This is definitely the most star studded and most anticipated movie promotion in 2017 with an entourage of Hwang Jung Min, So Ji Sub & Song Joong Ki!
This has been the talk of town since the announcement for all 3 casts – Veteran Actor Hwang Jung Min, Charismatic actor So Ji Sub, Heartthrob Song Joong Ki and renowned Director Ryoo Seung Wan, to be gracing the gala premiere of Battleship Island in Singapore. We are the 1st stop for their overseas promotional tour. It’s indeed a very rare chance and you can see that the Korean organizer, TVN Movies, put a lot of emphasis and effort into this promotional tour.
I read in an article that the artistes also tried their best to free out their schedules for this tour and So Ji Sub pushed back some of his assignments.
The local organisers, Clover Films, Starhub, Golden Village, King Kong Media Production definitely had a hard time making all these possible, from venue sourcing to booking, getting everything else ready is anything, but easy. Thongs of fans would definitely have sent in many enquiries.
With this announcement sprouted many different contests to win gala premiere tickets, fan meet VIP passes and also the very exclusive media conference passes. It literally turned Sunny Island to become a replica of a “Mini Battleship Island” for only the “fittest & luckiest” survive this and get granted access to at least 1 of the 3 events.
With the hoard of Song Joong Ki fans around, it makes things even much more difficult by 100 times than usual. For fans of So Ji Sub like myself, I was thinking “Oh No, can they just allocate some numbers to So Ji Sub’s fans?”
The various modes and questions of contests span from “Who is your most favourite actor in Battleship Island? Why?”, “Who will you spend 48 hours with? Why?”, “Why do you deserve to win tickets to the gala premiere?”, “Think of a creative question to ask them at the press conference”, snap a photo of the movie posters at the cinema, “How would you spend 1 last hour at Suntec with your favourite cast before being drafted to Battleship Island?”, etc etc.
I totally racked all my brain cells dead in that one week because I have no creativity to speak of when it comes to such contests. It was really very fortunate that we got to win the VIP passes to the “Meet & Greet” and also tickets to the gala premiere.
It’s inevitable that the media’s focus is on Song Joong Ki and even for myself, I couldn’t really snap much nice photos in the VIP zone. Nonetheless, other than providing photos of the heartthrob for swooning, I would think that we should also give more attention to the other 2 A-List actors and the very renowned director.
After all, this is a team effort and it wouldn’t realise without the director casting them and for them to pull it through. It is a very brave and challenging effort for them to put through the dark moments of war time onto the big screen. It is very mentally and physically challenging to film the entire movie. It’s not just the physical aspect of filming in very cramped and dirty locations, to be covered in dirt and mud, but also mentally draining to be going through the type of emotions that the captive labourers had gone through. It is unraveling a dark part of history.
Host for the day was Danny Yeo Junwei and the translator lady was Lee Song Im. I really enjoy their collaborations for the past few Korean fan meets that I have been to and no, they did not disappoint. It was a very lively interaction.
The stars received a tremendously warm welcome with the fans screaming at their top of their lungs while they made their way through the entrance. It was just many hands up in the air with cameras and handphones and lots of flashing. You could only see bobbing heads moving through the barricades. It’s tough to spot So Ji Sub since he was in a black suit and he’s got the perfect height and physique of a bodyguard as well. It was easier to spot Song Joong Ki with the hair cut.
They were very surprised by the turnout that their expressions gave them away when they stood on stage for the 1st few minutes.
(Ji Sub oppa had to flick his hair back several times that night since it was growing a little longer than his usual hairstyle)
They turned left, right, looked up at levels 2 and 3 and stared in bewilderment for a while.
They gave people the impression that they are all very easy going and there’s no high and mighty Superstar aura. They seem to be pretty humble and down to earth, including the director. We also read somewhere in the news that they did not have any special requests for their trip to Singapore. Neither is there any question that they would not answer.
Director Ryoo and Hwang Jung Min greeted the fans and mentioned that they were very honoured and happy to be here and very happy that many fans turned up.
Director Ryoo didn’t seem very accustomed to standing around the stage for too long and he indeed was a little taken surprised to see such a big crowd. Hwang Jung Min had a solemn expression. Nonetheless, he had clarified earlier at the press conference that that’s just his normal face. Well we do understand, he’s a pretty much humorous guy actually. He took a step back and allowed his juniors to enjoy more of the limelight. However, he does have many people who like him as well.
