Lead Actor Responds to Negative Reviews and Discusses the Unique Concept of the Sequel

Courtesy of NETFLIX

Cha Seung-won, the lead actor in Netflix's latest film "Believer 2," addressed negative reviews surrounding the film's release, acknowledging the audience's varied responses during an interview at a cafe in Jung District, central Seoul, last Friday.

Released on Nov. 17, "Believer 2" follows Cha's character Brian Lee, a hidden figure within a drug organization, in a continuation from the original film. Despite briefly reaching No. 1 on Netflix's rankings for non-English language films, the response from viewers, both in and outside of Korea, has been largely negative, criticizing the flat storyline and overdone characters. 

▲ Courtesy of NETFLIX

"Believer 2" is classified as a midquel, a concept relatively unfamiliar to Korean movie fans, denoting a follow-up film that occurs during the main story rather than before or after the original. The sequel, however, received mixed reviews, with IMDb citing it as a "let down" compared to the success of its predecessor.

Cha Seung-won expressed his initial surprise at the midquel concept, stating, "I didn’t have much knowledge of the concept of midquels," and mentioned the challenges faced by the director and cast in integrating new characters seamlessly into the original "Believer" film's framework.

▲ Courtesy of NETFLIXIn portraying his character Brian again five years later, Cha aimed to imbue a religious or philosophical sense, emphasizing the drastic transformation of a person after enduring significant damage. He faced physical challenges during filming as the character utilizes a wheelchair, leading to discomfort and cramps in his stomach.

Reflecting on his acting career, Cha Seung-won shared insights on the need for actors to balance the public image others hold of them and their personal identity. He acknowledged the potential for a significant gap between public perception and self-image in the profession, emphasizing the importance of finding a middle ground to avoid depression.

While "Believer 2" faced criticism, Cha hinted at the potential for further installments, noting the film series' alignment with the current societal concern of drug-related issues in Korea. He underscored the need for actors to establish their identity and build upon it to navigate the challenges of the profession.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com