After the death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun Kyun, the fate of the film works he left behind, including the films “Escape: PROJECT SILENCE” and “Land of Happiness”, became uncertain. decided, when the release plan for next year fell apart.
According to OSEN reported on December 27, “Escape: PROJECT SILENCE” and “Land of Happiness”, both movies that Lee Sun Kyun participated in and have completed filming, are not on the release list for early 2024.
Sources shared with OSEN, Director Choo Chang Min believed in Lee Sun Kyun’s innocence before the drug scandal, so he postponed the release date of the movie “Land of Happiness” until the results of the investigation were known. police investigation. However, after the actor’s death, plus the director having to work on a new project called “Muddy Currents” early next year, “Land of Happiness” was forced to postpone its release.
What is the fate of the unfinished works of the late actor “Parasite”?
Lee Sun Kyun suddenly passed away, making it difficult for the unfinished works he was working on to be released to the audience. Photo: Chosun.
The movie “Land of Happiness” (directed by Choo Chang-min, distributed by NEW, produced by Pappas Film and Oscar 10 Studio). This is a very attractive story, with Lee Sun Kyun playing the role of a soldier named Park Tae Joo in the film.
The other movie that Lee Sun Kyuin participated in is “Escape: PROJECT SILENCE” (directed by Kim Tae-gon, distributed and provided by CJ ENM, produced by Vlad Studio and CJ ENM Studio). This film was even selected to participate in the 76th Cannes Film Festival (2023) and attracted a lot of attention from foreign audiences and critics before its release. Lee Sun Kyun takes on the role of Cha Jeong Won, assistant to the president.
On October 20, when rumors about Lee Sun Kyun’s drug use first emerged, the two production companies said, “We will monitor the progress of the investigation.” However, for the project “Escape: PROJECT SILENCE”, since Lee Sun Kyun plays the main role, changing or returning with another actor is not feasible. “We are not currently considering releasing the film in 2024,” they stated.
On the contrary, “Land of Happiness” seems to have an easier time handling the situation. The film crew still said that they will monitor the results of the investigation, but Lee Sun Kyun’s role is less important than “Escape: PROJECT SILENCE”, so there is an opinion that they can consider choosing another actor.
“It is said that Lee Sun Kyun appeared in ‘Land of Happiness’ for about 15 episodes. I know the crew had a discussion about inviting another actor,” the source told OSEN.
The fate of the works of the late actor “Parasite” – Lee Sun Kyun became uncertain after the actor’s death. Photo: Yonhap.
However, according to a person directly working in the filming crew of “Land of Happiness” shared: “Lee Sun Kyun appeared in about 15 episodes. Not as many as the main characters, but in terms of importance, not How much less than the main character played by Jo Jung Seok? In fact, around mid-November, there was an opinion that we should find another actor instead of waiting for Lee Sun Kyun. The distributor agreed with his opinion. production company but expressed that they should find a way to change internally, without needing to completely reshoot, and there are many proposals to use artificial intelligence to change the actor’s face.”
However, according to this source, because Lee Sun Kyun showed an excellent performance in “Land of Happiness”, finding a replacement is impossible. The film crew decided to complete the original filming version without changing the cast.
The current plan of the “Land of Happiness” crew is to complete post-production work by the end of February to March 2024. The release will be carefully considered, however, the film will certainly not be shown. premieres in 2024.
Another reason why “Land of Happiness” cannot be released in 2024 or even 2025 is because director Choo Chang Min will start filming a new drama for Disney+ titled “Turd Stream”. Therefore, it is not possible to extend the filming time of “Land of Happiness”.
Previously, Lee Sun Kyun’s mitochondria were discovered in his car on the morning of December 27. The same morning, Jeon Hye Jin reported to the police that her husband had left home and she could not contact him.
TV Chosun on December 27 reported on the letter actor Lee Sun Kyun left behind before his death. The letter was discovered by Jeon Hye Jin, the actress’s wife. In the letter, he told his wife: “We can’t do anything anymore” and “I think this is the only way”.
Lee Sun Kyun said “Sorry”, referring to the burden of being fined for advertising contracts and unfinished film projects, because he was being investigated for drug use. It is estimated that the fine he was fined was about 10 billion won.
Lee Sun Kyun’s funeral took place on December 27, a number of his associates came to offer condolences, including Jo Jung Seok, Cho Jin Woong, Sol Kyung Gu, Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Sang Ho, Kim Seong Cheol, and stars. Taiwan Hua Quang Han… The family held a private funeral so the images inside the funeral home were not made public.
