Actors Lee Re (left) and Ra Mi-ran pose at the press screening·media briefing for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Yonhap News

Sweet confections that grant wishes, yet the chilly choices and responsibilities hidden behind them. The bestseller that captured children around the world lands on the big screen in a distinctly Korean palette. The film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ has flung open the doors to fantasy.

Main poster for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’.

On the afternoon of the 13th, a press screening and media Q&A for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Director Park Bong-seop and lead actors Ra Mi-ran and Lee Re attended, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of Jeoncheondang reborn as K-fantasy.

‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ depicts a magical tale that unfolds as customers bearing lucky coins find their way to Jeoncheondang, a sweet shop run by its enigmatic proprietor, Hongja. Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the project heightens anticipation with a theatrical release followed by a 12-episode series slated for the second half of the year.

Director Park Bong-seop delivers opening remarks at the press screening·media briefing for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Yonhap News

Director Park Bong-seop, who had stood out with genre projects, chose a fantasy drama for a surprisingly modest reason. Park said, “It was a book my elementary school daughter really enjoyed. I became curious and, when I read it, I was drawn in,” and added, “I had worked on many strong, hard-hitting projects, but this time I wanted to make something I could watch hand in hand with my daughter.”

The process of easing the original’s Japanese color and crafting ‘K-Jeoncheondang’ required meticulous calibration. Park explained, “I even considered completely changing the hair and costume for Hongja to a Joseon-era style, but, mindful of not betraying fans of the original, we decided to preserve the essence,” and continued, “Instead, we devoted ourselves to weaving Korean sensibilities into each detail, from the binyeo hairpin and vest to every prop on set.”

Film still from ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’.

Actor Ra Mi-ran delivers opening remarks at the press screening·media briefing for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Yonhap News

The degree of sync with the original characters was the topic of the day. Ra Mi-ran, who embodies ‘Hongja,’ the proprietor of Jeoncheondang with an uncommon aura, confessed, “At first I had many concerns because of the gap between the plump Hongja in the original and my own appearance.” However, “the moment the white hair was put up, I felt certain that ‘this will work.’ I saw it as a challenge I could encompass through acting, beyond outward looks,” she said with confidence. In particular, she shared a wry hardship, enduring a wig approaching 3 kg for more than 12 hours a day and “eating demurely like a statue.”

Actor Lee Re listens to a question at the press screening·media briefing for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Yonhap News

Lee Re, who plays ‘Yomi,’ proprietor of the rival shop Hwaangdang, likewise seized attention with a sharp bob and flamboyant styling. Lee Re said, “It was a style I had never tried even once in my life, so I enjoyed filming immensely throughout,” and added, “As a villain who cannot be hated, I wanted to approach audiences in a lovable way.”

Actors Lee Re and Ra Mi-ran pose at the press screening·media briefing for the film ‘The Mysterious Confectionery Shop Jeoncheondang’ at Megabox COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Yonhap News

The special connection between the two actors warmed the scene even more. Lee Re said, “I have seen my senior since a project that was practically my debut (the film ‘Wish’), and because we were together at various points in my growth, I felt truly at ease,” and added, “I believed that whatever performance I gave, my senior would accept it all.” In response, Ra Mi-ran described Lee Re as “someone who looks gentle but is resolute inside,” hinting that she had completed a more three-dimensional Yomi than in the original.

Finally, Ra Mi-ran said, “‘Jeoncheondang’ is not merely a story for children. It is a story about human desire and responsibility that all generations can empathize with,” encouraging viewers of every age group to watch. Director Park likewise asked, “Please first enjoy the splendid visual effects of Jeoncheondang on the wide screen.”

In theaters on May 29.