Lee Hye-Ri & Director Park Beom-Su Discuss Their Film ‘Victory’

Director Park Beom-su created the film Victory with the hope that it would serve as a go-to movie for viewers during challenging times.

“An old friend once told me, ‘I have a movie I watch whenever I’m going through tough times,’” recalled Park. “That really stuck with me. A movie you turn to during difficult times—that’s a meaningful concept. I hope Victory can be that kind of film for someone.”

Victory aims to be a mood-lifting film, featuring likable characters who fight for their dreams and inspire others. Lee Hyeri stars as Pil-sun, a girl dreaming of becoming a dancer. Despite being labeled a troublemaker by her teachers due to her outspoken nature, Pil-sun and her best friend Mi-na, played by Park Se-wan, pitch a plan to the school to form a cheerleading team, thus securing a practice space.

“The director wanted Pil-sun to have a cool older sister vibe that friends would want to emulate, and I really liked that aspect,” said Lee. “Pil-sun is resilient, confident, and loyal, making her a character that audiences can easily empathize with.”

Acting in the role of Pil-sun was a dream come true for Lee.

“She has a clear dream and ambition to become a dancer, which I found very admirable,” Lee shared.

Pil-sun and Mi-na get help from a transfer student with cheerleading experience to form the team. However, they soon realize cheerleading requires different skills compared to dancing. Like her character, Lee underwent months of intense training. Having performed with the K-pop group Girls Day, Lee is an experienced dancer, but cheerleading brought new challenges.

“Cheerleading requires ‘up’ energy and precise timing, which is quite different from hip-hop dance that focuses on groovy rhythms,” explained Lee. “Synchronization is crucial in cheerleading. Even minor mistiming or incorrect formations are noticeable, so everyone needed to be in sync.”

The film’s plot involves Pil-sun, Mi-na, and the transfer student staging auditions to recruit more members. The prospective cheerleaders come with varied abilities, but they eventually gather a team.

“Real auditions were more challenging than those portrayed in the movie,” said Park. “We had to find the perfect individuals with unique looks, skills, and dancing abilities. Ultimately, we succeeded.”

Interestingly, none of the actresses playing the rest of the cheerleading squad were originally dancers.

“They practiced tirelessly for months,” Park noted. “Thanks to their passion, we completed all scenes without any stunt doubles.”

Park, known for his 2014 debut Red Carpet and recent romantic comedy Single In Seoul, had long wanted to make a cheerleading film. He is a fan of the 2000 Kristen Dunst comedy Bring It On.

“Even before Victory, I had an interest in cheerleading,” said Park. “Watching singing and dancing gives me a lot of positive energy. Bring It On is a movie I really cherish.”

For Lee, Victory was an opportunity not just to learn cheerleading but also to experience wearing a high school uniform again, which she hadn’t done often in her acting career.

“The last time I wore a school uniform was for a flashback scene in My Roommate is a Gumiho,” she said. “I had always wanted to act in a school uniform someday, and Victory gave me that chance.”

But, more importantly, the film introduced her to a character she won’t easily forget.

“Pil-sun’s confidence and passion impacted me. Thinking back on the filming, it even felt reminiscent of a scene from my childhood. She’s precious to me,” shared Lee.

Initially, Pil-sun and Mi-na aren’t aiming to be honor students. However, their cheerleading performance helps the school’s soccer team rally and boosts the entire school’s morale. The film emphasizes that everyone has something to offer.

“We are all protagonists in our own lives,” said Park. “Each of us has moments where we shine brightly, and we continue to shine even now.”

Lee will receive the Rising Star Asia Award on July 12 when Victory has its world premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival. Previous recipients include Japan’s Masami Nagasawa and Ryohei Suzuki, Korea’s Kim Go-eun, and Thailand’s Yaya Sperbund.

Lee, also known as Hyeri, is recognized for her roles in Korean drama series such as Reply 1988, Moonshine, and My Roommate Is A Gumiho. She has appeared in the films Monstrum and My Punch-Drunk Boxer and can currently be seen in the unscripted series Agents of Mystery. Co-star Park Se-wan is known for the film Life Is Beautiful and dramas Doona and One Day Off, while co-star Lee Jung-ha featured in the Disney+ series Moving. Victory was produced by Seoul-based Annapurna Films, headed by Lee Anna.

Park Beom-su believes Victory sends a powerful message.

“The film conveys that cheering for others will bring cheers back to you,” said Park. “During the making of this film, we supported each other a lot and felt supported in return. Every moment was enjoyable.”

The film opens in Korea in August.

Source: WireImage, Annapurna Films