Jun Ji-hyun Returns to the Big Screen After 11 Years with Director Yeon Sang-ho's 'The Hive'

Actress Jun Ji-hyun makes her long-awaited return to the big screen after 11 years, teaming up with director Yeon Sang-ho for the film 'The Hive.' This movie promises a fresh take on the zombie genre with evolving infected characters, and features an ensemble cast including Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo.

On the 4th, a production briefing for 'The Hive' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Yeon Sang-ho, along with actors Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo, attended the event.

'The Hive' depicts the struggle of isolated survivors in a quarantined building against unpredictable, evolving infected beings.

Director Yeon described the film as a work that showcases the fun of his previous films 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula,' while introducing new types of zombies. He explained, "The title refers to a group of the same species organizing a common body, resembling human society, and also signifies the mysterious infected beings."

When asked about the impressive lineup, Director Yeon expressed his excitement, saying, "It feels like I've truly become a film director." He humorously added, "I wish I could tell Yeon Sang-ho from 20 years ago that I'd be making a movie with these actors. He wouldn't believe it."

The film differentiates itself from traditional zombie movies by featuring zombies that 'update' and evolve. Director Yeon explained, "Initially, the zombies may seem dumber than those in previous films, but as the number of infected increases, they evolve differently from human growth, which will evoke fear."

Jun Ji-hyun returns to the screen with 'The Hive' after her last film 'Assassination' directed by Choi Dong-hoon. She expressed her excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to return to films after such a long time. As a big fan of the director, I'm happy to greet audiences through his work." She added, "I chose this project because it's directed by Yeon Sang-ho and I get to work with such talented actors." Director Yeon humorously shared, "I never imagined casting Jun Ji-hyun, but I heard she was interested in my work, so I gave it a try."

Jun Ji-hyun mentioned, "I like the director's unique discomfort and darkness. Watching his works made me want to collaborate with him." She continued, "He works on many projects quickly, so I thought there might be an opportunity to work together as an actor."

Jun Ji-hyun plays Kwon Se-jung, a biochemistry professor and leader of the survivor group. She described her character as "upright and confrontational against injustice, a proactive leader determined to save the survivors."

Director Yeon shared a behind-the-scenes story of his first meeting with Jun Ji-hyun, saying, "We met at a cafe, and as soon as I entered, it felt like a movie was playing. The reason was Jun Ji-hyun, the movie star, sitting there. The atmosphere was cinematic."

Director Yeon praised Jun Ji-hyun's wide acting range, saying, "From 'My Sassy Girl' to 'Assassination,' it's rare to see an actor with such a broad spectrum." He added, "I was amazed by how she compressed that wide range into her performance. She was cynical, playful, and serious, all in one film. She's a superstar for a reason."

Koo Kyo-hwan plays Dr. Seo Young-chul, a biologist who creates the mysterious virus. Having previously worked with Director Yeon in 'Peninsula,' Koo humorously noted, "I played Captain Seo Sang-hoon in 'Peninsula,' and now I'm Seo Young-chul. It's my second 'Seo villain' role. I need to do well to complete the 'Seo villain trilogy.'"

Describing his character, Koo said, "Seo Young-chul has his own logic but lacks certainty. He seeks results in the film, encounters variables, but has no fear and does many bad things." He humorously compared it to a program called 'Curiosity Heaven,' saying, "It's more like 'Curiosity Hell.'"

Shin Hyun-bin plays Gong Seol-hee, a biochemistry professor who joins the special investigation team. Having previously worked with Director Yeon on 'Revelation' and 'Face,' she said, "After hearing Koo Kyo-hwan's story, I realized I've completed my 'Hee trilogy' with roles named Yeon-hee, Young-hee, and now Seol-hee." She added, "I've mostly done reality-based works, so this was new for me."

Ji Chang-wook plays Choi Hyun-seok, a security team member at the building, who carries his disabled sister on a camping carrier to fight the infected. He said, "I focused on the emotions of caring for my sister, the need to save her, and surviving the crisis."

Kim Shin-rok plays Choi Hyun-hee, Hyun-seok's sister, who is paralyzed from the waist down. She described her character as "a wheelchair user with a brilliant mind, judgment, and a warm heart." She added, "I tried to change my image by cutting my hair."

Ji Chang-wook, who carried Kim Shin-rok throughout filming, said, "She lost a lot of weight, so she was lighter than expected, but still heavy." Kim Shin-rok humorously added, "I lost some weight, but after being carried, I realized I need to lose more."

Go Soo plays Han Kyu-sung, a biochemistry professor and the ex-husband of Kwon Se-jung and current husband of Gong Seol-hee. He said, "When I received the script, it felt like reading an exciting fantasy novel. My character stands at a significant turning point in the film, which is why I chose it."

He added, "I call Se-jung somewhere. If I hadn't, this movie might not have been born. My character is crucial." Koo Kyo-hwan humorously interjected, "If Seo Young-chul hadn't started the experiment..."

Experiencing the zombie genre for the first time, Go Soo said, "In previous films with infected characters, there was a sense of frustration. The infected seemed too foolish. But after reading this script, I felt the infected were smart."

Finally, Koo Kyo-hwan joked, "Captain Seo Sang-hoon and Dr. Seo Young-chul only share the surname 'Seo.' They're different. Zombie Seo," expressing his pride. He confidently added, "The movie is really fun. No joke."

'The Hive' is set to be released in May.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr