Creating Netflix's upcoming mystery thriller "The Price of Confession" was like producing 12 separate thriller films rather than a traditional series, according to director Lee Jung-hyo. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the acclaimed filmmaker revealed his unique approach to crafting what promises to be an intensely suspenseful viewing experience.
"It was like producing 12 independent thrillers. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to sustain the tension throughout all 12 episodes," Lee explained during the promotional event. The director emphasized his commitment to keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, focusing on maintaining mystery around key plot elements like the true identity of the killer and whether additional suspects might be involved beyond the main characters.
Lee, whose impressive portfolio includes the 2019 romantic hit "Crash Landing on You" and the 2023 Netflix original series "Doona!", expressed particular excitement about venturing into the thriller genre for the first time. "While this is my first time working in this genre, I think it came out pretty well. I hope viewers enjoy all the twists," he said, demonstrating confidence in his genre-crossing abilities.
The production team invested heavily in visual storytelling to maximize the suspenseful atmosphere. "As you will see, we paid a lot of attention to the visual elements early on, such as the confession room, to build intrigue and spark viewers' curiosity," Lee noted, highlighting how art design plays a crucial role in the series' overall impact.
The crime thriller centers around Yun-su, portrayed by acclaimed actress Jeon Do-yeon, an art teacher who finds herself accused of brutally murdering her husband. The story takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Mo Eun, played by Kim Go-eun, a mysterious woman she meets while imprisoned. Mo Eun offers Yun-su an unexpected escape route by proposing to confess to the crime herself, but this apparent act of kindness comes with a dark price: Yun-su must commit murder on Mo Eun's behalf in return.
The reunion of Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun has generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike. The two versatile actresses previously collaborated on the 2015 film "Memories of the Sword," and their return to working together has heightened anticipation for the series. Jeon, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 for her powerful performance in Lee Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine," described her character as particularly complex.
"While she outwardly looks bright and free, expressing herself through fashion, she is also an orphan with a deep desire to fill an emptiness," Jeon explained about her role. "There is an underlying darkness to her, and I focused on portraying the character's hidden sides." The actress also revealed that she and Kim engaged in detailed discussions about how to authentically portray the unlikely bond that develops between their two characters.
Kim Go-eun, known for her compelling performances in the occult mystery "Exhuma" and Netflix's "You and Everything Else," brought her own interpretation to the enigmatic Mo Eun. "I wanted Mo Eun to be unreadable, someone whose thoughts remain mysterious," Kim shared. "But at the same time I also wanted glimpses of her fragility to come through. Though she doesn't show much emotion, I tried to convey that even in her blank expressions, there is something there."
The stellar cast extends beyond the two leading actresses to include Park Hae-soo, widely recognized for his roles in "Squid Game" and "Karma." Park takes on the role of prosecutor Baek Dong-hun, a character described as having a hidden agenda that adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Additionally, Jin Sun-kyu joins the cast as lawyer Jang Jeong-gu, rounding out the ensemble of characters who will drive the series' intricate plot.
"The Price of Confession" is scheduled to premiere on Friday, promising viewers a thrilling journey through 12 episodes of carefully crafted suspense. With Lee Jung-hyo's directorial vision, the compelling performances of the lead actresses, and a supporting cast bringing depth to every role, the series appears poised to deliver the unrelenting tension and emotional complexity that the director envisioned from the start.
