Details On New K-Movie Starring Two “Controversial” Actresses Spark Strong Reactions

As more details about actress Han So Hee‘s next K-Movie, PROJECT Y, emerge, fans aren’t too sure what to make of the alleged plot.

The movie, which has been announced to premiere at the “50th Toronto International Film Festival” (TIFF) as a special presentation, stars the actress and her best friend, Jeon Jong Seo (Jun Jong Seo).

Han So Hee And Jeon Jong Seo Team Up For A Smoking Hot Photoshoot

While their previous photoshoot together had teased the movie, more details have been since revealed. PROJECT Y, a criminal noir, is said to be “set against the backdrop of Gangnam’s nightlife scene, where adult entertainment workers* Mi Seon (Han So Hee) and Do Kyung (Jeon Jong Seo), who have nothing but each other, steal ₩8.00 billion KRW (about $5.75 million USD) worth of illicit gold bars in a desperate bid to escape their rock-bottom reality.”

Unfortunately, this premise has not been received well. Fans expressed clear disappointment in the characters being “adult entertainment workers,” or “hwa-ryu-gye” women. The term literally means “the world of flowers and willows,” but it’s a euphemistic term in Korean that refers to the business of prostitution.

In addition to the two actresses being labeled “controversial” due to their past drama involving actor Ryu Jun Yeol and his ex-girlfriend and idol Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, their roles as characters from the nightlife scene also drew backlash. Many fans expressed frustration, saying they’re tired of the repeated portrayal of women this way in Korean films.

• “The film industry only ever makes stuff about gangsters, prostitutes, and crime.”
• “Hwa-ryu-gye women? Just call them what it is—prostitutes.”
• “Are there seriously no other story ideas?”
• “This is why Korean cinema is going downhill.”
• “Why would anyone want to make something like that?”
• “So cliché…”
• “If you’ve seen Han So Hee in My Name, you know she’d probably be great in this genre… and Jeon Jong Seo’s known for intense roles too.”

• “Sorry, but just the thought of these two filming something like this together is hilarious. LOL.”
• “Feels like I’ve already seen the whole movie.”
• “The plot sounds so overdone, seriously.”
• “So tired of this…”
• “And the director’s entire style is just… meh, too.”

PROJECT Y isn’t the only Han So Hee movie creating buzz online. Read more about her potential casting in the Korean remake of The Intern:

Han So Hee To Reportedly Take On An Iconic Anne Hathaway Role