‘Jirisan’ Writer Kim Eun Hee Talks About Creating ‘Challenging’ Dramas Following Complaints Regarding Bad CGI Effects
Renowned writer Kim Eun Hee details her thoughts regarding her top-rating Korean dramas and her screenwriting journey.
The South Korean playwright and screenwriter is the genius behind the hit series "Signal" with Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo and Jo Jin Woong and the blockbuster K-zombie "Kingdom" starring Ju Ji Hoon, Bae Doona and Ryu Seung Ryong.
Her latest is the highly anticipated team-up of the "Kingdom" stars Ju Ji Hoon and Jun Ji Hyun for the action-thriller "Jirisan."
The 16 episode Kdrama follows the story of Mount Jirisan's park ranger and their journey uncovering the mystery surrounding the mountain.
Kim Eun Hee on Writing Series with Political and Dark Social Issues
For the past years since she started working in the industry back in 2006 for the movie "Once in a Summer," most of her dramas and films depict social issues like class conflict and crimes as well as political issues.
With this, she spoke about what prompted her to veer away from the usual plot that the audience sees on Kdramas.
"I don't want viewers to fantasize about reality because of the drama," she said during her interview with CNN Film School.
To recall, her 2016 tvN series "Signal" is based on true stories of unsolved cases in South Korea, one of which is the murder between 1986 to 1991 that occurred in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.
Ten victims were reported dead, ranging from a 13-year-old student to a 71-year-old grandmother.
Moreover, she also detailed what made her create such compelling and interesting stories.
Kim Eun Hee revealed that she likes creating "very challenging" plots.
In addition, she also shared how she feels receiving overwhelming and positive responses like being rewarded for writing the story.
"The feeling is very addictive," she said.
Moreover, she left good advice for aspiring writers and future screenwriters.
"Anyone can become a good drama writer as long as they have an interest in people."
READ MORE: 'Jirisan' Achieves Record-Breaking Viewership Rating + Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon's Kdrama Criticized for Flawed CGI Effects
'Jirisan' Receives Complaints Regarding Questionable Directing and CGI Effects
Kim Eun Hee's interview comes after Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon's Kdrama "Jirisan" was criticized for poorly done CGI (computer-generated imagery) effects despite having a big production budget.
Several outlets cited a remark by the "Beauty Inside" director Baek Jong Yeol, expressing his observation regarding the questionable animation.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, the PD pointed out that "Jirisan" lacks direction, making the cast struggle in acting.
"I think there's something wrong with the direction. I guess there must have been a reason behind 'Jirisan.' It's magical the way it can even make all those actors look like they can't act well. I'm sorry if this was done purposely," he said.
Apart from the top-notch actors, "Jirisan" cast members also include veteran actor Sung Dong Il, "It's Okay to Not be Okay" star and Baeksang Arts winner Oh Jung Se, Jo Han Chul and Go Min Si.
Amid the criticisms, the Saturday and Sunday night drama managed to score a record-breaking viewership rating of 9.1 percent, as cited by Nielsen Korea.
"Jirisan" viewership rating for its pilot episode is said to be tvN's second-highest premiere rating, following "Hospital Playlist 2."
