The film "The Journey to Gyeongju," which has garnered significant attention for its star-studded cast featuring Lee Jung-eun, Kong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon, is set to be released on August 26.
"The Journey to Gyeongju" is a family revenge story about four mother and daughters who embark on a "killing" trip after eight years of waiting, seeking justice for the youngest daughter, Gyeongju, who never returned from a school trip.
The posters released alongside the announcement of the release date feature a family that appears ordinary but exudes a mysterious atmosphere. The copy hinting at an intense incident stimulates curiosity and signals the arrival of a fresh revenge story that twists typical genre conventions.
The first poster captures the four individuals in a yellow van, each displaying different behaviors. From the mother, Oksil (Lee Jung-eun), praying with rosary beads, to the eldest daughter, Jangju (Kong Hyo-jin), keeping an eye on the road while driving, the second daughter, Youngju (Park So-dam), testing a disposable camera for an alibi, and the third daughter, Dongju (Lee Yeon), fast asleep, their distinct personalities stand out. While it may look like a normal family trip at first glance, the red silhouette of a person placed among them and the bold copy, "We kidnapped the murderer," capture attention and hint at an unpredictable development.
The second poster captures the four mother and daughters smiling brightly while taking a commemorative photo against the backdrop of "The East Palace and Wolji," one of Gyeongju's representative historical sites. Dressed in matching "FAMILY" shirts and posing affectionately, they appear perfectly harmonious on the surface, but a thorough revenge plan prepared over eight years lies beneath, creating a chilling tension. The addition of the copy, "The trip is an alibi, the goal is revenge. We kidnapped the murderer," along with bloodstains, further stimulates curiosity about the full story of this "killing" family trip.
"The Journey to Gyeongju" boasts a powerful lineup: Lee Jung-eun, who showcases a wide acting spectrum across genres in works such as "Parasite"; Kong Hyo-jin, who has captivated the public with her unique, relatable acting in "When the Camellia Blooms" and "Don't Dare to Dream"; Park So-dam, who demonstrated delicate emotional acting and a shining presence in "Death's Game," "Parasite," and "The Priests"; and Lee Yeon, who has drawn attention for her captivating charm and outstanding acting skills in "Perfect Crown" and "Juvenile Justice." It is also a rare film where all four lead roles are played by actresses.
The film is directed by Kim Mi-jo, who was recognized for her directing ability with her debut film "Gull." The work has been generating anticipation even before its release, having been invited to prestigious film festivals such as the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Florence Korea Film Fest.
"The Journey to Gyeongju" will meet audiences in theaters nationwide on August 26.
Note: "The Journey to Gyeongju" is a romanization, as no official English title has been released yet.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)