Production kicked off in Seoul on Sept. 3 for “Hana Korea,” an ambitious Denmark-Korea co-production based on the real-life story of a North Korean defector.
“Hana Korea” is co-written and directed by Danish documentary filmmaker Frederik Sølberg and co-written by Sharon Choi, a filmmaker and Bong Joon-ho’s interpreter, who accompanied the director in his 2019 journey with “Parasite” from Cannes to its Oscar wins. Choi is also working as Sølberg’s on-set translator.
“Hana Korea” tells the story of Hyesun, a North Korean defector sent to the Hanawon (“house of unity”) educational institution for three months, where she is debriefed on life outside of the DPRK, learning about democracy, personal freedom, equality and how to use a credit card.
“Hana Korea’s” cast includes Minha Kim, who gained international recognition for her portrayal of Sunja in the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko”; Kim Joo-ryoung, seen in Netflix’s smash hit series “Squid Game”; and Ahn Seo-hyun, known for her leading role Mija in Bong Joon Ho’s “Okja.”
Denmark’s Sonntag Pictures and Korea’s Seesaw Pictures are producing, with Sara Stockmann (“Armadillo”) and Heejung Oh (“Pearl of the Desert”) serving as producers. Korean production house Nine Tailed Fox (“Pachinko”) is handling production services on location in Seoul. ReInvent is handling international sales.
“The production is progressing incredibly well,” said Oh of the first week of filming. “It’s inspiring to see the collaboration between the Korean crew and the Danish team, and the performances from our actors are truly outstanding. Frederik Sølberg’s vision for ‘Hana Korea’ is coming to life beautifully, supported by the invaluable collaboration with the highly esteemed Korean cast and crew.”
The Danish/Korean co-production has received backing from the Danish Film Institute, DR, Eurimages, DMZ Industry, KCA and the Seoul Film Commission.
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