"Kim Tae-ri X Hong Kyung, A Dream-like Combination"... 'What the Star Needs', 96 Minutes of Fantasy

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This is a long-distance relationship of epic proportions.

The distance between the lovers is a staggering 222.5 million kilometers. One is on Earth, the other on Mars, both wishing for each other's well-being.

A beautiful love story has arrived. It brings a smile to your face throughout, warms your heart, and ultimately even moistens your eyes. This is 'What the Star Needs' (directed by Han Ji-won).

The film supernaturally depicts a narrative close to 'reality.' It unfolds a coming-of-age story of youth over 96 minutes. The protagonists willingly moved forward, fueled by their steadfast love for each other.

Netflix film 'What the Star Needs' (directed by Han Ji-won) held a press screening at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 27th.

A press conference was also held immediately after the screening, attended by director Han Ji-won and actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung, who expressed their profound affection for the work.

'What the Star Needs' is Netflix's first Korean animated film. Set in Seoul in 2050, it tells the story of two young individuals pursuing their dreams and love.

The title employs a double meaning. Director Han Ji-won introduced, "It contains both the meaning of 'this star' (이 별) referring to Earth and 'separation' (이별) for lovers who must be far apart."

"The 'separation' in the film doesn't just symbolize a breakup between lovers. I wanted to deal with the process of overcoming inner wounds, traumas, and growing through them."

The film offers significant visual pleasure. Near-future Seoul is realized through 2D animation. Familiar spaces like Sewoon Sangga, Nodeul Island, and Seoul Station are enhanced with futuristic elements, adding to the viewing enjoyment.

The director's preference was reflected. Han Ji-won explained, "These are places I frequent. I decided on a direction to depict landscapes I see every day."

Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung took on their first voice acting challenge. Kim Tae-ri played Nanyoung, an astronaut researching cutting-edge technology, a character who directly pursues her dream of Mars exploration.

Voice acting for animation had been a dream since childhood. She recalled the moment the offer came, saying, "It felt like a dream."

However, she couldn't simply be excited. It was her first time attempting such work, and she also had to deliver English lines like a native speaker. Kim Tae-ri confessed, "It's not my area of expertise, is it? (Honestly) I was worried."

"The director told me why he wanted to work with me. (Hearing that) I felt inspired to challenge myself. I also wondered what it would look like if it was made into a film."

Hong Kyung portrayed J, a character who temporarily put his musician dreams aside. Unlike his bright energy, J carries a dark shadow within.

He stated, "I wanted to do it without hesitation," adding, "The script itself was captivating. 2050 is a future one can only imagine, and I thought it would be interesting when the director's artwork was added."

Both actors went through a challenging process. Kim Tae-ri said, "There were many difficult parts," referring to a scene where Nanyoung faces a crisis during space exploration.

She added, "I had to convey the most dire situation (not through dialogue but) solely through breathing. It was breathing mixed with tears and even pain."

"If I had been asked to act it out in real life, that kind of breathing wouldn't have come out. I felt that the breathing used in animation is different. I sought advice from the director."

Hong Kyung said, "It was tough having to act solely with my voice," but added, "I believed there must be expressions only we could make. We tried to incorporate those aspects."

They didn't just stick to voice acting roles. Both actors were deeply involved in the creative process, offering ideas for character settings and even performing live-action filming after memorizing all the dialogue.

Kim Tae-ri reminisced, "It was so much fun," adding, "You don't know how it will be realized, do you? Hong Kyung and I analyzed the script together and breathed life into it, creating it like a theater stage."

"The entire process of (live-action filming) was so exciting. Waiting for (the work to be completed) was also exciting. It was an enjoyable challenge to see (the completed version) and think, 'This is how it was made.'"

This filming also helped their voice acting. Hong Kyung expressed satisfaction, saying, "I felt a sense of freedom," and "We freely played around with Kim Tae-ri with the goal of capturing various expressions."

There was another new attempt: Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung participated in writing lyrics and singing for 'What the Star Needs' Original Soundtrack (OST).

They wrote the lyrics for the duet song "Life Goes On," which began as 'a letter written to each other.' Kim Tae-ri revealed the motivation, saying, "I wondered if there would be a fresher and different angle if an actor wrote the lyrics."

The two did not stop their challenges there. They sang "Life Goes On" together. Hong Kyung also performed the solo song "Bon Voyage."

Kim Tae-ri confessed, "It was an honorable thing for an OST to be released with my voice, so I had both ambition and worry," adding, "The director said he 'really wanted to hear it,' which gave me courage."

Finally, director Han Ji-won expressed his hope, saying, "It's a Korean animation that has come out after a long time. We poured everything into making it. I hope you enjoy it."

Kim Tae-ri also recommended the film, saying, "Many famous Korean landmarks appear. You can experience a wave of imagination that can only be seen in animation. You won't regret it."

Meanwhile, 'What the Star Needs' will be released worldwide exclusively on Netflix on May 30th.