K-SNAPP

Hwang Jung-min ‘strongly’ recommended Jung Ho-yeon for ‘Hope’: “She’s great at the game”

Hwang Jung-min applauded when Jung Ho-yeon appeared at Cannes

Hwang Jung-min, Jung Ho-yeon, Na Hong-jin, Hope, Film
Jung Ho-yeon and Hwang Jung-min [Photo: SBS PowerFM 'Park Ha-sun's Cinetown']

Actor Hwang Jung-min revealed why he recommended Jung Ho-yeon to director Na Hong-jin for the film Hope.

On the July 15 broadcast of SBS PowerFM Park Ha-sun's Cinetown, Hwang Jung-min and Jung Ho-yeon, who star in Hope, appeared as guests.

Speaking about Jung Ho-yeon’s character Seong-ae, Hwang said, "When I’m pushed to the edge of death, she feels like a savior who comes to rescue me. When it screened at Cannes, people applauded when Hoyeon appeared." He drew attention by adding that he personally recommended Jung Ho-yeon for the role of Seong-ae.

Hwang explained, "The director was looking at several actors and asked me, 'Which actor do you think would be good?' I watched Squid Game, and she was great at the game. I thought if she’s that good at the game, she could absolutely do great in this game, too," sharing why he recommended Jung Ho-yeon.

Meanwhile, Hope — which follows Hopohang branch office chief Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min) in the Demilitarized Zone as the whole village goes on high alert after local youths report a tiger sighting — opens today and is now showing in theaters nationwide.