Director Lee Hwan recently shared why he chose actors Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo to lead his new film, Project Y. The director praised the two stars as “icons” while speaking at the Busan International Film Festival. The movie is a crime drama about two friends trying to change their lives by stealing gold bars.
Director Lee Hwan’s Casting Choice
Director Lee Hwan explained his decision to cast Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo during an open talk event at the 30th Busan International Film Festival. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Dong-dong Film Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Lee Hwan said that both actors are already famous as icons to the public.
“While writing the scenario, I thought of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo while thinking about actors who can express Mi-seon and Do-kyung well,” Lee Hwan said. > “The two actors are famous as icons to the public. I wanted to capture the heterogeneous point of collision well when such actors expressed the underlying reality emotion monstrously well.”
The director also mentioned that he appreciated working with Han and Jeon, even through tough filming days. He discovered the power they brought to their roles.
Jeon Jong-seo’s Thoughts on Working with Han So-hee
Jeon Jong-seo also shared her excitement about working with Han So-hee. At the same event, she talked about their chemistry and why she joined the film.
“I received a scenario last year, and I thought it was not easy to meet a female two-top work of the same age,” Jeon said. > “I was surprised that there was such a work, and the script was fun. As soon as I saw this, I decided to do it right away. The character in the script was fun, but if I do this with Han So-hee, I think I can show good chemistry beyond what’s written in the script.”
Jeon described the relationship between their characters as a “love-hate” dynamic. She said they complement each other’s shortcomings and are inseparable despite their differences.
Project Y Film Details
Project Y is a South Korean neo-noir crime drama film. It was written and directed by Lee Hwan and features Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo in lead roles. The story follows two friends, Mi-sun and Do-kyung, who plan to steal 8 billion won (about $6 million USD) in gold bars. They want to escape their difficult lives in Gangnam, Seoul.
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2025. It was also screened at the Busan International Film Festival on September 18, 2025. The movie is produced by Wow Point and Climax Studio and distributed by Plus M Entertainment.
Fan Reactions and Controversy
The film has drawn attention since its casting stage. However, some fans expressed disappointment with the characters’ backgrounds. In the film, Han and Jeon play women working in adult entertainment. Some people criticized the film for repeating stereotypes about women in Korean cinema.
Comments online included frustration about the portrayal of women in such roles. One fan said, “The film industry only ever makes stuff about gangsters, prostitutes, and crime.” Another added, “Are there seriously no other story ideas?”
Despite this, others praised the casting. One fan noted, “If youโve seen Han So Hee in My Name, you know sheโd probably be great in this genreโฆ and Jeon Jong Seoโs known for intense roles too.”
Background on the Director and Cast
Director Lee Hwan is known for films like “Park Hwa-young” and “Adults Don’t Know.” He worked with writers Oh Yu-kyung and Kwak Jae-min on Project Y. The film also stars Kim Shin-rok, Jung Young-joo, Lee Jae-kyoon, Kim Sung-cheol, and YooA.
Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo are both well-known actors in South Korea. Han gained fame for her roles in “My Name” and “The World of the Married.” Jeon is known for her work in “Burning” and “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area.”
Upcoming Release
Project Y is expected to be released in South Korea and Japan at the same time. The distributors, Plus M Entertainment, made this announcement earlier this year. The film runs for 110 minutes and is in the Korean language.
Also Read: Han So Hee Stuns Fans with Dramatic Blonde Transformation Ahead of Project Y Premiere
Credits: Daum
