5 Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the NEPA Filming Set with Lee Jun-ho That Made Me Laugh

Lee Junho, the face that set the outdoor scene ablaze this fall. As soon as the [NEPA] 25FW AIR SUMMIT DOWN (Digital) ad was released, the comments section was flooded with questions like, "It's digital, but why does my heart feel like it's analog?" Today, we'll delve into a more entertaining episode from the filming that viewers will enjoy, even more so than the ad itself. We'll delve into how off-screen moments created compelling on-screen moments, with delightful highlights.

1. The famous "zipper sync" incident. The core of this campaign was the details that showcased lightness and agility. 

The director signaled, "Zipper up, synchronize with the wind!" From the first take, the zipper, wind, and camera panning were all incredibly synchronized. The staff applauded, but Lee Junho slyly remarked, "That wasn't a coincidence," with a playful smile. It turns out he had been repeatedly checking the angle and speed of his wrists since rehearsal. Behind the clean, digitally textured motion, there was a tremendous amount of "angle-wise labor."

2. Padding that absorbs wind? Even though the wind machine was set to a higher than normal setting, the clothing didn't flutter much. 

The reason was the padding's resilience. When the tech team joked, "This is enough to film an air resistance test," the filming crew conducted an impromptu experiment. They compared a thin windbreaker, a regular padded jacket, and the AIR SUMMIT DOWN at the same pressure, and everyone burst into laughter at the results displayed on the on-site monitor. Surprisingly, the AIR SUMMIT DOWN was the least "noisy" yet maintained the cleanest silhouette. The absence of exaggerated folds and the lack of distortion actually made the image feel even more "digital."

3. The magic of "one more shot": A lesson in facial expression detail. 

Lee Jun-ho's facial expressions in close-up shots are surprisingly detailed. When the director orders, "With a slightly more exploratory gaze," the next shot immediately changes the focus on his pupils and the subtle angle between his eyebrows. He himself said he envisioned "the feeling of finding one's way outdoors." That's how a scene with a sense of "altitude" was born, even without a location. The staff joked about this moment, saying, "One more shot would change the genre." From action to documentary, from documentary to fashion. The magic of "one more shot"—the subtlest expressions can transform the tone.

4. Snap Pose Battle: Model vs. Film Crew. 

To quickly produce stills for the lookbook, a "Snap Pose Battle" was held. Two film crew members alternated in a bouncing pose, and Lee Junho had to seamlessly transform that angle within a second. Naturally, the result was a win. What was more interesting was the hand placement. Instead of the typical pose of putting hands in padded pockets, he frequently used hand gestures that demonstrated the "function" of the clothing, such as gently flicking the zipper with his thumb or using the tension at the end of the sleeve to reveal the lines of his fingers. The actor's pose grammar, which eliminates the need for on-screen explanations of the clothing, is why this commercial is so "explanatory."

5. The idea of ​​using the light strips on the floor as a "rhythm" in the seemingly random running scene came from the scene. 

The idea was to subtly bring the frame to life with each step between the strips. In the first attempt, the speed was slightly different, making the light seem to be pushed back, but Lee Jun-ho readjusted his steps based on his breathing rate, and the second take was perfectly synchronized. The "digital rhythm" felt in the edit was actually the result of this perfect balance of breathing, steps, and lights.

Bonus: The "Sound Aesthetics" on Set: Padding is all about sound. 

Too much rustling can diminish the quality, while too soft can lose texture. There was a moment when the sound team remarked, "This sounds beautiful." It was the low-pitched "love—love" sound produced when a zipper was slowly unzipped. It was so clear and unexaggerated that it barely needed any editing in post-mixing. Thanks to this, the "digital" elements on screen were kept to a minimum, even down to the sound, making for a more vivid viewing experience.

Why was this ad so compelling?

• Rather than explaining the functionality with words, it conveys it through movement and rhythm. Minimal cues like zippers, wind, and steps convey the product's lightness and stability.

• The actor's facial expressions and hand gestures serve as a tutorial, naturally portraying the wearer's context of use.

• Improvised ideas on the spot are absorbed into the digital tone. While the final product is cool, the process of creating it is passionate and delicate.

Recommended viewing points:

• Zipline shadows in close-up: The fine shadows created when the silicone light hits reveal the quality of the sewing.

• Synchronized light strips and stride during running: The moment the beat syncs during the second acceleration is key.

• Wind test cut: The less flapping, the clearer the silhouette. That's the "digital" impression.

Ending: Ultimately, this ad knows how to "talk about lightness without being flashy." 

The tone is restrained, the details are vivid, and the actor adds depth. If the next behind-the-scenes footage is released, I think we'll be the first to find the original "zipper sound" that the sound team fell in love with on set. For viewers, the most enjoyable part is discovering these calculated coincidences as they permeate the screen.