[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] "Despite the challenges and difficulties facing the film industry both internally and externally, I hope this film will bloom beautifully in the hearts of audiences, just like a trumpet vine."

Actor Jo In-sung made these remarks during an interview held on the 9th at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, ahead of the release of the film “Hope,” expressing his affection for and high expectations of the film.
Set to open on the 15th, “Hope” is the latest film from director Na Hong-jin—known for “The Chaser,” “The Yellow Sea,” and “The Wailing”—marking his return to the big screen after about a decade. The film tells the story of Beom-seok (Hwang Jung-min), the head of the Hopo Port branch office near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), who encounters an unimaginable entity while hunting a tiger that has appeared in the village. Jo In-sung plays the role of Seong-gi, a young man from the village.
When asked about his thoughts ahead of the film’s release, Jo In-sung joked, “When you wait for so long, you start wondering, ‘Why is this taking so long?’ and eventually just resign yourself to it.” He added, “Isn’t it best to release the film when we’re in top condition? Our mindset is to do our best until the director is satisfied.”

◇“Novelty Over Safety”… The Unwavering Jo In-sung
“Hope” has been hailed as one of the film industry’s most anticipated releases ever since it was announced as director Na Hong-jin’s new project. Given that Director Na’s films are notoriously challenging, one might have expected a long deliberation process, but Jo In-sung said he didn’t hesitate for long. “I contacted him immediately after reading the script,” he said.
Jo In-sung chose *Hope* because it was something new. “Rather than playing it safe, I want to try new things, even if they don’t work out,” he said. “When I first saw this project, I asked myself if I was ready for it,” he added, “but my desire to take on the challenge was still stronger.”
In *Hope*, Jo In-sung pulled off equestrian action sequences that were nothing short of “incredible.” Director Na Hong-jin reportedly encouraged him throughout filming, telling him, “Don’t give up.” Jo vividly recalled the experience, saying, “Even the stunt team said they’d never done anything like this before. I asked, ‘Then why do I have to do this?’”
Nevertheless, Jo In-sung didn’t give up. Director Na is famous for insisting that scenes be done “until they’re right” and “until he’s satisfied.” Jo In-sung said that difficulties and waiting are “the default.” He explained, “You have to approach it with the mindset of doing it not just once, but 100 times,” adding, “If it’s done after just 30 takes, isn’t that great?”
When asked if there were any heartwarming stories about Director Na, he expressed strong trust in the director, saying, “Science fiction is a genre with its ups and downs, but the results speak for themselves. That’s all that matters.”

◇Jo In-sung on Hwang Jung-min, Jung Ho-yeon, and Season 2
Jo In-sung worked with Hwang Jung-min for the first time on this project. “I’m glad I got to know Jung-min hyung better while filming,” Jo In-sung said. “Although my screen time wasn’t extensive, he was very considerate since I had to do a lot of dangerous scenes.”
He continued, “I don’t think there was ever a moment when I didn’t feel respected. He even respected my choice of menu items when we ate together,” adding, “I truly admire him for that.”
Regarding Jung Ho-yeon, he praised her highly, saying, “Having such a promising actress is a true asset to the film industry.” He continued, “I think it’s also significant that a talented actress has emerged at a time when Korean actors are poised to go global.”
Prior to filming, he practiced horseback riding for three months and rode a horse himself. Jo In-sung said he spent three to four months before filming practicing how to ride and handle a horse. “You can’t control a horse exactly as you want,” he said, adding, “I think I was lucky. It was a gentle horse, and I’ll give all the credit to that horse.”
When asked about the possibility of a Season 2, Jo In-sung replied, “It might be in the director’s mind, but I’m cautious about it.” He noted, “Given practical considerations like production costs and environmental factors, I can’t say for sure,” but drew attention by adding, “I imagine it’s in the director’s mind.”
Amid the industry’s difficult circumstances, there is great anticipation as to whether *Hope* can live up to its title and become a source of hope. That anticipation also brings a corresponding amount of pressure. Jo In-sung compared film actors to the trumpet vine. “There is a flower that blooms despite the monsoon and typhoons, as if defying the sky,” he said. “I think film actors share that same fate. “While an individual actor can’t do much about the difficult state of the film industry, since everyone worked together with one heart, I do have the hope that it will turn out well,” he said.