From stardom to struggle: Ryu Seung-ryong's journey in 'Bi-gwang'

A tale of family and redemption

In Bi-gwang, Ryu Seung-ryong takes on the role of Joong-koo, a once-prominent baseball player whose life unravels after the birth of his daughter, Dong-joo. Initially basking in fame, leading his team to a championship and marrying top star Nam-mi, played by Ha Ji-won, Joong-koo finds himself in a desperate situation as their daughter is implicated in a crime, forcing the family to confront their turmoil head-on.

This dramatic narrative centers around Joong-koo's effort to save his daughter, drawing the family back together after years of separation. Ryu describes the film as capturing the journey of light breaking through "a damp life," reflecting his desire for audiences to feel this emotional depth while watching.

Behind the scenes of a challenging shoot

Meeting with reporters at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, on the 25th, Ryu spoke candidly about the struggles during filming, particularly a scene in a restaurant where he had to pour spicy radish soup for Dong-joo. The meticulous direction by Lee Ji-won, who personally prepared the soup with real ingredients, added to the challenges. Ryu reveals, "It felt like the soup was pouring down from my eyebrows into my eyes, and it was challenging to maintain focus."

Despite these difficulties, Ryu noted that the emotional weight of the scene reveals the depth of his character's devotion to his daughter. Reflecting on the premiere, he recounted how the moment was vividly imprinted in his mind, likening the experience to a 4D sensation that deepened his connection to the material.

The director's heartfelt vision

The vision behind Bi-gwang comes from Lee Ji-won, whose heartfelt engagement with Ryu through handwritten letters ultimately swayed him to join the project. Lee shared her motivations for creating the film, influenced by real-life events surrounding a tragic incident that highlights societal issues. She expressed her ambitious goal: to intertwine familial drama with thriller elements, creating a unique cinematic experience that reflects life’s complexities.

“My approach blends various genres, mirroring the twists and turns in real life,” she stated. Lee, known for her previous work on Miss Baek, emphasized her desire to portray raw human emotions and societal critiques in a distinct narrative style.

In portraying Joong-koo, Ryu's performance brings visceral depth to the film, enriched further by a talented supporting cast that includes Ha Ji-won and Kim Hae-sook. The authenticity of their portrayals, along with the meticulously crafted sets that reflect everyday life, amplifies the film's emotional resonance.

Anticipation for the future

As the film's release draws near, Ryu and Lee express hopes of captivating audiences with their compelling storytelling. Ryu's recent victory at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, where he won Best Actor for his role in Kim Bu-jang, confirms his status as a significant figure in both film and television. He remarked on the importance of crafting stories that resonate with true human experiences, as he continues to work on the second season of Moving.

Reflecting on his ongoing career, Ryu expressed his commitment to role in cinema that inspires hope, stating, "These complex life stories are where my passion lies, and I aim to create works that echo these truths in the future."

Bi-gwang promises to not only showcase Ryu's acting prowess but also to highlight the struggles and triumphs inherent in family life, leaving viewers with a poignant reflection on their own experiences.