Song Joong Ki, the groom-to-be, was definitely glowing with radiance and had an aura of positive vibes and happiness all over him. He looked very cheery. He had the most facial expressions and he is really photogenic. It’s easy to snap nice photos of him from practically any angle because of his small and sharper face, plus that snick haircut. It just makes him the star of aesthetics.
He said Hello and wished Singapore a Happy National Day. The next you would expect, was definitely deafening screams from the fans of the “Descendants of the Sun” star. His marriage announcement does not affect his popularity at all, this we are sure.
His fan service was good in that he would smile at all directions and acknowledged his fans when they screamed his name and posed for them, sending little hearts, waving or even walking to the side stage to say Hi to his fans. From what we can see, he seems to be a guy who really has very good upbringing and is considerate to the people around him, like how his co-stars quoted.
So Ji Sub was very calm and composed as usual but he is known to be a very warm guy who would pay attention to his fans who called out his name or raised his banners. He would walk to the left, right and even to the back of the stage several times, just to wave to his fans. He was delighted to be back in Singapore again after his fan meeting in April where he enjoyed himself very much. He was thankful for the warm welcome.
It was very challenging to snap photos when there were many cameras, handphones and hands right before you. Moreover, Ji Sub oppa loved to move around to wave Hi, be it at the back of the stage or at the side stages. He’s really a very warm and lovable person, though he looks so cool on the out-front. 超暖. He squint his eyes to find a handmade fan of his own face, gave a smile and waved. Well, he did look out for his fans too whilst acknowledging all who were there for the movie.
He’s quieter by nature, so it was already very good that we could see him smiling. He would be more energetic during his own fan meeting when he was with the fans who truly love him. He’s just more reserved when it comes to big events like this.
Well, I didn’t particularly like oppa’s new hairstyle though. =X I prefer the suave, cool cut he had at his fan meeting in April. Maybe he’s keeping that hairstyle for his new project? Well, we will find out in time to come.
I have put together the Interview Q&A as best as I could as follow:
Host: This is one epic and amazing movie. It requires so much effort and the director is very courageous to film this movie. We are sure this would be one amazing example of a successful Korean movie. Why did you decide to direct the movie?
Director mentioned that the story was dated all the way back to 1940s. He filmed this movie because he wanted to raise awareness of the atrocities that people suffered back in the days of the Japanese Occupation in 1940, which is unknown to many.
Host: Mr Hwang Jung Min has a very challenging role in this movie. You were initially very mischievous, later on very loyal and have difficult decisions to make. How do you feel about your role?
Hwang: He is rather naughty at the beginning and is artistically talented as he is a band leader. But he is also a father of a young daughter, so he has a duty to protect her. It’s very interesting to watch this transition through the movie.
Host: Was it very difficult to act with a child? She is very talented, can do somersaults, sing, cry and interacted very well with you. How was it like?
Hwang: Even though she is a child female lead in the movie, she is immensely talented and even though she is a lot younger, I actually learn a lot from her as I work on the set with her.
Host to SJK: Did you complain to the director that your role appears a little later than the others in the movie? Can I have more screen time? Can I appear a littler earlier?
SJK: Absolutely not. I don’t have any complaints about appearing in the movie late because I thought that’s a calculated move by the director to bring out the best in the character and the story line. So it was to develop the story better.
Host: Just want to let fans of SJK know that, there is this very long scene in the movie that he’s NOT wearing a shirt. He was very sweaty, lots of mud and dirt on his body. Do you like to see that?
The fans all shouted a fervent “Yes”.
Host: “Now? Nononono in the movie.. “
His co-actors were all giggling.
Host: Was it difficult being in an environment… because I think the director put all the actors in a challenge and you have to look real being in the scene. How were those challenges and environment like for you?
SJK: Yes, indeed there were challenges of course. But we felt that it was absolutely necessary to create a better movie and especially to bring out the realities and historical accounts within the story to the big screen.
Host and translator moved to the other side of the stage as Ji Sub oppa seemed to have some difficulties hearing the interview questions. We also found out later on that they shifted over so that fans at the other side could also have a glimpse of the stars. Isn’t that very sweet and considerate of our host and translator?
Host: Just now we mentioned that someone went shirtless, I just like to let you know, he didn’t even wear a pant. He was equally wet and sweaty and fighting in this intense scene. So as someone who got really good physique, is it possible for an actor to tell the director that I think I look better without anything on in the movie?
There were giggles from the crowd and it seemed like Ji Sub oppa understood the question and was already smiling bashfully.
