Renowned South Korean actor, Song Joong-ki, recently shed light on his decision to star in the upcoming film ‘Hopeless’ without receiving any compensation. This surprising move has garnered significant attention from fans and the media alike.
The film ‘Hopeless,’ also known as ‘Hwaran,’ had its South Korean premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on October 7th. It originally made its debut on the global stage at the Cannes Film Festival in May, creating a buzz in the international film community.
During his appearance at BIFF, Song Joong-ki addressed the audience, candidly explaining his motives for forgoing a paycheck for his role in ‘Hopeless.’ He stated, “I didn’t receive any fee because I was worried that the original charm of the work would decrease if my appearance commercialized it.” The actor further expressed his discomfort with the media attention, saying, “It’s not a big deal, but I was embarrassed because it was talked about too much.”
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Despite his decision to work for free, Song Joong-ki did not leave empty-handed. He disclosed that he had recently dined with the CEO of one of the film’s production companies, who gifted him a watch as a token of appreciation. In his own words, “I got a watch as my pay.”
‘Hopeless’ is a collaborative effort between Sanai Pictures, Megabox Plus M, and HighZium Studio. Notably, HighZium Studio also represents Song Joong-ki as his agency, highlighting the actor’s strong commitment to the project.
Scheduled for release in South Korean cinemas on October 11th, the film features Hong Sa-bin in the role of Yeon-gyu, an 18-year-old who seeks refuge in a gang to escape the harsh realities of life, only to become entangled in a world of crime. Directed by Kim Chang-hoon, the movie marks the film debut of singer-songwriter Bibi, who portrays Hayan, Yeon-gyu’s sister. Meanwhile, Song Joong-ki takes on the role of Chi-geon, the leader of the underground criminal organization that Yeon-gyu joins.
Song Joong-ki’s decision to work without compensation underscores his dedication to the craft and his desire to explore diverse genres. In a previous interview, he expressed his hunger for roles that challenge him, stating, “I have a strong desire for it […] I’m just giving it a try.” As he continues to evolve in his career, fans can anticipate more captivating performances from this talented actor.
