originally posted on Hallyu LA on March 1, 2022.
Actress Ha Seung-Ri portrayed Jang Ha-ri, a graduating archery student who left the school grounds for an archery competition but returned after she and her team lost. Alongside her teammate Jung Min-Jae (Jin Ho-Eun), she searches for her little brother Jang Woo-Jin (Son Sang-Yeon) with Yoo Yun-Seong (Yang Han-Yeol) and Park Mi-JIn (Lee Eun-Saem). Hallyu Ave sat down with Ha Seung-Ri to find out about her experience while filming for “All of Us Are Dead” and her scene-stealing chemistry with Lee Eun-Saem.
Netflix’s original “All of Us Are Dead” became the streaming platform’s fifth most popular non-English-language series debut after its launch on January 28th. “All of Us Are Dead” takes place at a high school in South Korea as a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out and threatens the safety of the students. Based on a digital Webtoon comic written by Kim Nam-Soo and directed by Lee Jae-Kyu and Chun Sung-Il.
How did you react when you heard you were going to play Jang Ha-ri?
I was excited to learn archery and work with actors my age. However, I was a bit surprised to find out that most of them were real high school students.
How did you prepare for your role?
I went to the archery team and consistently practiced with real archers. Also, since I’m in the sports club, I went to a tanning salon and got tanned to create a healthy and fit image. However, it didn’t show much since I wore long sleeves and pants (laughs). Ha-Ri’s characteristics are quite similar to mine, so rather than creating something new, I tried to imagine and believe in the situation that is happening.
How did you react when you first watched “All of Us Are Dead”?
For scenes that I did not film, I only had to read the script and imagine how it would turn out, so I was very curious. I was very surprised to see the zombie actors’ movements and actions. I was also scared; I screamed without realizing too. At the same time, it was nerve-wracking to watch zombie makeup and fierce actions since I know hard it must have been.
Which character in “All of Us Are Dead” are you most similar to?
My character Jang Ha-Ri and Lee Hyun’s character Choi Nam-Ra is the most like me. I believe I will also be calm and realistic for my goal when a disaster happens. I will also be silent and work my way out.
The chemistry between Park Mi-jin and Jang Ha-ri became a scene-stealer in “All of Us Are Dead”. What Are your thoughts about this?
While filming, we never expected that our chemistry would become an issue and many people would love our relationship. However, when the series was released and I watched the series as a viewer, a step away from Ha-Ri, Mi-Jin’s words and looks to Ha-Ri were so cute. I believe it’s Eun-Saem that made our Ha-Ri and Mi-Jin’s chemistry.
You’ve done many projects since your debut. Which one is your favorite so far?
As of now, Ha-Ri from “All of Us Are Dead” is my favorite. Every time I shot my bow, it was thrilling and I’ve always longed for action. I like Ha-Ri because she’s a character that fulfilled my wish. I’m also curious about Ha-Ri who will grow into an adult and a member of the national archery team.
Is there an unforgettable line from “All of Us Are Dead” for you?
I can’t forget Joon-Yeong’s line “Let’s go home” at the gym in the second half. That line is what all the characters wanted, in the end, it hit me hard. Also, the line when Ha-Ri said to On-Jo, “If someone is remembered by many people, that person goes to heaven” was a line that consists of the innocence and earnestness of a high school student. I also hope that is true.
Did you expect “All of Us Are Dead” would be loved all around the world?
“When expectations are high, disappointments are high”. It’s a line from Spider-Man that I always kept in mind. So, I don’t expect much from everything in the first place. If it goes well, I am grateful for it and if it doesn’t, I should be grateful for other things I’ve been given. But this great love is so amazing and unbelievable. I am thankful for it.
How did the casts and crew celebrate the success of “All of Us Are Dead”?
If I could, I would love to hold a party together but due to the situation [COVID-19], we only discussed and celebrated in our group chat. We did gather in small groups to eat together.
Did you expect “All of Us Are Dead” would be loved all around the world?
“When expectations are high, disappointments are high”. It’s a line from Spider-Man that I always kept in mind. So, I don’t expect much from everything in the first place. If it goes well, I am grateful for it and if it doesn’t, I should be grateful for other things I’ve been given. But this great love is so amazing and unbelievable. I am thankful for it.
How did the casts and crew celebrate the success of “All of Us Are Dead”?
If I could, I would love to hold a party together but due to the situation [COVID-19], we only discussed and celebrated in our group chat. We did gather in small groups to eat together.
If “Are of Us Are Dead” was real and your real life brother became a zombie, how would you react?
I’m already scared and tearing up just by imagining the situation but if my parents and friends are still alive, I’ll try to get a hold of myself and survive somehow. However, if there is no one I would need to protect, I would kill my brother and kill myself too. Surviving alone and watching my brother becoming a zombie would be miserable but it would be more miserable to become a zombie together.
What will Ha-Ri be doing if there’s an “All of us are dead” season 2?
She would never let go of her bow and would be more prepared for zombies. Mi-Jin and Ha-Ri would develop strengths together to prepare for more zombies that would approach. Am I being too realistic?
Any message you want to tell your fans and your future fans?
I am so grateful for all your interests and I will respond with better acting. I’ll continue to move forward, and I’d be happy to walk together. Please continue to look forward to my acting. Thank you!
