Photo = Provided by Studio & New · Solaire Partners Co., Ltd.
(This article contains spoilers) Actress Park Ji-hyun is attracting the attention of audiences through her new work ‘Hidden Face’. Curiosity that started with high-level exposure has continued to lead to interest in the actors themselves after the movie was released.
Park Ji-hyun’s new movie ‘Hidden Face’, released on the 20th, is based on the Colombian film of the same name. Su-yeon’s junior appears in front of Seong-jin (Song Seung-heon), who was confused by the disappearance of his fiancee Soo-yeon (Cho Yeo-jeong), and the two become strongly attracted to each other. It depicts a story that unfolds while feeling.
The character played by Park Ji-hyun in the play is Mi-joo, a cellist who is Soo-yeon’s junior and a new member of the orchestra. He meets Seongjin at Suyeon’s request and spends an irreversible night with Seongjin, intoxicated with ‘desire’. These ‘night’ scenes were of a high level that was rarely seen in recent commercial films, and Park Ji-hyun went all out naked.
In fact, it is not surprising that actresses are exposed naked in director Kim Dae-woo’s films that pursue eroticism. However, Park Ji-hyun is not a rookie, but an 8-year-old actor (at the time of Crankin, he was also in his 6th year of debut), and during that time, he created an image of himself as elegant and classy or confident and courageous, making it even more unconventional. In fact, from Park Ji-hyun’s first starring film ‘Gonjiam’ to the hit dramas ‘Chaebol Family’s Youngest Son’ and ‘Chaebol
Regarding this, Park Ji-hyun said, “I thought it was good that my face was known. “Wouldn’t more people watch (the movie)?” and “I don’t think that this kind of (exposure) acting is only done by newcomers. I would have chosen this work no matter when it came out. “Even if I was less famous or more famous than I am now, I could have done it at any time,” he said.
He added, “It was because I was greedy for the work and the character itself,” and regarding the exposure scenes in the movie, he clarified, “I thought there was only additional exposure, and that the exposure itself was not the main scene.”
Still from the movie ‘Hidden Face’ / Photo = Provided by Studio & New · Solaire Partners Co., Ltd.
Jihyun Park is right. What he shows in ‘Hidden Face’ is not just his naked body. There are many big and small twists hidden in this movie, most of which stem from the relationship between Mi-joo and Su-yeon. In the play, Mi-joo and Su-yeon are depicted as lovers, and it is Su-yeon who takes the lead in the relationship.
The relationship between the two, which seemed to be happy, becomes rift when Seongjin appears. Mi-ju, who was trembling with a sense of betrayal, prevents Soo-yeon from coming out of the secret room and stimulates Su-yeon by making love to Seong-jin right in front of him. The relationship between A and E, whose relationship was overthrown, changes once again as they face another incident in the latter half of the story.
Park Ji-hyun and Jo Yeo-jeong fill the play by unraveling the love and desires of these complex women in their own way. While Jo Yeo-jeong takes the lead in the play by overwhelming the screen, Park Ji-hyun slowly permeates the play and changes the direction of the story one after another. Park Ji-hyun creates Mi-joo as an unpredictable character with her ambiguous expression and innate atmosphere, and as a thriller, ‘Hidden Face’ maintains the focus without losing the sense of tension and speed.
In particular, the last face in the ending is impressive. It is a face that has never been imagined from Park Ji-hyun, and is enough to raise curiosity about actress Park Ji-hyun beyond Miju. Previously, Cho Yeo-jeong reached a new heyday as an actress with director Kim Dae-woo’s ‘Bangjajeon’ and Lim Ji-yeon succeeded in attracting attention upon her debut with director Kim Dae-woo’s ‘Human Addiction’, while Park Ji-hyun drew the public’s attention to herself with ‘Hidden Face’. It focuses the attention and at the same time expands the acting spectrum once more.
Film critic Yoon Seong-eun said, “Park Ji-hyun and Mi-joo’s images matched well, and there was a clear contrast between the images of Jo Yeo-jeong and Lim Ji-yeon, the female protagonists in director Kim Dae-woo’s previous works.” He added, “In ‘Hidden Face,’ Mi-joo is a character who needs to show a twist. He commented, “In the beginning, Mi-joo’s chemistry with Song Seung-heon was so good that it was hard to tell that he was gay, and he did a good job of bringing out his psychotic side towards the end.”
