[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ah-Jin] "When joy and sorrow intersect, black comedy erupts." (Kim Yun-seok)

Actors Kim Yun-seok and Koo Kyo-hwan meet in the mystery genre. Within the confined space of a train station, they navigate between suspense and black comedy.

The human psyche revealed in extreme situations is depicted with subtlety. At times it creates taut tension, and at other times it brings unexpected laughter through absurd choices.

Deep acting prowess is added. The emotional arcs of the characters are maximized. A work is completed where the viewing experience differs entirely depending on whose perspective is followed.

The film "Heavy Snow" held a production presentation at CGV iPark Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Hong Eui-jeong, Kim Yun-seok, and Koo Kyo-hwan attended.

"Heavy Snow" is a mystery genre film. It is set against a rural train station isolated by heavy snow. It depicts a survival game that unfolds when a mysterious corpse is discovered there.

Kim Yun-seok plays station master 'Gab-su'. He is a character facing retirement from the station he has maintained his entire life. He carries both regret and pride.

He was captivated by the strength of the screenplay. Kim Yun-seok said, "The story progresses with no unnecessary elements, just blood and bone remaining. I was happy to meet a work like this in a long time," explaining the reason for choosing the project.

He delicately expressed scenes where the characters' joys and sorrows intersect. He explained, "At that point, I thought the most vulnerable human heart emerges. So I spontaneously uttered comic dialogue."

In particular, he paid special attention to Gab-su's age. He said, "Looking at people around me, there are friends who dye their hair—something they wanted to do after retirement. I wanted to show that Gab-su is also a character waiting for freedom," he noted.

Koo Kyo-hwan plays 'Hyun-taek', a successor newly assigned to Seol-o Station. On the surface, Hyun-taek is a bright and innocent character. But beneath that, he hides another face.

He said, "I read the screenplay in one sitting," and added, "I wanted to translate each character directly into action. I also had a strong desire to work with senior Kim Yun-seok again."

In his acting, he wanted to leave room for interpretation. Koo Kyo-hwan said, "I wanted to show only the phenomena and have the audience interpret freely," and added, "Even amid tension, I tried my best to capture the human aspects."

He added tenderness to the relationship between Gab-su and Hyun-taek. He said, "As a junior, I acted with the heart of wanting to have everything of the senior," and "As a result, naturally, a tender expression came out."

Kim Yun-seok and Koo Kyo-hwan worked together for the second time following the film "Mogadishu". At that time, they started from mutually antagonistic positions and depicted a relationship of cooperation for survival.

However, this time they meet as seniors and juniors. The two characters have different generations and values. They are placed in a situation where they cannot understand each other yet must be together.

Kim Yun-seok said, "At first, there is conflict between the new generation and the old generation," but emphasized, "You will be able to feel the chemistry that deepens as they eat and sleep together in the narrow station."

Koo Kyo-hwan said, "From senior Kim Yun-seok, I learned again how to live as an actor within a scene," and added, "I also utilized that realization in 'Mogadishu'. I want to continue showing it moving forward."

The detailed mise-en-scène also deserves attention. Director Hong in particular placed many props inside Seol-o Station that allow viewers to glimpse into Gab-su's life.

For example, the homemade alcohol contains the loneliness of Gab-su who has worked alone for a long time. The hundreds of handwritten duty logs show that he is a person who has been part of Seol-o Station's history.

Kim Yun-seok recalled, "By examining the props one by one, I was able to experience getting closer to the character as an actor."

Finally, Koo Kyo-hwan said, "Please watch with no spoilers and just a simple synopsis in mind," and added, "I think that's the best way to enjoy our film."

He continued, "The viewing experience changes completely depending on which character's psyche you follow. I hope you watch it multiple times and experience various emotions."

Meanwhile, "Heavy Snow" opens next month on the 18th.

<Photos=Photographer Song Hyo-jin>