Ji Chang-wook: "When will I come to Cannes again... I feel an indescribable emotion" [Cannes★Interview] ①

*This content was translated by AI.

• Invited for Midnight Screening at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival... Interview with actor Ji Chang-wook on the film 'COLONY'

Actor Ji Chang-wook shared his impressions of visiting the Cannes Film Festival for the first time with a Korean film.

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

'COLONY' is a film about isolated survivors inside a building sealed off by an unidentified infectious outbreak, fighting against infected individuals evolving in unpredictable forms. Director Yeon Sang-ho, a 'Cannes regular,' has been 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 zombie tropes with original twists, Director Yeon Sang-ho once again demonstrated his prowess as the father of Korean zombies through 'COLONY'.

In the film, Ji Chang-wook plays Choi Hyun-seok, a security team member at the Dongwuri Building, working alongside his sister Hyun-hee (played by Kim Shin-rok) to reveal the honest psychology of humans.

Sharing his impressions of attending the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, Ji Chang-wook said, "I watched the film for the first time at the Lumière Hall. I was very nervous, and an indescribable emotion rose within me. In that state, I watched the film while sweating. When else will I get to come to Cannes? I tried to see as many people as possible. It was incredibly moving that so many audiences watched our film and applauded us. Once again, I am grateful for 'COLONY'."

Ji Chang-wook was surprised by the enthusiastic cheers from many fans who called out his name on the 'COLONY' red carpet. He explained, "I was so grateful. They took photos with me, signed autographs, and I did everything I could. I was told I could provide fan service from the car all the way to the end of the red carpet. There was plenty of time, and it was nice to be able to interact in a relaxed and free atmosphere."

Ji Chang-wook recalled, "I could see that the director was also a bit nervous. As both a director and a creator, I imagine he felt burdened by the fact that he would be evaluated from the moment he stepped in front of the audience."

Ji Chang-wook said, "Personally, I really empathized with the character of Hyun-seok. He was the character I understood and empathized with the most after reading the script. I became curious about what type of person I am myself. The character reflects aspects of all of us, showing how we survive by any means necessary. Hyun-seok is a very realistic character. I saw myself in Hyun-seok." He added, "The point where Hyun-seok turns dark was a moment in the film where I felt great entertainment and catharsis."

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

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.