[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Actor Byun Yo-han showcases a bold image transformation through "Gyeongju Journey."

The film “Gyeongju Trip,” set to be released on the 26th, is a family revenge drama about four women—a mother and her three daughters—who embark on a “deadly” journey after an eight-year wait to avenge their youngest daughter, “Gyeongju,” who never returned from a school field trip. Byun Yo-han plays Baek Sang-hyun, the target of their revenge and a character shrouded in mystery.
Byun Yo-han is set to heighten the film’s tension with his most radical transformation since his debut. “Baek Sang-hyun” is the man who took the youngest daughter, “Gyeongju,” away from “Ok-sil” (Lee Jung-eun)’s family; after serving an eight-year prison sentence, he is kidnapped by the four women—still under the effects of anesthesia—before he even has a chance to enjoy his freedom.
To perfect “Baek Sang-hyun’s” chilling persona, Byun Yo-han not only sported a shaggy hairstyle, a scruffy beard, and rough skin—and even wore a mouthpiece to discolor his teeth—but also repeatedly studied his gait and anxious gaze, completely erasing his usual appearance.

In particular, Byun Yo-han drew attention for appearing in *Gyeongju Trip* without a fee. He explained, “Since it was a project produced by the director of *Will You Be There?*, my first commercial film, I was naturally drawn to it, and the script was truly excellent.” He added, “It was also meaningful to be able to work alongside senior and junior actors, including Senior Lee Jung-eun, and I wanted to contribute in whatever small way I could.”
Byun Yo-han explained, “Since this character’s actions lack plausibility or empathy, I was actually able to throw myself into the role with even greater boldness,” and added regarding his approach to the character, “I thought that the more I suffered, the greater the fear and tension the audience would feel.”
Director Kim Mi-jo, who had agonized over the casting of “Baek Sang-hyun” right up until filming began, said, “The moment I heard Byun Yo-han’s name, it felt like a light suddenly went on in my head—as if it were fate,” and she lavished praise on him, calling him “a professional actor who went beyond the script to capture hidden nuances I hadn’t even considered and brought them to life on screen.”
“Gyeongju Journey” is the first commercial film by Director Kim Mi-jo, whose directing skills were recognized with her debut film, “The Seagull.” Notably, the film received critical acclaim at the 24th Florence Korean Film Festival held last March and was honored with the Audience Award.