Yeon Sang-ho: "I was worried about Jeon Ji-hyun as a top star... She brought food from home to share" [Cannes★Interview]②

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Yeon Sang-ho expressed his gratitude to Jeon Ji-hyun for choosing 'COLONY' as his return to the screen after 11 years.

On the 16th (local time), Director Yeon Sang-ho held an interview for the film 'COLONY' (directed by Yeon Sang-ho) at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, sharing stories related to the work. The film 'COLONY' was invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival and met audiences at the Grand Lumière Theater through its official screening the day before, on the 15th.

'COLONY' is a film about isolated survivors trapped inside a building sealed off by an unidentified infectious outbreak, fighting against infected individuals evolving in unpredictable forms. Director Yeon Sang-ho, a regular at Cannes, was invited to the Cannes Film Festival for the fourth time, starting with his first feature-length animation 'King of Pigs' (2012, Directors' Fortnight), followed by 'Train to Busan' (2016, Midnight Screening), and 'Peninsula' (2020, Official Selection). Known for leaving a strong impression on the global film industry with genre films that blend Korean-style zombie themes with original twists, Director Yeon Sang-ho once again demonstrated his prowess as the father of Korean zombies through 'COLONY'.

Director Yeon Sang-ho stated, "When we decided to attend the Cannes Film Festival and our schedule was set, everyone, from Jeon Ji-hyun to Koo Kyo-hwan, was somewhat expecting it. Even on the plane, it was fun, and we felt like we were going to a good place with close friends. As we were coming, I thought internally that we shouldn't attach too much significance to coming to the Cannes Film Festival, but once we arrived, that didn't work out. Seeing so many people who love movies everywhere, I realized this is the world's top film festival and film festival. It was moving to feel surrounded by people obsessed with movies and to know that these people were waiting to watch our film."

Director Yeon Sang-ho said, "Jeon Ji-hyun is, in fact, a top star. So, I was actually a bit worried that she might get 'cold feet' as we commonly say. However, Jeon Ji-hyun took charge on set to keep waiting times from becoming boring and handled recreation. Also, every time we filmed, she would bring something from home to share. She brought things like beef jerky and celery to share." He added, "When she makes things comfortable like that, the atmosphere improves, and when the actors' atmosphere is good, it becomes easier for the staff to work," expressing his gratitude.

The two showed great chemistry in the work. When asked if she would like to work with Director Yeon Sang-ho on a next project, Jeon Ji-hyun replied, "Of course, I want to. I have some mountains to climb. Shin Hyeon-bin, Kim Shin-rok, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Park Jung-min have worked with (Director Yeon Sang-ho) the most. I need to catch up to Kim Shin-rok first. So, I should quickly get on the Yeoniverse." She joked.

Director Yeon Sang-ho revealed, "I have a Jeon Ji-hyun project. Every time I conceive a Jeon Ji-hyun project these days, I get too much stress. I think a lot about it needing to go well. Even during meetings with writers, I say, 'Jeon Ji-hyun would do this. We can't do it this way.' I'm currently focusing my mind and writing." This sparked interest in his future moves.

Meanwhile, 'COLONY', first unveiled through the Cannes Film Festival, will be released domestically on the 21st.

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*This content was translated by AI.