K-Content News
Lee Jae-hoon becomes ex-con and crime-scene cleaner in Netflix's 'Move to Heaven'
- May 13, 2021
Lee Jae-hoon becomes ex-con and crime-scene cleaner
in Netflix's 'Move to Heaven'
Updated : 2021-05-12 17:18
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actor Lee Jae-hoon has proven his versatility throughout his career ― from a dogged criminal profiler in the hit series, "Signal," to a rowdy independence activist in the historical film, "Anarchist from Colony." In the upcoming Netflix series, "Move to Heaven," the actor took on the role of hardened ex-con Sang-gu, whose life changes after working as a trauma cleaner, or a cleaner of scenes of crimes or violent accidents.
"My character is always cynical and views the world with a skeptical perspective," Lee said during an online media event to promote the series, Wednesday. "He has always been lonely and expects his life to stay that way, until he becomes part of the 'Move to Heaven' trauma cleaner service and encounters the clients' stories."
Directed by Kim Sung-ho, whose work includes the family film, "How To Steal A Dog," the series revolves around people at a trauma cleaners service ― ex-con Sang-gu (Lee), his nephew, Geu-roo (Tang Jun-sang), who has Asperger syndrome, and Geu-roo's friend, Na-moo (Hong Seung-hee).
As they clean out the possessions of deceased people, they uncover the stories they left behind and take on the additional job of delivering them to the loved ones of the departed.
The story, inspired by trauma cleaner and writer Kim Sae-byul's nonfiction essay, "Things Left Behind," was penned by Yoon Ji-ryun, who is best known for writing the mega-hit series, "Boys Over Flowers."
Lee's character is a former boxer who became a fighter at illegal fight clubs in order to make money. "He doesn't take care of himself and had a rough life," Lee said of his role. "There were a lot of scenes where I had to fight in the ring… I'm excited to show tough, martial-arts action through this series."
Director Kim expressed his hope that the series will offer a message about caring for others, especially in these tough times amidst the pandemic.
"A lot of people are suffering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. If we can just take a moment to look around us, there are many things that need our attention," he said. "In the series, the cleaning cases involve unattended deaths and other social issues, which could be solved through better human connections and meeting people face-to-face. So I think that this series will provide a chance to reflect on our current reality."
Lee also added that he came to think a lot about the isolation and lack of communication in society nowadays. "As someone who's part of this community, I learned how serious these issues can be. And (just as I did), I hope that viewers can relate to the story and are reminded to care about those around them," he said, adding that he would tear up while reading the script of every episode.
Tang's character, Geu-roo, has difficulty interacting with other people and expressing his emotions due to his disorder. But he uses his skills in noting details and memorizing to deliver the stories of the deceased to their loved ones.
The actor said that he first learned about the job of trauma cleaner through the series. "When I read the script, it was the first time I'd heard about trauma cleaners. Then I came to understand the job fully after reading the book, 'Things Left Behind,'" he noted. "As I did, I hope many people can learn about this meaningful job through the series."
"Move to Heaven" is set to release on Netflix on Friday.
Actor Lee Jae-hoon has proven his versatility throughout his career ― from a dogged criminal profiler in the hit series, "Signal," to a rowdy independence activist in the historical film, "Anarchist from Colony." In the upcoming Netflix series, "Move to Heaven," the actor took on the role of hardened ex-con Sang-gu, whose life changes after working as a trauma cleaner, or a cleaner of scenes of crimes or violent accidents.
"My character is always cynical and views the world with a skeptical perspective," Lee said during an online media event to promote the series, Wednesday. "He has always been lonely and expects his life to stay that way, until he becomes part of the 'Move to Heaven' trauma cleaner service and encounters the clients' stories."
Directed by Kim Sung-ho, whose work includes the family film, "How To Steal A Dog," the series revolves around people at a trauma cleaners service ― ex-con Sang-gu (Lee), his nephew, Geu-roo (Tang Jun-sang), who has Asperger syndrome, and Geu-roo's friend, Na-moo (Hong Seung-hee).
As they clean out the possessions of deceased people, they uncover the stories they left behind and take on the additional job of delivering them to the loved ones of the departed.
The story, inspired by trauma cleaner and writer Kim Sae-byul's nonfiction essay, "Things Left Behind," was penned by Yoon Ji-ryun, who is best known for writing the mega-hit series, "Boys Over Flowers."
Lee's character is a former boxer who became a fighter at illegal fight clubs in order to make money. "He doesn't take care of himself and had a rough life," Lee said of his role. "There were a lot of scenes where I had to fight in the ring… I'm excited to show tough, martial-arts action through this series."
Director Kim expressed his hope that the series will offer a message about caring for others, especially in these tough times amidst the pandemic.
"A lot of people are suffering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. If we can just take a moment to look around us, there are many things that need our attention," he said. "In the series, the cleaning cases involve unattended deaths and other social issues, which could be solved through better human connections and meeting people face-to-face. So I think that this series will provide a chance to reflect on our current reality."
Lee also added that he came to think a lot about the isolation and lack of communication in society nowadays. "As someone who's part of this community, I learned how serious these issues can be. And (just as I did), I hope that viewers can relate to the story and are reminded to care about those around them," he said, adding that he would tear up while reading the script of every episode.
Tang's character, Geu-roo, has difficulty interacting with other people and expressing his emotions due to his disorder. But he uses his skills in noting details and memorizing to deliver the stories of the deceased to their loved ones.
The actor said that he first learned about the job of trauma cleaner through the series. "When I read the script, it was the first time I'd heard about trauma cleaners. Then I came to understand the job fully after reading the book, 'Things Left Behind,'" he noted. "As I did, I hope many people can learn about this meaningful job through the series."
"Move to Heaven" is set to release on Netflix on Friday.
Reporter : gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr
