On the night of March 14th, two thriller masterpieces with completely different characters will collide head-on on TV screens. tvN's 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea' (directed by Im Pil-sung, written by Oh Han-ki, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Mindmark and Studio 329) and TV CHOSUN's 'Doctor Shin' (written by Phoebe (Im Seong-han), directed by Lee Seung-hoon, produced by Scene & Studio and TME Group) are the main characters.
From the impressive backgrounds of the production team to the way the cast is organized, the two works, which show a stark contrast in every aspect, are heralding an uncompromising 'Saturday Night War.'
▶ The return of genre master Im Pil-sung and Phoebe, the symbol of unconventional narratives.
The biggest difference between the two films lies in the directors' backgrounds. Director Yim Pil-sung of "The Landlord" is a genre master known for his sensuous mise-en-scène depictions of the human abyss and fears in films like "Antarctic Journal" and "Hansel and Gretel." The dense directing skills he demonstrated in "Not Rotting for a Very Long Time" from Netflix's "Persona" raises anticipation for how he will be utilized in this realistic suspense film.
Meanwhile, Phoebe (Im Seong-han), the writer of "Doctor Shin," is a symbol of narrative, having stirred up South Korea with unconventional settings and developments in every work she releases, including "Look Again," "The Little Mermaid," and "My Heaven." The fact that this is her first attempt at a medical thriller, a key point of interest, is the fact that she has established a unique domain with provocative and captivating stories that are so captivating that they are often called "makjang." Furthermore, director Lee Seung-hoon, who also worked with her on "Marriage Lyrics and Divorce Music," has joined the cast, heralding the peak of Phoebe's world.
▶The weight of top actors and the mysterious synergy of newcomers
The cast composition is also contrasting. "The Landlord" boasts a cast of top Korean actors, including Ha Jung-woo (as Ki Soo-jong), Im Soo-jung (as Kim Sun), and Shim Eun-kyung (as Yona), all of whom are trustworthy even by their mere names, garnering overwhelming attention. The key point is the acting battle between Shim Eun-kyung, who transforms into the villainous Yona, and Ha Jung-woo, who plays Ki Soo-jong. Conversely, "Doctor Shin" stars fresh faces like Jung Yi-chan (as Shin Joo-shin) and Baek Seo-ra (as Momo), emphasizing the subtle tension between the characters. Veteran actors like Jeon No-min and Ji Young-san support them, forming the unique network of relationships typical of the Phoebe division.
▶A romantic thriller that crosses the realm of the gods and the struggle for survival.
The two dramas also differ in their subject matter. While "The Landlord" depicts the desperate struggle of a debt-ridden protagonist to protect his family and building, "Doctor Shin" combines a medical thriller with the bizarre romance between a genius doctor and a woman losing her soul. The winner of the drama on the night of March 14th will be decided between a realistic suspense drama that delves into the pain of reality and a groundbreaking genre piece that breaks taboos.
Planning Ha Jung-woo and Im Soo-jung's building owner vs. Im Sung-han's first medical doctor scene: Key points to watch for in new March releases
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