Welcome to my world

South Korean production designer Ryu Seong-hee wants you to inhabit her films

- STORY: TATAT BUNNAG

When Ryu Seong-hee enters a room, she carries with her the invisible architecture of some of the most visually iconic South Korean films and television dramas of the 21st century.

At the Korean Cultural Center on Asok Road last Friday, the acclaimed production designer greeted over 150 Thai fans and media who had gathered not just to see her — but to understand how she crafts entire worlds behind the camera.

Hosted as part of the ongoing exhibition "Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen World", running until Sept 26, "Meet The Production Designer Ryu Seong-Hee" offered a rare chance for Thai audiences to engage with the creative force behind films such as The Handmaiden (2016) and Decision To Leave (2022), as well as the recent television series When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Before Ryu took the stage, guests were shown emotionally charged scenes from When Life Gives You Tangerines, a nostalgic period drama set on Jeju Island. The show's slow-burning lyricism and painterly visual tone immediately announced Ryu's involvement — her signature lies not in decoration, but in deep storytelling through space, light and texture.

As Sunju Lee, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, said in her opening remarks: "The delicate production design contributes immensely to the success of Korean films and series."

Ryu, graceful and grounded in person, addressed the audience with humility and clarity.

"For me, Thailand is not a distant country," she began, revealing that she had worked here over a decade ago. "In 2013, I came to Thailand to shoot a movie called Ode To My Father. And back when I was living in America, I had a Thai friend who is a photographer. We've remained close until today. So I feel very happy to meet all Thai people who love Korean movies and series."