Jun Ji-hyun Returns to the Big Screen After 11 Years: "Fighting Collective Intelligence Zombies... The Allure of Human Nature"

Interview with Actor Jun Ji-hyun

Returns in Yeon Sang-ho’s New Film "Gunche"
Plays a Rational Biotechnology Ph.D.
Wears Animal Headbands for Stage Greetings
"Focusing My Talents on Korean Projects Over Overseas Work"

Actor Jun Ji-hyun. Courtesy of Showbox

Actor Jun Ji-hyun has returned to the big screen for the first time in 11 years since the 2015 film "Assassination." After focusing on dramas and series during the pandemic, she chose director Yeon Sang-ho's latest film, "Gunche," for her comeback. Meeting with her at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 26th, she said, "As the film industry changed after COVID-19, I naturally began to pay more attention to series," adding, "Then I met director Yeon, and I was drawn to the unique zombie concept and the film's clear message, which led me to join the project."

The movie depicts a desperate struggle for survival between the infected, who evolve unpredictably inside a building sealed off due to an unidentified virus, and the survivors. The infected not only crawl around like beasts, but also gradually stand upright and form groups that threaten the survivors.

"Gunche" takes a different path from conventional zombie films. Instead of uncontrollable individual zombies, it features a collective intelligence—a horde networked together and evolving in real time. Jun Ji-hyun plays Kwon Se-jeong, a biotechnology Ph.D. who keeps her composure and navigates the crisis rationally. She explained, "In such chaotic situations, the true nature of humanity is revealed most clearly. Kwon Se-jeong does not put her emotions first but tries to get through the situation and explain it to others using her knowledge. That was what attracted me to the role."

Jun Ji-hyun already experienced K-zombies in Netflix's "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" (2021), but she noted that the metaphorical message of this film is different. She said, "The zombies in 'Gunche' move as a single horde. The film cleverly and critically portrays modern people relinquishing their own thinking to artificial intelligence (AI)." She even practiced zombie acting on set. She joked, "The director saw potential in my zombie performance, but I held back for the sake of the role."

She was satisfied with working with director Yeon, known as the "father of zombies" (Zom-buji). Jun Ji-hyun said, "People who have seen the movie say it must have been tough, but honestly, it wasn't hard at all. We started and finished work on time every day," she laughed. "The director has a clear worldview and only asks for exactly what is needed. The actors don't waste unnecessary energy and can feel free within that space. The story moves quickly and efficiently, with zombies appearing right from the very first shoot."

She also had a positive synergy with actor Koo Kyo-hwan, who played Seo Young-chul, the cause of the infection outbreak. Jun Ji-hyun said, "Seo Young-chul is a character with the richest backstory, which makes him an enticing role for any actor. Koo Kyo-hwan is cheerful and leads the atmosphere on set, which matched well with my personality that doesn't enjoy being overly serious," she said.

Still from the movie 'Gunche'. Provided by Showbox.

Actor Jun Ji-hyun. Courtesy of Showbox

Debuting in 1997, Jun Ji-hyun has garnered public attention through major hits such as "My Sassy Girl" (2001), "The Thieves" (2012), and "My Love from the Star" (2013). Although she returned to the film set after about 11 years, she said she did not feel any sense of absence or discomfort. Greeting the audience directly at stage greetings was a refreshing stimulus for her.

Jun Ji-hyun said, "I didn't know the culture of stage greetings had changed like this. It was unfamiliar when I was asked to wear animal ear headbands, but I joined in the fun after asking Ji Chang-wook about it," adding, "It was new and meaningful as an actor to directly face the audience cheering me on with sketchbooks from the seats."

Having acted for over 20 years, her sense of responsibility as a leading actor has deepened. Jun Ji-hyun said, "Because I never had the chance to experience typical social life outside, I always learned about society and matured through my characters," adding, "As I get older, I feel more strongly the attitude and responsibility a lead actor must have on set."

She cited thorough self-objectivity as the secret to maintaining steady stamina and energy. She explained, "People who starve themselves or eat tasteless food for dieting do so because they don't fully know their own bodies. If you understand your body deeply, you naturally learn what foods to combine and how to eat them."

Jun Ji-hyun will reunite with Ji Chang-wook in her next project, preparing for a drama with the theme of a gumiho, "Human X Gumiho." Although she once considered expanding her career overseas, she made it clear that she now intends to focus on Korean productions. She emphasized, "The status and influence of K-content have changed dramatically over time. What is most Korean is now global," adding, "As a Korean actor, I believe focusing my abilities on Korean works is the right path."

Regarding the point that she does not act in many works, she clarified, "It's not something I do intentionally." Jun Ji-hyun said, "Whenever I come across a good project, I always do my best. Especially with movies, since they need to be chosen by a large audience, I tend to be more cautious in making decisions," adding, "Going forward, I want to take a more relaxed approach and enjoy acting."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.