“It feels amazing to have filmed such an intense summer story and now release it on the best day of winter,” said Choo Young Woo.
Actors Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah are set to gift audiences a warm, heartfelt experience this Christmas Eve with 'Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight.' The film, tender yet resonant, captures love and youth in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.
Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, the story follows a girl who loses her memory every day and the boy who tries to hold onto those fleeting moments. This romantic tale confronts pure emotions head-on, leaving a profound aftertaste.
On December 22, the team held a press screening and media conference at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, attended by Choo Young Woo, Shin Si Ah, and director Kim Hye Young.
The film depicts the youthful romance between Seo Yoon (played by Shin Si Ah), who forgets each day, and Jae Won (portrayed by Choo Young Woo), who fills her memories with love. It is based on Misaki Ichijo’s bestseller, which sold over 1.3 million copies, and follows the success of a previous Japanese film adaptation.
Director Kim Hye Young explained, “We asked ourselves what a true Korean sentiment would be. By showing ordinary students experiencing natural, everyday emotions against the backdrop of Korea’s beautiful landscapes, we found it.” She added, “We carefully built the emotions of the two characters as they first meet and grow closer. Compared to the original, the film’s overall tone is brighter.”
Though the story may seem ordinary, its depiction of universal love resonates deeply. Scenes at arcades, karaoke rooms, and beaches were left largely to the actors’ interpretation. Shin Si Ah recalled, “Most of the date scenes had no lines. We improvised and enjoyed filming them as if they were real dates.”
The adaptation scaled back some elements from the original novel to focus on youthful friendship and love. Director Kim explained, “We reduced conflicts about dreams from the original story and focused on the romance. In the novel, there’s tension over a father’s unpublished work, but we changed the mother’s loss into a symbolic portrayal of those left behind.”
Shin Si Ah takes on the role of Seo Yoon, navigating daily memory loss. Kim praised her casting, saying, “Shin Si Ah has tackled bold performances before and could embrace this challenge fully. She conveyed everything from confusion after losing memory to falling in love with remarkable patience and insight.”
Choo Young Woo, portraying Jae Won, was already a fan of both the novel and the Japanese adaptation. Speaking about his first major film role, he said, “Being part of a story I loved so much was a dream. Seeing myself on screen is both exciting and a big responsibility—I just wanted to do my best.”
Kim Hye Young noted, “Choo Young Woo’s natural acting and unique rhythm perfectly conveyed the youthful charm and emptiness of losing someone who forgets you daily. He even filled in details I hadn’t imagined, becoming almost like a co-director on set.”
Jae Won is also a character with a heart condition, requiring a delicate portrayal. Choo Young Woo shared that he had to adjust his body weight and physicality for the role. He also researched teenage experiences, consulting cousins and students to capture the authenticity of first love.
The chemistry between Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah was a highlight. Shin Si Ah said, “He always accepted whatever I brought to the scene and led new ideas. That trust made filming fun and effortless.”
Premiering on Christmas Eve, the film aims to evoke the warmth and forgiveness associated with the holiday. Kim Hye Young said, “Christmas feels like a day overflowing with love and a time when anything seems possible. I hope audiences experience that warmth through our story.” Choo Young Woo added, “We filmed in the height of summer, but it’s an honor to release it on the best day of winter. It’s full of love, youth, and lessons, and I hope it leaves audiences with happy memories.”
Finally, Shin Si reflected, “It’s a quiet and gentle film, but with deep resonance. I hope viewers leave remembering both the story and their own cherished memories.”
'Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight' opens in theaters on December 24.
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