Kang Ha-neul & Park Hae-joon Discuss Their Roles in “Yadang the Snitch”
In Hangul, yadang/야당 refers to an informant (or a snitch). Since opening in South Korean movie theaters on April 16 in the No. 1 spot, Yadang: The Snitch remains in the top position, thanks to a thrilling plot and a cast of stars that includes Kang Ha-neul (Forgotten, “Squid Game 2”) and Park Hae-joon (“When Life Gives You Tangerines,” “My Mister”).
Ahead of the film’s April 25 opening in the U.S. and Canadian market, Kang and Park carved out time to discuss their film with K-Culture With Jae-Ha Kim.
“I play a character named Lee Kang-su,” Kang Ha-neul said in an interview from Seoul. “He’s kind of a lobbyist and broker who coexists between law enforcement — like the police or prosecutors — and drug criminals, [and uses] that position to his advantage.”
Of his own role, Park Hae-joon said, “In Yadang: The Snitch, I play Oh Sang-jae, a veteran narcotics detective. Among criminals, he’s nicknamed the Jade Emperor, because once he sinks his teeth into a case, he never lets go. He’s respected by his junior officers and is relentless when it comes to his work.”
This interview has been lighted edited for clarity and length.
Where did you shoot Yadang: The Snitch?
Kang: We filmed the early and middle parts of the film in Busan, and the later parts in Seoul. From what I’ve heard — though I’m not totally sure — films in the U.S. or with big budgets often shoot in studio environments. But in Korean films, we still do a lot of location shooting, which allows us to capture the atmosphere of real spaces.
Park: We shot a lot of the film in Busan. As a port city, Busan naturally sees a lot of logistics and cargo movement. It made for a fitting backdrop, adding a sense of realism to the film. Details like live fish trucks and seafood tanks also helped bring the portside setting to life.
Some actors have told me that the location can sometimes be like another character in a film. Do you find this to be true, especially with Yadang?
Kang: Oh, that’s a great question. I feel the same way. When I prepare for a role, I usually only prepare about 50 percent in advance. The other half I leave open to be shaped by the space — the air, the energy, the feeling of the location. All of that is different every time, and it completes the performance for me.
Park: Busan is a city where the past and present coexist beautifully, surrounded by the sea. It’s a popular shooting location for Korean films, and as the host city of Busan International Film Festival, it’s also a place where people really love cinema. That passion from the city and its people definitely adds to the realism of Yadang: The Snitch.
With that said, do you have a preference as to working on location vs. on a set?
Park: Sets offer a certain stability, but spending too long in one place can start to feel stifling. I think filming on location is better when it comes to capturing real-life settings. The inspiration and energy you get from the environment is something special.
Where are some other locations that you have filmed your previous dramas and movies?
Park: I’ve traveled to so many places for shoots. Most recently, I filmed Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s movie Humint in Latvia. As for Korea, I think I’ve been everywhere — from Jeju Island, to the southern coast, and Gangwon Province.
Kang: Other filming locations? There are honestly so many. I feel like I’ve traveled just about everywhere in Korea for filming. There are hardly any places I haven’t been to. As long as it’s the best choice for the project, I’m fine with either [shooting in Korea or overseas]. What’s more efficient depends on the situation, so I go with what suits the scene best.
What is a city or county that you’ve seen portrayed in a film or TV series that looked so nice that you want to visit there?
Kang: In Korean productions, everything looks beautiful and cool, but since those are all places I could easily go if I wanted to, I’ll go with something from a foreign film. There’s this cliffside village in Cornwall, England — the one where the main character’s family lives in the film About Time, which is one of my all-time favorite movies.
Park: I usually don’t get the chance to explore much during shoots, but the most beautiful scenery I’ve experienced was the sea in Namhae. It felt different from other coastal areas. There was a calmness and peacefulness that really stayed with me.
If you could pick any location to film a project, where would it be and why?
Park: I’m not really sure. I don’t have a specific place in mind. I think it all depends on what kind of project I’ll be working on. As an actor, I don’t usually get to choose the location, so I believe the best setting is the one that most naturally fits the story.
Kang: If I could choose any location I wanted, I’d say anywhere within an hour of my house. Quick to get to work, quick to get back home. [Smiles]
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