SJS: It wasn’t my idea. It was absolutely the director’s idea because that was what the captive labourers back then during the bath times were wearing in fact, in reality. So I felt that I need to portray it as real as possible, to really bring out the reality through the big screen. That was just wearing a very minimal undergarment and doing the necessary.
Host: I like the research and hard work put into this movie. This is difficult to really create a representative ship. So that is really important. Now it feels like you put in 150% of your effort into a role, and this is your first time working with the director as well. Can we say that this is a very difficult and challenging role for you in The Battleship Island?
SJS: Very challenging shoot. I would say it is one of the most challenging roles indeed. But I learnt a lot along the way from the director and I realised it was as if I made a step forward as an actor through Director Ryoo.
Host: Thank you so much. Who is gonna be watching the movie this weekend? Can you raise your hand and wave a little bit?
Song Joong Ki moved forward and and said he couldn’t hear the audience. The crowd went literally wild.
SJK: I heard the movie is opening on 17th August. Who in this place is going to watch the movie?
At this time, SJS walked over to pat the director and Hwang Jung Min’s shoulders, probably afraid that they would get bored. That’s a very sweet gesture.
Host: We also have a sneak preview this weekend. Before we go for the gala premiere, can you each tell us what you would like them to look out for, or what to expect, what to anticipate from the movie? Would you like to start please?
SJS walked over to SJK and tapped his shoulder : It features Song Joong Ki.
SJK walked over and tapped his shoulder as well: It features So Ji Sub too.
Both actors were chuckling as they “promoted” each other as the Highlight of the movie.
Well, that “Bromance” between the 2 very popular actors had definitely gotten many people swooning. There wasn’t a tinge of rivalry felt but more of a team effort to bring out this very epic and highly anticipated project. They were all praising each other to be the main highlight of the movie.
SJS: Well, even though all of us come from different countries, I feel that as we watch the movie and you watch the atrocities that took place within the island, the separations and the trauma that happened to the captive labourers. I feel that you can somehow relate to it and I hope that you can be touched by the story and be more aware that this event actually happened.
SJK: Well as mentioned earlier, the movie features a young actress named Kim Su An. Her face and her expressions, her every action in the movie tells a story and there’s meaning in the story. So just look out for that. Just alongside, I’m sure some of the young teenagers, young men and women on this space present today will be catching the movie. I hope that you can look out for this point and try to look at it from a new perspective and learn a thing or two about Battleship Island and the historical account.
(Side note: Oh yes, I really love Kim Su An’s acting in the movie.)
Host: I like it when the young girl looked into the camera for this very special moment.
Mr Hwang Jung Min, can we get you to tell us what to look out for?
Hwang: Me?
Song Joong Ki and So Ji Sub started laughing and there was also some laughter from the audience.
Hwang: So I think you can look out for 2 things in the movie. 1 is, the movie actually tries to prompt the audience to look back into the past and learn from the past and from there, have some learning to direct you to a better future. The 2nd thing would be, please look out for the big emotions, mixed emotions that’s done in the movie. There will be a new learning point which will be very interesting to watch.
This is one thing we love about Hwang Jung Min. He’s not just a very experienced and excellent actor who has a sense of humour, but also has deep insights that he can share with everyone else through his understanding.
Host: Ladies and gentleman, the man who must have had sleepless nights to put in a lot of hard effort, very difficult to be a director for this movie especially. Can we hear from Director Ryoo Seung Wan, what do you think Singapore audience should look out for and how should they remember this movie?
Director: So August 9th is the National Day of Singapore. As mentioned earlier, I know it is National Day tomorrow, Singapore. But this particular movie, the story actually ended in 1945 September. I think there is some kind of correlation from that to Singapore. What a coincidence is it is very meaningful indeed. Please do have your faith in your favourite actors here and do have faith in their acting because they will be surpassing your expectations, their performances wise. So do look out for that too.
The guys then turned their backs and took a mass photo with the audience present. Can we call this “Sexy Backs”?
There we had our very precious group photo with the leading men. Try spotting yourself in the crowd if you were there.
Then there came the scary Confetti that sprouted out of nowhere and startled almost everyone on stage with a loud POP. In my opinion, that was the HIGHLIGHT of the night, with their priceless expressions and reactions.
Hwang Jung Min looked so comical but had a shocked expression while Song Joong Ki held on to his back, half hiding and laughing away. Director Ryoo smiled though he was pretty startled too, while So Ji Sub was already walking away but backtracked a little since he was also shocked but remained very calm and cool.
