Park Ju Hyun is making a grand return to the big screen with the film Drive. This marks her debut as a lead character in a feature film, following her success as Park Yoon Hee in the Netflix original Seoul Vibe (2022). Her last significant role was in the Korean drama The Forbidden Marriage (2022). In Drive, Park Ju Hyun portrays the intense and harrowing experience of a kidnapping victim. Here are seven fascinating facts about her role in this highly anticipated film.
Yu Na: A Popular YouTuber
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
In Drive, Park Ju Hyun plays Yu Na, a well-known YouTuber with over 700,000 subscribers. Yu Na’s character is relatable to many in today’s digital age, where social media influencers often share their lives with a broad audience. The film’s premise capitalizes on this, adding a layer of realism and modern-day relevance to the story.
The Kidnapping Incident
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
Yu Na’s life takes a terrifying turn when she is kidnapped by an unknown person. The trailer shows Yu Na falling asleep in her car while waiting for someone, only to wake up in a nightmare scenario. This chilling setup sets the stage for the suspense and tension that follows.
Forced Live Broadcast
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
In a desperate bid to survive, Yu Na is moved to the trunk of her car and forced to conduct a live broadcast. Her kidnapper demands that she raise 650 million won through this broadcast, adding a financial and psychological strain to her already dire situation. This aspect of the plot highlights the dark side of internet fame and the potential dangers that influencers face.
The Race Against Time
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
The kidnapper imposes a strict one-hour time limit for Yu Na to raise the ransom money. Throughout the broadcast, Yu Na continues to drive her car, creating a sense of urgency and relentless motion that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The ticking clock element is a classic thriller trope that effectively heightens the suspense.
Plea for Help
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
Yu Na tries to convince her audience that the kidnapping is real and that her life is in grave danger. This part of the story explores the blurred lines between reality and performance in the digital age, where audiences are often skeptical of what they see online. Her desperate pleas add an emotional depth to the film, making viewers empathize with her plight.
Viewer Skepticism
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
Despite her efforts, the majority of Yu Na’s viewers dismiss her situation as a prank or a stunt for profit. They flood her broadcast with malicious comments, reflecting a harsh reality of online interactions where genuine cries for help can be overlooked or ridiculed. This critical view of social media culture adds a thought-provoking layer to the narrative.
Police Intervention
Footage of Park Ju Hyun in the film Drive (instagram.com/merrychristmas.movie)
Yu Na’s broadcast eventually catches the attention of the police, who begin tracking her location. The interaction between Yu Na and the authorities introduces a glimmer of hope and a potential rescue, maintaining the film’s tension and keeping the audience engaged until the end.
Drive is set to hit South Korean cinemas on June 12, 2024. Park Ju Hyun stars alongside Kim Yeo Jin, Kim Do Yoon, Jung Woong In, and Ha Do Kwon. For thriller enthusiasts, Drive promises to be a gripping addition to your watchlist. The film’s modern take on kidnapping and the influence of social media makes it a compelling watch, blending real-world issues with cinematic suspense.
In my opinion, Park Ju Hyun’s portrayal of Yu Na in Drive is bound to be a thrilling experience for viewers. The film’s integration of current social media dynamics with traditional thriller elements is both innovative and engaging. If Drive delivers on its premise, it could be a standout film in the thriller genre this year.
