[Dispatch=Reporter Lee A-Jin] "Unrelenting action, with comedy filling the gaps." (Um Jung-hwa)

'OK Madam' has returned after six years. While the previous film was set against the backdrop of an airplane, this one moves the stage to a cruise ship. The setting of a confined space is maintained, but the addition of the vast sea offers a fresher visual experience.

Um Jung-hwa's action has become more intense. She displays combat prowess that holds its own against any opponent. Utilizing various spaces from ships to islands, the action sequences complete a spectacular mise-en-scène.

To this is added deft comedic acting. Um Jung-hwa's emotional depth has grown richer, and Park Sung-woong and Lee Sang-yoon have elevated the fun considerably. The distinctive charm of newly joining characters adds to the entertainment.

The 'OK Madam 2' team held a press conference on the 27th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Lee Jung-ha, Um Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Bae Jung-nam, Park Jin-ju, Ryeo-woon, and Choi Soo-young attended.

'OK Madam 2' is a comic action film. It depicts the story that unfolds when the family of Lee Mi-young (played by Um Jung-hwa) is kidnapped during a cruise ship wedding.

Following the previous film, production of the sequel was delayed due to the aftermath of COVID-19. Um Jung-hwa said, "I was grateful just to be able to do Season 2," adding "It felt like a miracle that the original members came together again."

Mi-young displays contrasting emotions in the first and second halves of the film. In the beginning, she reveals the sense of liberation and freedom in shedding her role as a mother and returning as the killer Magnolia. In the latter half, she expresses desperate maternal love to save her daughter.

Um Jung-hwa explained, "In the beginning, I tried to capture Mi-young's exhilaration and sense of liberation when she broke free from her tired role as a mother and reclaimed her identity."

She continued, "In the latter half, she fights to rescue her daughter who is held by Anya (played by Choi Soo-young)," adding "I tried to maximize the maternal love toward her daughter. I emphasized the urgency and desperation with no room to catch a breath."

Above all, the action chemistry with Choi Soo-young stands out. The two appear as opposing forces in the film. They engage in one-on-one confrontations against backdrops of the seaside and cruise ship.

Um Jung-hwa said, "Though it's action between two women, we promised ourselves to deliver something that wouldn't fall short compared to any other scene," emphasizing "Both of us gave the maximum effort on every take."

During filming of the seaside scene in the depths of winter, hail poured down. Choi Soo-young recalled, "During rehearsal, the weather was so bad that I couldn't see the senior's fists or even her dialogue. Still, the senior encouraged me to push harder, so I gave my all."

In the film, Anya, the leader of a powerful killer organization, seeks to eliminate Magnolia while also admiring her. In fact, Choi Soo-young also cited Um Jung-hwa as her role model.

Choi Soo-young said, "It was interesting that the character and my feelings aligned," confessing "The senior always maintained a bright demeanor on set despite filming numerous action scenes. I really wanted to learn from that."

The increasingly deft acting of the original members is also a point to watch. Park Sung-woong (as Oh Suk-hwan) has enhanced his earthy and lighthearted charm. Lee Sang-yoon (as Lee Chul-seung) unfolds an unexpected narrative.

Park Sung-woong said, "Over the past six years, I've played various characters," adding "To return as Oh Suk-hwan, I studied the character more deeply. I tried to bring more earthiness and add more laughter."

Lee Chul-seung (played by Lee Sang-yoon), who was the villain in the previous film, forms a new relationship this time. Lee Sang-yoon recalled, "I grew so close to the original members that it felt like reuniting with relatives," adding "Thanks to that, our acting blended more naturally with each other."

Park Sung-woong pointed out that Lee Chul-seung's transformation is a unique charm of the 'OK Madam' series. He noted, "The villain isn't portrayed as purely evil," observing "It's interesting how characters who were opposed to each other transform into family-like relationships."

Newly joining Park Jin-ju (as Sun-ah) is also a scene-stealer. Park Jin-ju explained, "Since all the other characters are so intense, I played Sun-ah with gravitas instead," adding "I wanted to create a funny atmosphere from that contrast."

Finally, Lee Sang-yoon said, "Please especially enjoy the grand wedding scene that unfolds on the cruise ship," adding "Those who haven't been able to take a vacation can also feel a sense of vicarious satisfaction watching the movie."

Park Jin-ju said, "'OK Madam 2' is like an ice cream pack combining multiple flavors," continuing "It contains entertainment and action, catharsis, and family love. I hope you'll enjoy that rich taste in theaters."

Ryeo-woon said, "The film's strength is comedy that all ages can enjoy," hoping "I wish you'd visit theaters comfortably with your family."

<Photos by Reporter Lee Ho-jun>