"A work that comes out in the morning in Korea is revealed in Mongolia by evening." The Mongolian actors of the film 'Undercover Investigation' showed familiarity with South Korean celebrities such as actor Ma Dong-seok and broadcaster Shin Dong-yeop.

Recently, an interview with the cast of the film 'Undercover Investigation' was conducted at a cafe in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo District, Seoul. Present at this event were Manlai Batar, who is the film's producer and also works as an actor and singer, along with Tachta (Sukhbold Lhagvazhabazar), known as the 'Ma Dong-seok of Mongolia', Bai Sha (Niyamtamba Bai Sha), known as the 'Shin Dong-yeop of Mongolia', and Jorigo (Sukhbatar Batjorig), who gained international recognition for his acting after appearing in 'I Would Rather Sleep in Winter' (2023), which was invited to compete at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as Chaktur (Oranchakt Chaktukhbayar), who ranks among the top three Mongolian celebrities on social media, and the top star Gigi (Ganbayar Shavakchekrn), who attended with director Amartbushin to discuss the work.

Released on the 27th, 'Undercover Investigation' is a film depicting the extraordinary undercover investigations of Mongolian legendary detectives taking place in Korea. While unfamiliar in Korea, these actors are top stars in Mongolia, known by everyone there. 'Undercover Investigation' has already achieved great box office success in Mongolia.

Regarding the response in Mongolia, Jorigo noted, "The movie has done exceptionally well in Mongolia. Many people are watching it. It has reached the top 3 in all-time box office hits." Tachta also stated, "Since the day of release, it has been number one in ticket reservations at theaters. Even though it premiered in March and is still screening, such long-term success is quite unusual in Mongolia," showcasing his pride.

At the center of the success are the all-location filming in Korea and the casting of top stars from Mongolia. In particular, Tachta has garnered attention from domestic reporters, calling himself the 'Ma Dong-seok of Mongolia', while Bai Sha calls himself the 'Shin Dong-yeop of Mongolia', and even Gigi refers to himself as the 'G-Dragon of Mongolia'.

Regarding such titles, Tachta and Bai Sha stressed that they are not mere promotional epithets but rather terms actually used to describe them in Mongolia as 'the Ma Dong-seok of Mongolia' and 'the Shin Dong-yeop of Mongolia'. Gigi humorously remarked, "I am not the 'G-Dragon of Mongolia'," but he continued, "In reality, Korean actors and singers are all famous in Mongolia, and everyone here likes them. Big Bang's Taeyang and Ailee have also come to Mongolia to hold concerts, and many singers have performed here. I've seen Mamamoo's Hwasa, Bi, and Tia too," as he lit up with excitement.

Tachta also added, "The response is so swift that a drama that comes out in the morning in Korea is available in Mongolia by evening. Recently released 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' has been greatly impressive in Mongolia. Movies like 'The Outlaws' and 'Parasite', as well as series like 'Squid Game', are being watched on Netflix. Korean content has become so familiar in Mongolia that everyone is well aware of it."

"I think I might actually resemble Shin Dong-yeop," Bai Sha joked with a facial expression that seemed to gather the elements of his features, adding to the humor. Director Amartbushin then stated, "Ulaanbaatar city resembles Korea's new cities, and the film also yearns for Korea in many ways."

South Korean actors Yoon Jae-moon and Ki Ju-bong also participated in 'Undercover Investigation' to lend their support. How was it to collaborate with the South Korean actors? Director Amartbushin shared, "This was my first time working with Korean actors, and discussing and communicating from the very beginning was a bit burdensome. However, as there were defined roles for actors and directors, things became smoother as we progressed. During filming, I felt that the Korean actors performed incredibly well. I think it was an honor for our actors to perform alongside them. It was a privilege to work together and it was very enjoyable," he remarked.

Gigi also stated, "Before filming, I was having fun talking with Actor Yoon Jae-moon like we were brothers, but the moment the action filming started, he completely transformed, and I was so scared that I almost couldn't deliver my lines. So, I made a small mistake with my lines," he laughed. "After filming, I felt like I couldn't easily approach Actor Yoon Jae-moon. However, after the shoot was over, he treated me kindly, and I was surprised by how different he looked while acting."

[Photo] Provided by OSEN DB, Smile ENT.

[OSEN]