Lim Ji-gyu visits Bucheon for the first time in 22 years… Movie 'Silver'

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival Red Carpet Returns After 22 Years

Actor Lim Ji-gyu has returned to Bucheon after 22 years. On the 2nd, as the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) kicked off, Lim Ji-gyu walked the opening ceremony red carpet as the lead actor of the film 'Silver Hammer.' It has been exactly 22 years since he first visited Bucheon with his debut short film 'Finger' in 2004, and now he stands in this place once again through this film.

Lim Ji-gyu viewed his attendance at this film festival as more than just a simple event appearance. During the GV (Guest Visit) session held on July 6, he confessed, "It felt as if I were starting my acting career for the first time." He shared his sincerity spanning the past 22 years, stating, "During that time, I became even more desperate for my work and acting, and I realized once again that there is no work I can afford to neglect."

Isolated Lives Entangled by a Silver Hammer: The Narrative of 'Silver Hammer'

'Silver Hammer' is a work characterized by its unique setting and mysterious atmosphere. In the film, Lim Ji-gyu plays 'Jin-su,' a character living a lethargic daily life while being isolated within his company. Due to the instructions of the CEO 'Ju-han,' the protagonist Jin-su is placed in a situation where he spends two years alone in an empty space within the company without performing any work. The story unfolds as he becomes embroiled in an incident surrounding a mysterious 'silver hammer' he accidentally brought to the office.

In the process of interpreting the character, Lim Ji-gyu deeply empathized with the director's intention. He said, "When I first received the script, it was so unique and interesting." The core driving force that moved him was the fact that the situation Jin-su experiences in the film resembles the director's own life and the reality faced by many creators.

The Tension of the One-Take Scene and the Aesthetics of Isolation

The opening one-take scene was a difficult challenge for the actor. For Lim Ji-gyu, who typically prefers preparing multiple versions rather than improvising, the long-take filming was a disconcerting moment. He recalled, "I was quite flustered at the time." However, he added that after watching the film, "It felt as though the tedious and isolated time Jin-su experiences was naturally conveyed to the audience through that long-take scene."

As it was his first time watching the film, Lim Ji-gyu was so immersed that he lost sleep due to nervousness. This was the result of pushing himself to portray the character's emotions with great density. The film 'Silver Hammer' will be screened once more on the 12th at 1:30 PM in CGV Sopung Theater 4. Lim Ji-gyu will attend the GV held immediately after the screening to talk with the audience.

From 'Scandal Makers' to 'Taejong Yi Bang-won': The Footsteps of a Versatile Actor

Since his debut in 2004, Lim Ji-gyu has built a filmography moving between the big and small screens. He left an impression playing the role of Park Sang-yoon, Park Bo-young's boyfriend, in the film 'Scandal Makers,' and has appeared in 'Helpless,' 'My Love Apology,' 'One Day,' and 'Picnic.' In particular, he increased his public recognition by appearing as Kim Jae-seok, the manager of Dokgo Jin played by Cha Seung-won, in the MBC drama 'My Love Apology.'

His activity continued in the drama field as well. He has showcased versatile acting across various genres in works such as 'Ghost,' 'Love (Marriage) Reset,' and 'Taejong Yi Bang-won.' The young actor who visited Bucheon with his debut work 22 years ago has now returned as a leading actor driving deep narratives, reaching a new turning point through 'Silver Hammer.'