The 2000 South Korean TV serial Autumn in My Heart, or Gaeul donghwa, was a massive hit, not only at home but also among legions of soap fans here, making the prospect of a Thai adaptation daunting for the series' producers.
Sushar "Aom" Manaying will be taking on the role that made Song Hye-kyo famous throughout Asia, (Eun-suh, in the Korean version, Phitcha in the Thai).
Despite the high expectations surrounding the project, Aom, star of the surprise 2010 hit Yes or No: Yaak Rak Gaw Rak Loey, says that she leapt at the chance to participate once she read the script.
"It's about family and an impossible love, a love between a brother and a sister that goes against social norms," she says.
That requires some clarification _ this is not a tale of blood siblings breaking taboos. Aom's character Phitcha is accidentally switched after birth with Pan. Phitcha, born originally into a poor family, now finds herself part of a rich family, while Pan is sent into poverty, raised by a widow. Phitcha's new older "brother" is Phathin, played by Jetsadaporn "Tik" Pholdee (originally played by Korean superstar Song Seung-heo).
Once Phitcha comes of age, her true identity is revealed and she is cast out of the family she has come to know. Phitcha and Phathin reconnect later and a bond forms, though with obvious complications given that they grew up as brother and sister.
"Phitcha is an optimist, and her innate goodness remains intact. There are many sentimental scenes," Aom says. "I don't cry a lot in real life, since I'm not really girly and I'm a realist. Phitcha, my character, on the contrary, cries a lot, but not because she wants to, it's just that what's going on in her life is just too much for her. It's overwhelming."
Aom sat down with Brunch to discuss the challenges and triumphs she experienced while co-starring in the Ananda Everingham produced version of the Korean classic.
How did you get involved with 'Autumn in My Heart'?
The project began with Tik being cast as Phathin, my character's brother. I heard about it through my fan clubs on the internet. They suggested I try for the role of Phitcha. The show's PR team also contacted me, but weren't sure if I would mind an open audition _ normally actresses who've been in showbiz for a while don't do this kind of audition. But I didn't mind. Open auditions are what they have abroad, but Thais aren't used to them.
Had you seen the original Korean version?
I've seen a few Korean TV dramas, but not Autumn in My Heart. I knew it was a masterpiece, and when I decided to go for the audition, I watched a little of it. But once I got the part, I watched the whole series, and it's great _ it made me cry _ and the screenplay was strong and well-written. I also love the Korean acting style.
What's new or different in this version?
Every detail has been changed for a Thai audience. I don't believe anyone will think that we're copying the original. We've interpreted the drama our way, locations have been changed and it's visually very beautiful. I'm sure it's going to be well worth watching, and even though it's on TV I think its visual quality is comparable to anything you'd see at the cinema.
How did you prepare for your role?
There was lots of preparation. We even had a workshop that wasn't about performance, but simply an ice-breaker to make everyone comfortable with each other, especially me and Tik. He's a superstar and I'm a lot younger _ at first I didn't even dare make eye contact with him. That workshop helped us to be able to confront each other dramatically, without any uneasy feelings ... to react to each other on-screen naturally.
And we've all been staying together in Hua Hin, where we're shooting. We're renting a village and spend our days there. I was able to concentrate more on work, and feel like I'm in character as Phitcha all the time.
What's it like acting with Tik?
After the workshop, when we started working together, we were really into our roles. We feel close. I don't have any brothers and Tik has no sisters, so neither of us had any idea how that would be, but when we're together, I feel like we're real siblings.
Do people's opinions of the Korean original have an effect on you?
Yes, of course. There are very high expectations from everyone who has seen the original. They're looking forward to seeing how this version turns out.
What's been the toughest scene for you?
It was set in an ICU and I'm unconscious. Tik, who didn't know I was sick, comes to visit me. He keeps telling me he's right there beside me, and keeps talking for five minutes. I needed to keep my mind busy, pretending that I couldn't hear anything until the director said: "Cut." Everyone was crying. That was an impressive scene because I felt like everyone, not just me and Tik, was taking part. The director, co-director and acting coach were all very encouraging. They're a great team to work with.
What's the most challenging aspect of the role?
I need to make people believe that I'm Phitcha, not Eun-suh played by Song Hye-kyo, because she set a very high standard. That puts me under pressure, because people believe in my ability to play the role, and I don't want to let anyone down, not only Thais who'll be watching it, but people all over the region. The original's a masterpiece, and we don't want to disappoint anyone with our version.
Autumn in My Heart airs on True Asian Series (D56) every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm, from May 22.
