Lee Jung-eun and her three daughters embark on a family revenge trip: 'Gyeongju Journey' [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actress Lee Jung-eun and her three daughters—Gong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon—are set to hit the theaters during the scorching summer.

On the morning of the 27th, a production report conference for the film 'Gyeongju Journey' (directed by Kim Mi-jo) was held at Lotte Cinema in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by actors Lee Jung-eun, Gong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, Lee Yeon, and director Kim Mi-jo.

The film 'Gyeongju Journey' tells the story of a mother and her three daughters who embark on a journey of revenge after eight years of waiting to avenge their youngest daughter, 'Gyeongju,' who never returned from a school trip.

Lee Jung-eun plays Ok-sil, a character who has been living in grief for eight years while seeking revenge after losing her daughter. Lee Jung-eun stated, "Director Kim Mi-jo came to my set as a script supervisor and handed me the 'Gyeongju Journey' screenplay. After reading it, I loved it so much that I immediately agreed to join the project." She added, "After agreeing to take on the role, it took one year for the actresses playing my daughters to be cast. Because of the long wait, I am now waiting with even greater passion." Reflecting on the time when Gong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon were confirmed as her daughters in the film, she said, "We had always wanted to work together from the start, so it was wonderful for both the director and me that we ended up working together in this order of casting."

Gong Hyo-jin, who plays the eldest daughter Jang-ju, initially declined the role but joined after receiving a second casting offer. Gong Hyo-jin explained, "I received an offer early in the casting process, but since my schedule conflicted with other projects at that time, I turned it down even though I found the script interesting." She continued, "Later, after all the younger sisters were cast and about six to eight months had passed since my initial refusal, I was approached again. Even after declining, I remained curious about who would join this project and kept thinking about it. It was truly dramatic that I ended up being part of it."

Gong Hyo-jin said, "Having played a mother in 'When the Camellia Blooms,' I wanted to portray Lee Jung-eun's character once again. Her role as a mother is crucial in this film. Our daughters are merely supporting characters. That's why we all came dressed in black today to make her stand out." Lee Jung-eun added, "We even spoke on the phone separately, and she expressed how much she wanted to support me. I was grateful because her involvement made a significant difference in the decision-making process."

Gong Hyo-jin remarked, "When reading the script, I found the mother's role incredibly appealing. We came together with the mindset of supporting her."

In the photos released that day, Ok-sil drew attention with her unkempt bob haircut and vacant expression. The MC remarked, "It gives off an 'Oldboy'-like vibe." Lee Jung-eun responded, "After losing her daughter, her memory is frozen, and she is trapped in a state where time seems to have stopped." She added, "People told me I looked like Lee Sang-soon. I resonate with comparisons to both Seong Ji-ru and Lee Sang-soon. I would love to invite them to our film screening. It would be wonderful if they could attend."

Lee Jung-eun and Park So-dam reunited after 'Parasite' to portray a mother-daughter relationship once again. Lee Jung-eun recalled, "During the filming of 'Parasite,' every time I saw Park So-dam's face, I felt like hitting her. She constantly tried to push me out." She continued, "When Park So-dam was not in good condition, we traveled together and met frequently. I hoped that once she recovered, we could work together again. Fortunately, this time around, we were able to play a family bonded by affection, which made me very happy. Perhaps becoming her second daughter was a special stroke of luck."

Park So-dam shared, "I also remember the scenes we filmed in 'Parasite.' I told her, 'Please move aside,' and then drove her away. Even during filming, my sister and I connected deeply. After I fell ill and needed recovery, she supported me greatly."

Park So-dam said, "She took care of me like a real mother. While it was difficult to fully express how sick I was to our family or even my own mother, I could open up to her. Even though she worried, I showed her my struggles and confided in her." She added, "One early morning, she came to my house just to listen to my story. Meeting as a mother and daughter is wonderful in itself. She has always been a senior I deeply admire, and I feel I must do well for the rest of my life." Previously, Park So-dam battled papillary thyroid cancer in 2021.

Director Kim Mi-jo stated, "I wanted to show how humans overcome loss and pain, and how those left behind continue living within that experience. The film captures the journey of those who persevere until the end." She added, "I am the youngest daughter in a family with four daughters. I wove my own story and relationships into this project."

Meanwhile, 'Gyeongju Journey' is scheduled for release on August 26.

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*This content was translated by AI.