added, "I hope that for 1 hour and 40 minutes, audiences can spend an enjoyable time. If that happens, I'm satisfied. I'm grateful if many people come to see it."

"Pupil" opens on the 24th.

<Photos=Song Hyo-jin>