Kōki, the rising star known for her vibrant presence, celebrates her 22nd birthday with the exciting release of the latest trailer for her upcoming film, 'Megami Korin,' set to enthrall audiences starting March 20, 2025. This two-part series marks Kōki's significant role as Reina Tanigawa, delving deep within the realms of transformation through makeup, love, and the pivotal secrets held within hidden identities.
'Megami Korin,' based on the internationally acclaimed webtoon by yaongyi, has struck a chord with readers worldwide, amassing over 6.4 billion views and holding the readership crown on LINE Manga for 46 straight months. The film beautifully encapsulates the story of Reina, who experiences heart-wrenching bullying due to her plain appearance, dropping out of school before serendipitously discovering the life-changing magic of makeup. This pivotal plot point serves as the foundation for her metamorphosis, where she evolves from the girl plagued by insecurities to the ‘goddess’ every peer admires.
The narrative extends across nine years of Reina’s life, illustrated with relatable experiences and captivating artistry. Emiko Suzuki, making her grand return to cinema after nearly two decades, breathes life to Selina, the charismatic makeup artist who significantly influences Reina’s transformation. Drawing from her character's aspirations, Suzuki reflects, "Selina supports Reina’s strong desire to become who she wants to be," emphasizing the film's core theme of self-empowerment.
Kenjirō Tsuda steps onto the scene as Takao Kanda, the famous actor and father to one of Reina's love interests, Toshi (played by Keisuke Watanabe). Taking on these captivating roles, Tsuda expresses his initial surprise at being approached for this romantic comedy: "This kind of role is refreshing and new for me. I was quite amazed when I received the offer."
The film's dynamic duo of Kōki and Watanabe (Toshi) encapsulates the romantic tensions of high school life, entwined within the theme of personal and emotional growth. Their interplay will explore the intriguing secret Reina hides behind her makeup, driving much of the film's emotional resonance.
Highlighting this intriguing narrative is the film’s original score, featuring the debut single 'Tokimeki,' penned by the talented Kucci. Her intent was to root the song deeply within Reina's experiences, managing to balance vulnerability and hope nicely. Kucci champions the message, saying, "I wanted the song to capture the essence of Reina's struggles," which echoes through the film's themes.
Anticipation builds as audiences eagerly await 'Megami Korin,' especially due to its dual release format—'Before High School Debut' hitting theaters first on March 20, followed by 'After Proposal' on May 1. With feedback from the cast and the growing buzz around the film adaptation, it promises to deliver not just entertainment, but touching narratives of aspiration, personal evolution, and the unending quest to embrace one's true self.
This cinematic spectacle invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and personal transformations, encapsulated beautifully within the art of makeup and heartfelt stories of love and friendship. Fans of the original webtoon and newcomers alike will no doubt find themselves captivated by the intensity and elegance of Kōki's portrayal of Reina, solidifying the film's place as a must-see this spring!