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Han Ye-ri (provided by Pancinema)

In a Feb. 23 online video interview, actor Han Ye-ri recalled her “invaluable experience” working on the film “Minari,” scheduled to premiere in S. Korea on Mar. 3.

“It looks like ‘Minari’ is going to be the biggest turning point in my filmography. But it’s more than just my filmography — I’ll also remember it as a great experience in my life.”

An autobiographical film directed by Korean-American Lee Isaac Chung (Korean name Chung I-sak), “Minari” tells the story of a Korean-American family that moves to Arkansas in the 1980s. Han plays the role of Monica, wife of Jacob (Steven Yeun) and mother of two children.

A still from “Minari” (provided by Pancinema)

Since picking up the US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and US Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival early last year, “Minari” has racked up 74 honors at film competitions around the world. It’s also being seen as a leading contender for nominations at this year’s Academy Awards in April.

“I never imagined ‘Minari’ would receive this much international recognition,” Han said.

“When I received the first translated script, I couldn’t see exactly what kind of film it was or what kind of character Monica was. I wanted to meet with the director right away and ask him,” she recalled.

“When I met him, I found out that his childhood wasn’t all that different from mine. We were on the same page about the kinds of stories you would find in an ordinary Korean family, and I thought we could work together to build Monica as a character.”

At the time that she agreed to star, Han anticipated that she would “have fun making a small-scale film.” She never dreamed that she might end up talked about as a potential Oscar nominee.

When asked about her hopes for the Oscars, she said, “I’m thrilled, although I don’t know if we’ll get any awards. I’d love to see some good news for the director and Youn Yuh-jung.” Youn, Han’s co-star in the film, is being tipped for a Best Supporting Actress nomination.

Han Ye-ri (provided by Pancinema)

Despite the ambitions of reaching the “big leagues” of world cinema in Hollywood, the conditions on set were less than glamorous. The film was shot in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the high summer months of July and August, with average temperatures near 40°C (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Inside the trailer that served as the film’s main set, the temperature spiked to 43°C (109 degrees Fahrenheit).

“The humidity was high, too, so it felt like a steam bath. Our faces were all red,” Han remembered.

“I was especially worried about the child actors and Youn Yuh-jung. They ended up rushing to install an air conditioner in the trailer.”

What kept them going through all the difficulties was a strong sense of shared affection. With no one else around the shooting site, the cast and crew became like family, boarding together and sharing meals outside of filming, Han said.

“Maybe it’s because the director is just such a special person, but there were a lot of people who came to offer help without asking for anything in return,” she said.

“Seeing that whole process and how happy and pleasant it was, I could sense the energy of love. I can remember how choked up I felt after the last scene was filmed, and the director went up to each of the cast and crew members to say, ‘Thank you.’”

A still from “Minari” (provided by Pancinema)

Han also said she learned a lot from working with Youn, who played Monica’s mother Soon-ja.

“I felt like I should learn from her sense of humor, which created such a positive energy on the set,” she said.

“More than anything, I learned about courage from the way she acted, and how she didn’t seem at all worried about working with people she didn’t know in a foreign country. I’d been terrified since I boarded the airplane for the US,” she added.

“I also learned a lot from her candor. I decided that that was how I should live my life, too. When things are tough, I should say they’re tough, and when I like something, I should say I like it.”

After seeing “Minari,” “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho offered high praise for Han’s performance, saying the “acting was especially good in the scene where Han Ye-ri and Youn Yuh-jung reunite.” Han was visibly delighted by the compliment, calling it an “honor.”

“Bong Joon-ho sent me a text message telling me, ‘I really liked these parts.’ And I wrote back to ask him, ‘Are you just saying these things to make me feel better?’” she remembered.

“I’m thrilled that he liked the movie. It already kind of feels like ‘Minari’ is carrying on the baton from ‘Parasite,’ and it makes you feel that much better to have the other runners recognize you.”

By Suh Jung-min, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]