[Dispatch=Reporter Jeong Tae-yoon] For actors, interviews are routine. College entrance exams, auditions, meetings. They have stood in countless places of evaluation. Each time, they were nervous and desperate.

Six actors from the film "Final Interview" (Director Kim Jung-hoon) recalled those memories. They became job seekers and sat in the interview room of a lifetime.

Actor Kim Jae-won said, "The moment I lived most fiercely was during college entrance exams. And countless auditions, and the 'Final Interview' meeting moment. I acted while recalling the trembling and desperation of all those moments."

The "Final Interview" team held a press screening and press conference on the 28th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Jung-hoon, Jo Yi-hyun, Kim Jae-won, Kang Yu-seok, Bae Kang-hee, and others were in attendance.

"Final Interview" depicts the story of six applicants gathered in a final interview room who discover mysterious envelopes containing mutual exposures, leading them to suspect each other and fall into confusion.

It keenly captures the reality of the younger generation advancing into society after the fierce battle of college entrance exams. While vividly portraying the sharp atmosphere of the interview room, it adds taut suspense through the revelation envelopes containing secrets.

Half of the film unfolds in the confined space of the interview room. As such, the actors' performances and rapport were crucial. Director Kim Jung-hoon emphasized, "With the mindset that the actors' faces are mise-en-scène, I tried not to miss the actors' expressions."

Kim Jae-won said, "This is my first film. With the actor's face concentrated on a full screen, detailed acting was necessary. I prepared twice as much," adding, "After many rehearsals and consultations, we worked hard to create it."

Kim Jae-won played the role of Han Jin-woo. Jin-woo is meticulous and sincere enough to remember the names and preferences of applicants he met for the first time. He stands against opening the mysterious envelope placed in the interview room, viewing it as a trap set by someone.

Jin-woo reaches his own conclusion with the heart to protect his colleagues. Kim Jae-won said, "The point was that all actors appear to be the culprit," and explained, "Also, Jin-woo's face had to be different in the beginning and end of the film."

He continued, "It was important to capture the tension when entering the interview room and to catch the emotional changes that occur after leaving it. I felt that would be how the film's important message would be conveyed to audiences."

Jo Yi-hyun played '문혜인'. Hyein is an observer who calmly judges situations. After preparing for team discussions for a month, she comes to regard the five competing applicants like comrades and grows closer to Jin-woo.

Jo Yi-hyun said, "I felt the message that Hyein can make more right judgments if she believes in, loves, and has a stronger heart for herself," and revealed her motivation for appearing by saying, "I wanted to show audiences that faith through Hyein."

Kang Yu-seok played '이희찬'. Hee-chan eases the awkwardness among unfamiliar applicants with witty jokes and leads the team discussion. He is a mediator who doesn't lose composure amid urgency.

He is also the character showing the most dynamic emotional changes in the film. Kang Yu-seok conveyed, "I acted with contrast in mind, thinking it would be good if his excessive consideration later becomes a reversal."

Bae Kang-hee played the role of '차주원'. Joo-won appears cold but with quick intuition, she first notices the subtle currents flowing among the applicants. As revelations begin, she calmly grasps the situation and makes firm choices.

Bae Kang-hee said, "While she may appear cold and sharp, I wanted to portray her as human and clumsy," and conveyed her acting approach by saying, "After watching the film, I hope the audience is convinced of why this character had to be this way."

Besides, Shin Seung-ho took on the role of action-oriented leader '백승빈'. With overwhelming physicality and positive energy, he is an atmosphere maker who boosts team morale. '전요한', played by Kwak Dong-yeon, is a strategist whose true feelings are unknown, adding tension to the story.

The acting ensemble created by six distinctly different people is the highlight of "Final Interview". In particular, the over-30-minute confrontation scene in the interview room was prepared by choreographing movements and coordinating timing as if it were a play.

Kim Jae-won said, "Coming to the set every day, I felt at some point it became our hideout—the set was so cohesive," and added, "The director greatly respected our opinions and ideas."

Kang Yu-seok also explained, "We spent a lot of time preparing before filming. We rehearsed with the director, and then we did things we wanted to try, creating it together," and "Since we spent time together with the actors even during breaks, chemistry naturally came alive."

Applicants fiercely confronting each other over the interview of a lifetime. The actors also understood each character's heart through countless auditions they had witnessed.

Kang Yu-seok revealed, "I've experienced it countless times in life. Every moment was precious and valuable. Because there were over 200 interviews and auditions, there is a present. I immersed myself thinking of that heart."

The film focuses on finding the culprit through the midpoint. However, as it rushes to the second half, it carries diverse messages. Toward faith and love, and the hidden side of people that doesn't reveal itself easily, like the far side of the moon.

Kim Jae-won said, "I strongly felt the message of whether what I believed to be true is not true or has another side. I hope audiences also reflect on preconceptions and prejudices."

Kang Yu-seok cautioned, "I think the message is that everyone has a hidden side and what we're seeing may not be the truth. It would be fun to watch while thinking about Hee-chan's hidden side regarding his choices."

Bae Kang-hee said, "I liked the message that all humans have hidden sides and only those involved can understand the inner workings of an incident," and added, "Looking at Hyein and Jin-woo's story, I thought that love and trust break through cynicism and hatred."

Lastly, Jo Yi-hyun said, "It's rare to have a film with peer actors. I participated with gratitude. I hope this energy is well conveyed."

Kim Jae-won said, "Being similar in age to the job seekers and with peer actors, I think that chemistry will come across convincingly," emphasizing, "I will do my best at the talk event too. Cat ears, dog ears, whatever it is, I'll do my best."

"Final Interview" opens on the 4th of next month. Running time is 107 minutes.

<Photos=Reporter Lee Ho-joon>