He continued, “(Park Ji-hyun) showed a different side of herself than she showed in previous dramas. Of course, since (‘Hidden Face’) has a two-top female protagonist structure, she shares the role with Jo Yeo-jeong, but if this movie does well, she could be recognized as a movie star.”
Reporter Jang Ju-yeon [email protected]
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How does the film’s ambiguous portrayal of the relationship between Mi-joo and Su-yeon challenge traditional depictions of female friendships and explore the complexities of desire, betrayal, and power dynamics?
## World Today News Interview: Deconstructing Desire in “Hidden Face”
**Welcome to World Today News! Today we’re diving deep into the controversial new thriller “Hidden Face”, starring Park Ji-hyun and Jo Yeo-jeong. Joining us are film critic Yoon Seong-eun and Dr. Kim Min-ji, a specialist in gender representation in film. **
**Section 1: Breaking Boundaries & Challenging Expectations**
**Host:** Park Ji-hyun’s performance in “Hidden Face” has sparked a lot of conversation, particularly regarding the explicit scenes. Mr. Yoon, you mentioned Park Ji-hyun’s performance showcasing a “twist” and “psychotic side”. Could you elaborate on how the film uses these elements to challenge traditional portrayals of female characters?
**Yoon Seong-eun:** Absolutely. Mi-joo is not simply a femme fatale or a seductress. The film carefully unravels layers of desire, jealousy, and even vulnerability within her. Park Ji-hyun masterfully conveys these complexities, moving beyond stereotypical representations often imposed on women in thrillers.
**Host:** Dr. Kim, what are your thoughts on the film’s approach to female desire and sexuality? Do you see “Hidden Face” contributing to a broader discussion about female representation in Korean cinema?
**Dr. Kim Min-ji:** I think “Hidden Face” compels us to think critically about how female desire is often censored or pathologized in mainstream cinema. The film’s frank depiction of female sexuality, while undoubtedly provocative, opens up a space for a more nuanced conversation about agency and power dynamics within relationships.
**Section 2: The Power of Ambiguity & Shifting Dynamics**
**Host:** The film highlights a complex relationship between Mi-joo and Su-yeon. Dr. Kim, how does ”Hidden Face” explore the theme of female relationships, particularly within the context of desire and betrayal?
**Dr. Kim Min-ji:** The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the intricacies of female friendships, showcasing both the strength and fragility of such bonds. The power dynamics between Mi-joo and Su-yeon shift constantly, leaving viewers questioning loyalties and motivations. This complexity is what makes the film so compelling.
**Host:** Mr. Yoon, you highlighted the contrasting performances of Park Ji-hyun and Jo Yeo-jeong. Could you speak to how their chemistry contributes to the film’s thrilling atmosphere?
**Yoon Seong-eun:** The film thrives on the unspoken tensions fueling the relationship between Mi-joo and Su-yeon. Park Ji-hyun’s subtle expressiveness contrasts beautifully with Jo Yeo-jeong’s commanding presence, creating an electric tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
**Section 3: Beyond Exposure: Performance & Legacy**
**Host:** Park Ji-hyun has stated that she chose this role because she was “greedy” for the character.
Dr. Kim, how do you interpret her choice in the context of her existing filmography?
**Dr. Kim Min-ji:** Park Ji-hyun has consistently demonstrated her versatility as an actress. By taking on a role so radically different from her previous work, she proves her willingness to challenge herself and push boundaries. This bravery is admirable and likely to resonate with audiences seeking authenticity and depth in their cinematic experiences.
**Host:**
Mr. Yoon, you’ve witnessed Park Ji-hyun’s career evolve. Where do you see her heading after “Hidden Face”?
**Yoon Seong-eun:** I believe “Hidden Face” is a turning point for Park Ji-hyun. This performance showcases her immense talent and willingness to take on challenging roles.
With her undeniable screen presence and ability to convey such complex emotions, she has the potential to become a true cinematic force.
**Host:** That’s a fantastic note to end on. Thank you both for joining us today.
We encourage readers to see “Hidden Face” and engage in the conversation surrounding this thought-provoking film.
