Ryoo Seung-wan, Park Jeong-min, Shin Se-kyung Focus on Melodrama

Director Ryoo Seung-wan intentionally excluded a love triangle between Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, and Shin Se-kyung in the film 'Smugglers'. The director stated that despite the potential advantages of a love triangle in a melodrama, he wanted to completely remove the melodramatic elements by utilizing Jo In-sung and focus the emotions on Park Jung-min.

The character of Section Chief Jo, played by Jo In-sung, was called 'Daddy-Long-Legs' on set, a nod to the idea that one person's presence can be a source of hope for another in moments of crisis. Director Ryoo Seung-wan focused on this human hope rather than a simple melodramatic conflict structure.

Thanks to this direction, the romantic relationship between Park Jung-min and Shin Se-kyung left a more poignant and deeply resonant impact, while Jo In-sung's understated performance added a warm touch to the cold spy thriller.

Through 'Smugglers', Director Ryoo Seung-wan presented action for 'protection' rather than action for 'victory', portraying Jo In-sung's character not as a 'prince charming' but as a 'Daddy-Long-Legs'. This was a new attempt to showcase his presence as an actor.

The director infused 'Smugglers' with his desire to feature Park Jung-min and Jo In-sung prominently, resulting in the fresh outcome of 'Park Jung-min's melodrama' and 'Jo In-sung's action'. Jo In-sung faithfully fulfilled his role as a guide, responsible for the beginning and end of the film, never losing his human warmth.