'Odyssey' composer Ludwig Göransson is Korea's own son-in-law

Anyone who has seen Christopher Nolan's new film "Odyssey" will likely agree on one thing: the music. Mysterious yet sweeping, the score matched the epic arc of Odysseus so precisely that it accounts for half the film's immersive power. What makes it all the more remarkable is that the man behind that music has a very special connection to Korea — Ludwig Göransson, affectionately known here as "Go Seoban," or Korea's own son-in-law.

Göransson previously collaborated with Nolan on "Tenet" and "Oppenheimer," making "Odyssey" his third project with the director. He became a genuine member of a Korean family in 2018 when he married Serena Göransson, a violinist of Korean descent. Serena is more than a spouse — she has long been his musical partner, lending her violin to his work including the signature theme from "Oppenheimer."

That connection earned Göransson the warm nickname "Go Seoban" among Korean fans, and he has visited Korea multiple times with his family. In 2021, he traveled to Korea for his son's first birthday celebration, sharing photos of the whole family dressed in hanbok, and drew further attention on social media with glimpses of everyday Korean life — striking a temple bell at Bulguksa and filming a mukbang of knife-cut noodles. The composer who filled cinemas with that thunderous score, it turns out, is the same man who threw a first-birthday party and slurped noodles on camera.

On screen, actor Will Yun Lee adds another welcome Korean connection. He plays Anchialos, a soldier who embarks on the grueling journey alongside Odysseus. Born to Korean parents, Lee is already a familiar face in Korea through films such as "The Wolverine" and "San Andreas" and the drama series "The Good Doctor." In "Odyssey," he holds his own alongside Matt Damon, drawing reactions from audiences like "my eyes go to him every time he appears" and "I keep finding myself watching him."

Meanwhile, "Odyssey" surpassed 6 million admissions on Friday, just 17 days after its opening — matching the pace set by Nolan's top-grossing domestic release, "Interstellar." The film's box-office run shows no signs of slowing as it enters its third week.

In apparent response to that outpouring of support, Matt Damon sent a video message to Korean audiences. "The enthusiasm, passion and love you have shown for 'Odyssey' means a great deal to all of us," he said. "Thank you sincerely."