Suzy practiced pansori for one year for film

Singer-turned-actress Suzy attends a press preview of the upcoming film "The Sound of
a Flower" at a theater in Wangsimni, eastern Seoul, Wednesday. / Yonhap

By Baek Byung-yeul

Suzy, an actress and a member of K-pop girl band Miss A, said Wednesday she has practiced pansori, a style of Korean musical storytelling, every day for one year for the upcoming film "The Sound of a Flower."

"I'd say, for about a year. After learning pansori singing from a pansori teacher, I sang along with a pansori recording for about two hours a day," Suzy told reporters after a press preview at a theater in Wangsimni, eastern Seoul.

"By doing so, I recognized which parts I needed to practice more, and after repeating that process, now I think I have become a better pansori singer," she added.

Directed by Lee Jong-pil, "The Sound of a Flower" tells the real-life story of Jin Chae-sun, Korea's first female pansori singer in the 19th century during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).

After becoming a student of the kingdom's pansori virtuoso Shin Jae-hyo (played by actor Ryu Seung-ryong), the girl, a commoner, transforms into a singer with a fascinating voice. Actors Lee Dong-hwi and Ahn Jae-hong also feature as Shin's disciples.

The 21-year-old actress said it would be good for audiences to take a look how Chae-sun's singing improves.

"The director filmed Chae-sun's scenes in chronological order. At the beginning of the film, I didn't try to hide my lack of experience," she said. "But as the scenes go on, you are able to see my tone improves, which is staggering even to me."

Speaking about Ryu, she expressed her gratitude to the veteran actor who has been featured in hit films including "Roaring Current" (2014) and "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013).

"While shooting I felt secure with Ryu. Though there are many scenes featuring us together, he always tried to make me feel comfortable," she said.

"The Sound of a Flower" is Suzy's second film appearance since featuring as a university freshman in 2012 hit romance film "Architecture 101." It will premiere nationwide on Nov. 25.

baekby@ktimes.com,