Director Hong Ki-won announced that his upcoming disaster film "Concrete Market" will deliberately subvert the traditional clichés associated with the disaster movie genre during a press conference held in Seoul on Monday. The film introduces a fresh concept where survivors of a catastrophic earthquake must engage in trade to stay alive within the confines of the Hwanggung Market, the only remaining commercial space in a devastated apartment complex.

The movie shares its dystopian worldview with the 2023 film "Concrete Utopia" and depicts the aftermath of a massive earthquake that leaves only one apartment building standing, which houses the crucial Hwanggung Market. In this post-apocalyptic setting, survivors must navigate a complex trading system to obtain the goods necessary for their survival. Director Hong emphasized that this unique premise sets the film apart from typical disaster movies by focusing on economic survival rather than traditional rescue narratives.

The cast features Jung Man-sik portraying Park Sang-yong, the supreme authority figure who controls the market operations, while Hong Kyung takes on the role of Tae-jin, Park's trusted lieutenant and right-hand man. Lee Jae-in stars as Hee-ro, an 18-year-old high school student who must adapt to this harsh new reality. The diverse character dynamics promise to showcase various survival strategies and moral compromises in extreme circumstances.

Director Hong revealed that "Concrete Market" underwent significant changes during its development process, originally conceived as a television drama series before being adapted into a feature-length film. "When it was a series, we focused heavily on Hee-ro's narrative of seeking revenge for her friend Se-jung. In the film, various supporting characters and spaces blend together, driving the story forward nonstop in an event-centric way," the director explained during the press conference.

The cast members shared their perspectives on their complex characters during the event. Actor Hong Kyung expressed his enthusiasm for presenting audiences with a completely different world from their current reality. "Stories about everyday life are interesting, but there is definite pleasure in encountering stories that can only be found in films," he stated. He described his character Tae-jin as multifaceted, explaining that "all the characters are trying to survive, but their methods are all different. Tae-jin, in particular, exhibits a vulnerable and weak side, yet he also holds a warmth which made him appealing to perform."

Lee Jae-in provided insight into her portrayal of the teenage protagonist Hee-ro, describing her as a minor who attempts to navigate adult problems despite her own vulnerabilities. "Hee-ro is a kid who tries to act like an adult. She solves problems by acting calm, even when she is confused inside. But she also has a weak and easily emotional side, and that's what I loved about the character," Lee explained. Her character represents the struggle of young people forced to mature rapidly in crisis situations.

Jung Man-sik, who plays the market's authoritarian ruler Park Sang-yong, discussed his character's morally ambiguous nature and desire for power even in a destroyed world. "It would be wonderful if people helped and embraced each other and lived together in this destroyed world. But surprisingly, whether the world is ruined or not, there's always someone who thinks, 'I need more.' I wanted to express that kind of person," Jung said about his character's motivations and the film's exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances.

Set in a dystopian environment, "Concrete Market" aims to captivate viewers by showcasing the diverse survival methods employed by its characters while delivering intense suspense as they clash and struggle among the ruins of civilization. The cast members expressed their hope that audiences will engage with the film by imagining how they would behave in a world where familiar social structures have completely collapsed. "Concrete Market" is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on Wednesday, promising to offer a fresh take on the disaster film genre through its unique focus on economic survival and human adaptability.