| Jeon Jong-seo, left, and Son Suk-ku pose during an online press conference for the film, 'Nothing Serious,' Wednesday. Courtesy of CJ ENM |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
"Nothing Serious," a romantic comedy about relationships in the digital age, fuses elements of traditional rom-coms with modern-day technology.
The story follows Ja-young (Jeon Jong-seo) and Woo-ri (Son Suk-ku) after the two Millennials meet through a dating app. Against the romantic backdrop of Seoul, the pair continues to explore their relationship as "friends with benefits" or two people who enjoy spending time with each other, but with no strings attached.
Throughout the film, Ja-young and Woo-ri, who don't want to put a label on their relationship, conflict on defining their commitment to one another.
Jeon, who is known for her roles in the films, "Burning" (2018), "The Call" (2020) and "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon," explained that the film touches upon both the humor and anxiety that come with dating.
"It's an unconventional romance story between two wounded souls. While filming, I often asked myself, 'Why are they so careful about letting each other into their lives?' This movie is about finding an answer to that question," she said during an online press conference for the film, Wednesday.
She added, "The truth is that much of the film is dialogue-heavy, so my chemistry with Son was important. I think we clicked very well."
| Actor Jeon Jong-seo in a scene from the film, 'Nothing Serious' / Courtesy of CJ ENM |
Director Jeong Ga-young, who is making her feature directorial debut with "Nothing Serious," echoed that the film features a romantic relationship through the lens of today's generation, who may be more interested in feeling a spark than necessarily looking for a serious relationship.
"I always dreamed of working with Jeon after watching how she transfers all the energy she has into her characters. I was surprised when she told me that she'd do it," Jeong said.
"I had heard so many good things about Son. He has charisma, but at the same time, a more playful side. I was very pleased and grateful that Son decided to join the project on the day he read the script," she added.
Son, who is known for his roles in the dramas, "Sense 8" (2016-17), "Be Melodramatic" (2019) and "D.P." (2021), praised Jeon's leadership.
"As a lead actor, Jeon has full ownership of her character. The energy I felt as we were rehearsing and acting together was like nothing I'd experienced before. She inspired us all with her passion and vision. I learned a lot from her," he said.
On collaborating with a rookie director, he said, "I came into this process being a fan of Jeong. I've watched all her short films. She made the romance within the films more believable," Son said.
"Nothing Serious" will hit local theaters in November.