Actress Lee Hye-young speaks at a press conference for "The Old Woman With the Knife" in Seoul, March 27. Yonhap

Director Min Kyu-dong of the upcoming action drama "The Old Woman With the Knife" said Thursday actress Lee Hye-young was essential to bringing the film to life.

"Lee possesses a mysterious, unfathomable quality that naturally draws intrigue, fitting the character that is a rarity in Korean cinema," the director said at a press conference in Seoul.

"Her distinctive presence and aura, reminiscent of classic cinema, were crucial in elevating the film beyond the script," he said. "She perfectly embodies the film's mood, as if her entire life had been leading up to this moment."

In the action-thriller based on the novel of the same name by Gu Byeong-mo, Lee portrays Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s who eliminates society's worst, a role typically reserved for young, muscular men who face danger without hesitation.

Trained by Ryu (Kim Mu-yeol), Hornclaw has lived as a cold, emotionally detached killer. But her world begins to unravel when she crosses paths with Bullfight (Kim Sung-cheol), a skilled young hitman who mysteriously shadows her.

At the event, the director highlighted Dr. Kang, portrayed by Yeon Woo-jin, as another key figure in upending Hornclaw's life.

"He creates a sense of breathing room in the film. He senses Hornclaw's secrets and forms an emotional connection with her, rekindling something within her," Min said. "The narrative buildup wouldn't have been possible without him.

The actress expressed her gratitude to be part of the film.

"It was a great honor to challenge myself in another of Min's thought-provoking movies," she said. "The film strikes a fine balance between action and deeper themes."

Kim Sung-cheol admitted filming was physically very demanding, recounting an instance where the director had him shoot a single long-take sequence 17 times.

"It took forever to get the OK," he said with a laugh.

The film is Min's latest work since the 2021 sci-fi "The Prayer." He is best known for the 2016 fantasy romance "Will You Be There?" and "Her Story" (2018), which explores Japan's wartime sexual slaves, euphemistically called "comfort women, seeking justice from Japan.

"The Old Woman With the Knife" premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival last month as part of its Special section. It has also been invited to compete in the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, set to open next month.

The film is set for local release May 1. (Yonhap)