Lee Ji-won explores female solidarity in her new film 'Big Light'

Lee Ji-won has returned to the big screen with her latest feature film Big Light, released eight years after her acclaimed debut Miss Baek in 2018. During an interview on August 27 at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, she expressed her desire to explore themes of female solidarity in her new project. "In Korean cinema, the strong bonds among female characters aren't often depicted," she noted, reflecting on the lack of attention to this important aspect of storytelling. "As a female director, I believe it’s something I must address."

Big Light features a prominent star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (acted by Ha Ji-won), whose lives are turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of Jung-gu’s daughter, Dong-joo (Kim Si-ah). The film unfolds as Jung-gu and Nam-mi, previously married, must come together to uncover the truth behind a shocking incident involving their daughter eight years after their divorce. Alongside the main cast, supporting roles are played by Kim Hae-sook, Kim Sun-young, and Kim Young-min.

Lee emphasized the unique relationships among the female characters, differentiating them from typical portrayals where women are often seen as rivals. "Women can have deep bonds with one another, feeling affection, wanting to help, and support each other. I want to continue exploring these relational dynamics in my work," she remarked.

The director shared that the impetus for Big Light came from her outrage over a tragic case involving a middle school girl, which was highlighted on the SBS program It’s a Mystery. This incident, a collective sexual assault case from 2018 in Jeonnam, ultimately led to a devastating outcome for the victim. Lee expressed her intent to focus on the personal journeys of the characters navigating their circumstances rather than sensationalizing the crime itself.

In the film, Jung-gu, once a top baseball player, faces a downward spiral as he becomes determined to protect Dong-joo. Nam-mi, a former star, struggles to cope with her new life as a struggling entertainer, unable to turn her back on Dong-joo. Amidst mounting pressures, Dong-joo becomes a suspect following the death of her friend.

Notably, Lee wrote a heartfelt five-page letter to Ryu Seung-ryong in hopes of enticing him to join the project, especially after he initially turned down her proposal. She described the challenges she faced in her journey to become a director and conveyed how seriously she approached the film’s themes.

For Ha Ji-won, Lee aimed to portray a more rugged and darker side than her previously bright public image. "Thanks to the intense process, I was moved to tears just before the premiere, and Ha Ji-won hugged me without saying a word. It felt like a camaraderie that went beyond mere colleague bonds," she shared.

Kim Si-ah, who also starred in Miss Baek, plays a significant role in Big Light. Lee reminisced about discovering her talent back then, saying she was proud to see Kim grow as an actress over time.

In conclusion, Lee Ji-won described Big Light as a multifaceted film, insisting that life, like the cinematic narrative, does not flow as a single genre. "Just as rivers wind and bend, our lives are filled with twists and turns. Big Light serves as an earnest yet unpolished cheer for those who are fiercely living each day."

Big Light is set to premiere on September 2.