Being so near the stage, I can attest to it that it was really like a BOMB when the confetti pop out. I jumped a little too.
The men then bid the fans all around good bye and proceeded for the gala premiere at Marina Bay Sands. You could still see the long throng of fans who lined the pave way all the way till outside the building and along the roads.
Such is the support that Singapore fans have for their beloved actors.
Gala Premiere Red Carpet at Marina Bay Sands
It was also a great haste for us to be rushing over to MBS to make it for the red carpet. When we reached the venue, it was already very packed and we could practically see nothing except bobbing heads. We couldn’t really hear what they were saying as well.
The 4 men emerged from Level 2 and walked down the red carpeted stairway to take the stage. It was just a short few minutes interview.
Host asked director and the 3 cast to say their Hellos to Singapore fans.
Director: Thank you everyone for making time to join us tonight and coming all the way down to catch this movie. Very happy to have all of you here and I think it will be a most memorable night for us and all the staff and crew who work on this movie together.
Hwang: I deeply appreciate all the warm welcome that you gave and showered us ever since we arrived in Singapore. It is my first visit to. Singapore. Really happy to be here and Love you all.
SJK: Thank you so much for your warm welcome. I’m really happy to be back here in Singapore. I just visited about a few months ago and I’m happy to be back. The cast and the crew, we have all put in our all to making this movie. So please enjoy it.
Host: No wonder you look so familiar. I thought I saw you in Singapore before.
SJK laughed along to Junwei’s joke. They met during Park Bo Gum’s fan meet earlier in February this year and SJK had 45 minutes on stage. I’m very sure he would remember him.
SJS: Everyone, I’m really happy to be back in Singapore and I hope every one of you who catch the movie tonight, I hope it will be one of the most meaningful and memorable movies you catch.
The cast and director then proceeded to meet the audience in the Sands Theatre.
Gala Premiere at Sands Theatre
The cast and director were invited on stage for about 8 minutes to introduce the movie.
So Ji Sub and Song Joong Ki were looking around the hall and noticed the fans on Level 2, thus they peered up, smiled and waved. I think this is a very sweet gesture as it shows that they do care about fans who were there to meet them.
Host: Can the director share about what they can expect to bring back and what they can anticipate from watching this movie?
Director: From watching perhaps the trailer part into watching the actual film itself, I’m sure everyone here have your own interpretation of what the film is going to look like. Please leave that aside for now and as the movie begins, just let yourself, immerse yourself in the movie and just feel it and put yourself in the character’s shoes, just fully immerse yourself in it. I’m sure it’s going to be a very different experience altogether and the performance is going to surpass your expectations. I can confidently say that, so please enjoy it.
Hwang: First of all, I hope everyone here present enjoy the movie. Please don’t fall asleep. The movie really portrays the horrors and war trauma and the hardships that captive labourers went through in the island. So please immense yourself in it and please enjoy it.
SJK: Really happy to be back to Singapore and to meet familiar faces here. I see people from different countries. There are Koreans here as well as some families here. I really hope that after watching the movie, it will prompt the audiences here to really have an interesting discussion to discuss about what you actually watch. Please enjoy, it is a movie after all. So whatever issues and political perspectives aside, please enjoy.
SJS: It is a movie after all, so please drop all your stereotypes or any picture that you had already pictured in your mind about the movie. Just do enjoy it. As you watch the movie, I just hope it will be able to pop to yourself some interesting questions.
It was a brief 7 or 8 minutes on stage but you would feel warmed by their gestures, when you see SJS looking at Level 2 where we were at and waving at the fans. SJK would also react to any call out of his name.
The movie is really good and pretty enjoyable, though it definitely has its very sad and painful moments. I will do the movie review in another post.
The events were indeed a tad too short and it was such a difficult ordeal in trying to win the tickets, but I am really glad that I was one of the lucky ones to be able to make it.
I hope that the box office sales for Battleship Island in Singapore would have some awesome results.
A sincere THANK YOU to all the sponsors, organisers, crew, host, translator for helping to put the event together. It would not have been possible without everyone’s support.
The fans had been ever so supportive and also not forgetting to help one another stay safe during the events.
It was indeed a team effort, by everyone, for the movie, for the cast, and for people who love them.
This reminded me of some of the scenes in the movie, whereby it shows unity is strength.
The Battleship Island promotional events in SG may have come to an end, but I’m sure the oppas would bring back very fond and warm memories from Sunny Island.
We hope to see them grace our shores again someday, hopefully not too long from now. =)
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