[HanCinema's News] Director Nah Hyeon Talks About "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations"

"Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" is the latest original South Korean film from Netflix. It has done decently in its opening week, consistently ranking third place worldwide according to Flix Patrol among all Netflix films. Director Nah Hyeon recently gave an interview where he discussed the spy action film, his first since "The Prison" in 2017. According to Nah Hyeon, all the cast and crew were motivated by a hunger to make something truly great.

Advertisement

Regarding his lead actor Sol Kyung-gu, Nah Hyeon said that he was his first choice for the role. Nah Hyeon stated that he was looking for a specific kind of Hollywood style vibe for the project that's not commonly found in South Korean films. Nah Hyeon stated that "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" functions as a kind of spy heist film, and to exposit that world, he needed someone who could exert stage presence as someone strong and tough.

Regarding costuming, Nah Hyeon noted that earlier in development he had thought it would be necessary to give the movie's title character cool clothes. However, Sol Kyung-gu had such strong stage presence Nah Hyeon realized that this wasn't necessary. Nah Hyeon always commands the attention of every scene he's in regardless of what he's wearing. Indeed, his wearing the same outfit as his fellow spies helps to emphasize his general extraordinariness compared to them.

Nah Hyeon claimed that much of the design for the titular lead of "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" changed over production after discussion with Sol Kyung-gu about the role. While Nah Hyeon had initially envisioned Yaksha as more of a comic book style here, Sol Kyung-gu had more down-to-earth designs on how to do the role properly. In the end both agreed that their broader interpretation of the character shared the same important point- his desire for justice at any means.

Nah Hyeon claimed that the four spies who form Yaksha's team of associates likewise embody specific strengths, as a contrast to Yaksha's broader charisma. The character played by Lee El functions as a leader, for example, while Song Jae-rim does beastly action. Yang Dong-geun has the most variable skill set, while Park Jinyoung is the picture of strong good health. "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" was released worldwide via Netflix this past April 8th.

Written by William Schwartz

___________

"Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" is directed by Nah Hyeon, and features Sol Kyung-gu, Park Hae-soo, Yang Dong-geun, Lee El, Song Jae-rim, Park Jinyoung. Release date in Korea: 2022/04/08.