After 20 years, Choi Sooyoung goes full villain for Okay Madam 2
Choi Sooyoung previews her first action role as Anya in Okay Madam 2, joining Uhm Jung-hwa for the comedy sequel opening August 12.
"First action in 20 years" Choi Sooyoung reveals details on her character 'Anya'
Actress Choi Sooyoung is taking on her first-ever action role in her 20 years since debut.
On the morning of the 13th, Choi Sooyoung attended the production press conference for the film 'Okay Madam 2' held at CGV Yongsan IPARK Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where she shared her thoughts on transforming into the villain 'Anya.' The event was attended by director Lee Chul-ha along with Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang Yoon, Bae Jung-nam, Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Choi Sooyoung.
"It has been about 20 years since I started working, but this is my first time doing action," Choi Sooyoung said, expressing the significance of the challenge. She showed particular affection for Uhm Jung-hwa, her co-star, stating, "She is a senior in the music industry and a senior walking the same path as an actress whom I admire.\" She added that it was interesting because her character, Anya, also views Mi-young (played by Uhm Jung-hwa) as a role model to admire, mirroring her own real-life feelings.
The final villain where charisma and childlike traits coexist
In this production, the 'Anya' role played by Choi Sooyoung serves as the film's ultimate villain. "There aren't many female villain roles, so I was so happy when I first received the proposal," Choi Sooyoung said, showing her attachment to the character. She revealed, "I wanted to make Anya not predictable, so I actively suggested costume ideas to the director."
Anya's personality is portrayed with more depth than a simple villain. "While scary and goosebump-inducing villains are good, Anya has a childlike side where she acts out of pure fan-like devotion," Choi Sooyoung explained. Director Lee Chul-ha shared the casting behind-the-scenes story, noting, "I kept actress Choi Sooyoung as a strong candidate while discussing the role."
Uhm Jung-hwa remarked, "Compared to the first film, the space has expanded and appropriate action has been added, making it very enjoyable to watch. The action scene unfolding at the beach at the end was filmed intensely and was difficult, but I am satisfied with the result."
A comic action story of a family caught in a cruise kidnapping
'Okay Madam 2' is the sequel to 'Okay Madam,' which was released in 2020 and drew 1.22 million viewers. Directed by Lee Chul-ha, the original cast members including Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang Yoon, and Bae Jung-nam are joined by Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Choi Sooyoung.
The film is a comic action piece about the family of former agent Mi-young (played by Uhm Jung-hwa), who are caught up in a cruise kidnapping incident during a luxury cruise trip. 'Okay Madam 2' is set to be released in theaters nationwide on August 12.
