The movie ‘Baeksoo Apartment’ is drawing attention by releasing a Q&A interview with producer Ma Dong-seok.

The mystery comedy chase drama ‘Baeksoo Apartment’, which depicts the story of Baeksoo Mirror, who seeks to implement justice by stirring up the neighborhood, investigating his neighbors to find the source of the noise between floors that echoes through his apartment every 4 a.m., is drawing attention by suddenly releasing a Q&A with producer Ma Dong-seok.

Ma Dong-seok established the production company Big Punch Pictures in 2018 and has been steadily planning and producing. From the ‘The Outlaws’ series to ‘The Wilderness’, ‘Apgujeong’, he has presented diverse and interesting works in terms of genre and theme every time, and is once again presenting joy to audiences with the mystery comedy chase drama ‘Baeksoo Apartment’. The Q&A that was released is interesting because it gives a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of the production of ‘Baeksoo Apartment’, as well as Ma Dong-seok‘s philosophy as a producer. When asked about the most important aspect of producing ‘Baeksoo Apartment’, he said, “I think that only when there is a good drama that the audience can immerse themselves in, can the action, comedy, and acting of the actors shine. It is a familiar subject matter of noise between floors, but it has fresh elements, and I thought it was a story that could be fun and meaningful,” emphasizing the interesting elements of the work. He also said, “I think good people make good movies, regardless of whether they are new or not. Director Lee Roo-da was a director with good ideas and passion, and he had a love for this scenario,” revealing what made him decide to take on a new challenge with Director Lee Roo-da. He continued, “I make movies with the hope that the audience who watches them will leave the theater feeling happy. ‘Baeksoo Apartment’ is also a good balance of drama and comedy, so I think many viewers will enjoy it,” he said, talking about his film philosophy reflected in ‘Baeksoo Apartment’.

‘Baeksoo Apartment’ is a film that will make moviegoers fall for apartmentholics in 2025 with its realistic subject matter of noise between floors that anyone can relate to, a familiar yet unique story that blends various genres, and the delightful chemistry between Kyung Soo-jin, Go Kyu-pil, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Joo-ryeong, and Choi Yoo-jung. It is currently showing in theaters nationwide to rave reviews.




●The following is a Q&A with Ma Dong-seok

Q. What part of the film ‘Baeksoo Apartment’ attracted you so much that you decided to produce it?
I read the script for ‘Baeksu Apartment’ written by Director Iru Da at the recommendation of CEO Oh Eun Young of Io Contents Group. I felt that it was a realistic film with a good mix of comedy and drama, and I thought it would be an interesting film. After that, I met with Director Iru Da, CEO Choi Won Ki of Nova Film, and our team members to talk. I felt that he had a firm determination for his directing direction, and he was a director who communicated well, so I felt that he was a director who I could look forward to in many ways, and I happily started producing it.

Q. What do you consider the most important part when preparing for movie production, and what did you focus on the most in ‘Baeksu Apartment’?
There are many important things when preparing for production, such as attracting investment, production, and casting, but first of all, the script. Of those, I think the most important parts in a play are the story and drama. I think that if there is a good drama that the audience can immerse themselves in, the action, comedy, and the actors’ acting will shine. It was the same when producing the ‘Crime City’ series. We constantly have meetings to create the story and drama. ‘Baeksu Apartment’ is a familiar subject matter of noise between floors, but I think it has fresh elements and is a story that can be fun and meaningful.

Q. The film ‘Baeksu Apartment’ is director Lee Roo-da‘s debut film. Working with a new director can be a new challenge, but was there a moment that gave you confidence as a producer?
Director Lee Roo-da was a director with good ideas and passion, and he had a love for this scenario. I think good people make good movies, whether they are new or not. I plan to continue working with directors who are good in terms of character and skill.

Q. Is there any part of your own philosophy on movies that is reflected in the film ‘Baeksu Apartment’?
I make movies with the hope that the audience who watches them will leave the theater feeling happy. The ‘The Outlaws’ series is the same. Making movies is also something I do as an entertainer, wanting to entertain the audience. ‘Baeksu Apartment’ is also a good balance of drama and comedy, so I think many viewers will enjoy it.

Q. Is there a difference between your perspective on a movie as a producer and as an actor?
Acting and movie production are both things I love. Acting allows me to deeply understand the character’s situation and emotions, and that experience is also a great help in movie production. When I immerse myself in a role, there are times when I want to tell a story from that character‘s perspective. That’s why I often come up with ideas. Even during the production process, I can create a rich drama through my acting experience. I think the two jobs complement each other.

Q. As a producer, what was the most rewarding moment for you?
Of course, it‘s meeting the audience. Movies are about communication. The greatest reward is giving joy to the audience through that communication. I feel the most rewarded when I successfully finish filming and show the movie to the audience. I hope ‘Baeksu Apartment’ can meet many viewers.

Q. What are your thoughts on the unique acting of actors Kyung Soo-jin, Koo Kyu-pil, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Joo-ryeong, and Choi Yoo-jung in the movie ‘Baeksoo Apartment’?
Actress Kyung Soo-jin worked with me first in the soon-to-be-released ‘Holy Night: Demon Hunters’. While working with her, I thought she was an actress with both great acting skills and a great personality, so I offered her the lead role in ‘Baeksoo Apartment’. I am grateful that she led the drama so well as a lead in ‘Baeksoo Apartment’. Actor Ko Kyu-pil played the role of ‘Chorong-i’ in ‘The Outlaws 3’. We had great chemistry together, and he is an actor who is good at various types of acting. He also gave us his best performance in ‘Baeksoo Apartment’. Actor Lee Ji-hoon has seen many works, and he gave a great performance even though it was a role with a lot of emotional scenes. Actress Kim Joo-ryeong already has a great filmography, and it was impressive to see her acting while getting along well with other actors. I was grateful that she held the center well in ‘Baeksoo Apartment’. Actress Choi Yoo-jung is acting for the first time, but I think she showed the colors that only she can show. I think she is a talented actress who acts well. I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to all the actors who appeared in the movie I produced.

Q. Is there a scene or line that was the most impressive in the movie ‘Baeksoo Apartment’?
I don’t think there was a single scene that was filmed carelessly. I hope the audience enjoys this movie. I think the scenes where the chemistry between the three siblings Mirror, Doo-on, and Se-on stands out were really warm and good.

Q. What kind of expectations do you think the audience should have when watching ‘Baeksoo Apartment’?
I think it is a diverse movie that can have different points of view depending on the individual and the viewer. It is a movie with various points of view such as noise between floors and family love. And I think that if you laugh and enjoy it with a relaxed mind, there will be a small echo. I hope that everyone will come out of the theater happily after watching the movie.

Choi Yun-na, Donga.com reporter yyynnn@donga.com

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