“Suzume” director Shinkai Makoto, “I’m a fan of the K-pop idol group IVE but I can’t remember the members’ names”
Director Shinkai Makoto of the movie “Suzume” expressed his extraordinary affection for K-pop.
On April 24th, director Shinkai Makoto visited Korea again to commemorate “Suzume” surpassing 3 million viewers and had an interview with Korean reporters at Novotel Ambassador Hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Released on the 8th of last month, “Suzume” is an animated film about the girl Suzume, who accidentally opens the door that calls disaster, joining a mysterious young man called ‘Souta’ in closing the doors to prevent disasters in various areas of Japan. It is the latest work released by Shinkai Makoto, a famous Japanese director who created popular animations, such as “Your Name” and “Weathering with You”. “Suzume”, which attracted more than 10 million Japanese moviegoers, also became a syndrome in Korea, especially among those in their 20s and 30s. As of today (April 27th), when director Shinkai Makoto kept his promise for the ‘3 million viewers’ milestone, “Suzume” is on the verge of surpassing 5 million admissions.
When asked if he had any Korean actors in mind for a virtual casting of a live-action version of “Suzume”, director Shinkai Makoto honestly replied, “It’s embarrassing to say this, but I’m an animation director so I’m not particularly interested in any human actor, whether they appear in famous Korean, Japanese, or American works. That’s why I don’t remember their names well”, drawing laughter.
He continued, “I really like watching Korean movies and dramas”, adding “But I’m sorry that I can’t recall any actor right away”.
The director then revealed himself as a huge K-pop fan, adding that he often enjoys listening to K-pop songs. Shinkai Makoto said, “I’ve recently been listening to songs by K-pop idol group IVE a lot”, adding “Especially, I listen to their newest song ‘I AM’ every morning”.
He shared, “However, I still don’t know any of the members’ names. I just know that they are very lovely, beautiful, and powerful artists”, adding “I’m sorry that I don’t remember people’s names well”.
Since Shinkai Makoto doesn’t know the actors well, he received helps from his best friend, director Shunji Iwai of “Love Letter”, during the casting process. Shinkai Makotos said, “Shunji Iwai is a director I really like and am personally close with”, adding “I also enjoy his movies, so whenever he finds a suitable actor, he would introduce them to me”.
When asked if he had plans to collaborate with Korean creators, the director shared, “I’ve never heard of that before or received offers”, adding “However, one of the movie producers I know bragged about working with Korean director Bong Joon Ho. I’m not sure what specific project they were working on, but I felt envious.”
Source: Daum
