When Vincenzo premiered in 2021, it didn’t just capture the attention of K-drama fans; it redefined the dark comedy-legal thriller genre. Starring Song Joong-ki as a Korean-Italian mafia consigliere, the show blended high-stakes violence with slapstick humor and a deep sense of justice. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 44 fascinating facts that explain why Vincenzo remains a cornerstone of modern Hallyu culture. From production secrets to character nuances, these insights offer a new perspective on the Babel Group’s downfall and the rise of the Corn Salad (Consigliere).
Production and Casting Secrets
The development of Vincenzo was a massive undertaking by tvN and Netflix. 1. The script was written by Park Jae-bum, known for other hits like ‘The Fiery Priest’ and ‘Good Manager’. 2. Director Kim Hee-won, who previously worked on ‘Money Flower’, was chosen for her cinematic eye. 3. Song Joong-ki was the first and only choice for the lead role. 4. Jeon Yeo-been had to undergo multiple auditions to prove she could handle the eccentric role of Hong Cha-young. 5. Ok Taec-yeon’s casting as the intern was a deliberate move to subvert audience expectations regarding his usual ‘hero’ image.
The Italy That Never Was
One of the most shocking revelations for fans was the setting. 6. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the production team could not travel to Italy. 7. Every single scene set in Italy was created using high-end CGI and VFX. 8. Song Joong-ki filmed his ‘Italian’ scenes against a green screen in a studio in Korea. 9. The visual effects team spent months studying Italian architecture to ensure the lighting and textures looked authentic. 10. Even the vineyard scene in the first episode was entirely digital, showcasing the incredible advancement of Korean VFX technology.
Song Joong-ki’s Transformation
11. To play Vincenzo Cassano, Song Joong-ki had to learn Italian from scratch. 12. He worked with a private tutor daily and admitted that the language was harder to learn than the action sequences. 13. The actor practiced his lines while eating and even in his sleep to get the intonation right. 14. Interestingly, his Italian teacher praised his ‘C’ and ‘T’ pronunciations as being very close to a native speaker’s. 15. Song Joong-ki also underwent a strict diet and fitness regime to fit into the slim-cut Italian suits his character wore throughout the series.
The Symbolic Wardrobe
The fashion in Vincenzo wasn’t just for show; it served the narrative. 16. Vincenzo’s suits were mostly custom-made to reflect the ‘Booralro’ brand (a fictional high-end brand in the show). 17. His watches, often from brands like Zenith and Hublot, cost tens of thousands of dollars each. 18. Hong Cha-young’s wardrobe was designed to be bold and sharp, reflecting her transition from a corporate lawyer to a defender of the people. 19. The contrast between Vincenzo’s expensive silk pajamas and the humble surroundings of Geumga Plaza highlighted his initial fish-out-of-water status. 20. Even the villains’ colors were coded; the Babel executives often wore darker, more oppressive tones.
The Ensemble of Geumga Plaza
21. The residents of Geumga Plaza were intended to represent the ‘common people’ of Korea. 22. Many of the actors in the plaza are veteran stage actors with decades of experience. 23. The character of the monk was actually played by Kwon Seung-woo, who brought a surprising amount of depth to the comedic role. 24. The chemistry between the residents was so natural that many of their group scenes involved heavy ad-libbing. 25. The show’s creator wanted the plaza to feel like a living, breathing character that Vincenzo eventually learns to protect as his own family.
Iconic Characters and Sidekicks
26. Inzaghi, the pigeon, became an internet sensation. 27. The name ‘Inzaghi’ is a reference to the famous Italian footballer Filippo Inzaghi. 28. The pigeon was entirely CGI, yet it had a character arc that saved Vincenzo’s life. 29. Kwak Dong-yeon, who played Jang Han-seo, received immense praise for his portrayal of a victimized brother. 30. Fans were so moved by Han-seo’s redemption arc that they started a petition (joking or otherwise) for a spin-off featuring his character.
Hidden Meanings and Themes
31. The title ‘Vincenzo’ means ‘to conquer’ or ‘to win’ in Latin/Italian. 32. The show’s central theme is ‘Un male non si vince con il bene,’ which translates to ‘Evil cannot be defeated by good.’ 33. This philosophy justifies Vincenzo’s use of mafia tactics to take down the Babel Group. 34. The show frequently references Greek mythology and classical literature in its episode titles and plot points. 35. The ‘Gold’ hidden under the plaza serves as a metaphor for the hidden potential and value within the marginalized residents of the building.
Global Reception and Impact
36. Vincenzo consistently ranked in the Netflix Top 10 globally for several weeks. 37. It became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. 38. The show sparked a massive interest in Italian coffee culture in South Korea. 39. Song Joong-ki won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at several award ceremonies for his performance. 40. The drama is credited with boosting the international profile of its supporting cast, particularly Jeon Yeo-been and Kwak Dong-yeon.
Behind the Scenes Fun Facts
41. During the filming of the ‘kiss scene’ between Vincenzo and Cha-young, the actors were so nervous they had to retake it multiple times. 42. The ‘Corn Salad’ nickname was actually a mispronunciation of ‘Consigliere’ by the residents, which the writers decided to keep as a running gag. 43. Ok Taec-yeon mentioned in an interview that he found it difficult to act ‘evil’ because the cast was so friendly on set. 44. The final episode’s runtime was nearly 90 minutes to ensure every character’s story was wrapped up satisfactorily.
The Legacy of Vincenzo
As we look back at these 44 facts, it’s clear that Vincenzo was more than just a drama; it was a cultural event. It proved that K-dramas could successfully blend dark, violent themes with heart-wrenching comedy and social commentary.
- Song Joong-ki solidified his status as a global superstar.
- The CGI team set a new standard for Korean production.
- The script challenged traditional notions of justice and heroism.
Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, the world of Vincenzo Cassano offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that rewards every rewatch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the success of Vincenzo lies in its meticulous attention to detail and its willingness to take risks. From the invisible CGI of Italy to the complex moral compass of its protagonist, every element was crafted to perfection. These 44 facts only scratch the surface of the creative genius behind the show. As the Hallyu wave continues to grow, Vincenzo will undoubtedly remain a shining example of what makes Korean television so uniquely compelling.
