Disney+ 'Uncle Samsik' aims to provoke thought with ambitious characters in turbulent times
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Disney+ Korean original series "Uncle Samsik" portrays the individuals who helped transform Korea from a war-torn nation recovering from devastation into the modern nation it is today, the director said Wednesday.
"After living in this country for over 40 years, I still find myself not entirely accustomed to it. I wanted to explore the world I live in and delve into the country's roots," director and screenwriter Shin Yeon-shick said during a press event in Seoul.
"I believe the turbulent 1960s is an ideal period for this exploration," he said, alluding to the nationwide efforts to rebuild the country after the 1950-1953 Korean War.
"While some might view the series as a period drama or noir, for me, it is ultimately a story of romance," said the director, known for his screenplays of Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet" (2016) and "Cobweb" (2023).
He depicted the central character, dubbed "Uncle Samsik" in the series, as someone who prioritizes ensuring that those around him have three meals a day above all else.
"I believe Korea is nearly unique in greeting each other with 'Have you eaten?'" the director continued. "I think it mirrors the difficult times after the war, when people struggled to even have one meal a day."
Set in the 1960s, "Uncle Samsik" explores the relationship between a man known as Uncle Samsik (played by Song Kang-ho), dedicated to providing enough food for people around him, and Kim San (played by Byun Yo-han), a young elite with aspirations to reshape the nation's future.
The show is among the most anticipated Disney+ original Korean series of the year, marking the television debut of the critically acclaimed actor Song.
Song is celebrated for his iconic performance in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," for which he was honored with the Best Acting Ensemble award at the U.S. Critics' Choice Awards. Separately he received the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 for his role in "Broker."
During the press event on Wednesday, his co-stars joked about assisting the veteran actor in acclimating to the TV set.
Yoo Jae-myung, portraying a general in the series, bantered, "I wanted to show him how dramas are filmed, since it was his first time doing it."
In fact, Song said, "Thirty-five years into my acting career, and this marks my first encounter with audiences through a TV series. I'm experiencing a whirlwind of emotions -- unfamiliarity, nervousness, and excitement all at once."
"The title is very Korean ... Given it is set against the backdrop of an era where eating was urgent, I think the drama captures the most uniquely Korean emotions," he said, referring to the title "Samsik," which means three meals in Korean.
Byun said his character embarks on an ambitious journey, encountering Uncle Samsik just when he was about to give up. Uncle Samsik serves as a great inspiration and support for him throughout his endeavors, but also as a person about whom he harbors yet-to-be-revealed mixed feelings, he said.
The first five episodes of the 16-part series are scheduled for release next Wednesday. Subsequently, two episodes will be released every Wednesday starting from the following week.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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