[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] “Whatever image you imagine, it will be different. There’s no need for logic. I just hope you’ll go see it in theaters and enjoy it.”

Actress Gong Hyo-jin expressed strong confidence in the film “Gyeongju Journey.” She said, “You’ll see an ending that exceeds all expectations right to the very end,” adding, “Once you watch the movie, you’ll understand why the actresses were so eager to play the mother role.”
On the 27th, a production briefing for the film “Gyeongju Journey” was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Station in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Mi-jo and actors Lee Jung-eun, Gong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon attended the event and shared various insights about the film.
“Gyeongju Trip” depicts the events that unfold when mother Ok-sil (Lee Jung-eun) and her three daughters—Jang-ju (Gong Hyo-jin), Young-ju (Park So-dam), and Dong-ju (Lee Yeon)—embark on a family trip to celebrate the birthday of their youngest daughter, Gyeong-ju, who left on a school trip eight years ago and never returned. Although it appears to be an ordinary trip on the surface, there is a man hidden in the trunk of their van, and the true purpose of the trip is revenge.

Director Kim began by explaining the meaning behind the title. “‘Gyeongju Journey’ is a title that combines the city ‘Gyeongju,’ the name of the youngest daughter ‘Gyeongju,’ ‘gihaeng’ (紀行), meaning ‘journey,’ and ‘gihaeng’ (奇行), meaning ‘bizarre behavior,’” he explained, adding, “This film stems from the premise of four women—who have never even killed a single bug—taking matters into their own hands to mete out punishment.” He continued, “I wanted to depict how those left behind endure the pain of loss and come to understand one another,” conveying the film’s message: “Ultimately, it’s a story about people who love each other to the very end—a story of intense love.”
Each actress joined the project through a special connection. Lee Jung-eun said, “The director studied a lot while working as a script supervisor on the set of a movie I starred in previously. I received the script back then, but it took about a year to cast the daughters.” She added, “It was even more meaningful because the actors I originally wanted to work with were cast exactly as I’d hoped.”
Gong Hyo-jin decided to take the role after receiving two offers. She explained, “At first, I turned it down because of scheduling conflicts. The script was really interesting, but I was worried I might be a burden,” she explained. “As the filming schedule was pushed back, I received another offer, and above all, when I heard that Senior Lee Jung-eun was taking on the role of the mother, I really wanted to be part of it.” In response, Lee Jung-eun said, “Gong Hyo-jin called me personally and told me, ‘I really want to help you, Senior,’” adding, “Those words were a huge source of encouragement in my decision to join the project.”

Park So-dam said, “While reading the script, I noticed that the way the second and third daughters were portrayed was completely different, and I felt their relationships were depicted with great subtlety.” She added, “Later, when I heard from the director that they were actually four real sisters, I thought, ‘That’s why the details were so precise.’”
Lee Yeon also remarked, “Tragedy and comedy were blended just right, and the mere fact that my senior actors were part of the cast meant I didn’t have to worry at all,” adding, “I was confident that taking on this project would help me grow as an actress.”
Director Kim also made no secret of his affection for the actors. “These are actors who not only dominate the Korean acting scene but can literally tear a film apart with their performances,” he said. “They were the names I had written in bold at the very top of my notebook. There was no reason not to work with them, and I was truly happy to actually get the chance to collaborate with them.”
He continued, “Making a movie can sometimes be so difficult that I wonder what sin I committed in a past life, but when I see the actors’ performances, those thoughts disappear,” and reflected, “It was a sweltering summer, but the actors and the entire crew filled the set with their passionate energy.”

Gong Hyo-jin, in particular, expressed strong confidence in the film. “Actors always think about what kind of story the audience will imagine,” she said, adding, “But no matter what kind of movie you imagine, ‘Gyeongju Journey’ will be completely different,” thereby heightening anticipation.
When asked about box office goals, the responses were lighthearted. Lee Yeon said, “I was originally going to say 3 million, but I’ll go with 10 million.” Director Kim then joked, “Every holiday, my father writes ‘Gyeongju Journey—70 million hit’ on my red envelope,” adding, “I’m also expecting around 70 million viewers,” which had the entire press conference in stitches.
Finally, Lee Jung-eun said, “Because of my hairstyle in the film, I’ve heard people say I look like a character from *Oldboy*, and I’ve also been told I resemble Lee Sang-soon a lot,” adding, “I really hope Lee Sang-soon comes to the premiere. I’d like to formally invite him,” which had the audience in stitches.
“Gyeongju Journey” is set to be released on August 26.