Ji Chang-wook Praises Jun Ji-hyun as a “Cool Person,” Expresses Excitement for Their Next Project Together!

Actor Ji Chang-wook shared his thoughts on working with Jun Ji-hyun and expressed his joy about starring in another project together.

On the afternoon of the 16th (local time), Ji Chang-wook held an interview at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, to discuss the movie ‘Gunche’ (directed by Yeon Sang-ho). ‘Gunche’ was invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival and met audiences at the Grand Théâtre Lumière during its official screening on the 15th.

‘Gunche’ is a film about isolated survivors in a building locked down due to a mysterious infection, fighting against infected beings that evolve in unpredictable ways. Director Yeon Sang-ho, a Cannes regular, has been invited to the festival four times, starting with his first feature animation ‘The King of Pigs’ (2012, Director’s Fortnight), followed by ‘Train to Busan’ (2016, Midnight Screening) and ‘Peninsula’ (2020, Official Selection). Having left a strong impression on the global film industry with the Korean-style zombie genre and original twists, Director Yeon Sang-ho once again proved his power as the father of K-zombies through ‘Gunche’.

In the movie, Ji Chang-wook plays the role of Choi Hyun-seok, a security team employee at the Dunguri Building, showing honest human psychology alongside his sister Hyun-hee (played by Kim Shin-rok).

Sharing his feelings about attending the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, Ji Chang-wook said, “Watching the movie for the first time at the Lumière Theatre made me very nervous and brought up unknown emotions. I watched the film while sweating in that state. I wondered when I would be able to come to Cannes again, so I tried to see as many people as possible. It was so moving to see so many audience members watch our movie and applaud. I want to thank ‘Gunche’ once again.”

Ji Chang-wook was surprised by the cheers of many fans calling his name on the ‘Gunche’ red carpet. He explained, “I was so grateful. I took photos and signed autographs, doing everything I could. I was told I could provide fan service from the moment I got out of the car until the end of the red carpet. There was plenty of time, and I loved being able to be with them in such a free atmosphere.”

Ji Chang-wook, who first worked with Jun Ji-hyun in ‘Gunche’, will also star with her in their next project, ‘Human Gumiho’. Expressing his affection, Ji Chang-wook said, “Jun Ji-hyun is such a cool person. She is a senior and an idol I’ve looked up to since I was young, and she is very cool and wonderful. She’s great on set and in private. It makes me realize, ‘This is what a senior and a great actress is like.’ Working with her is another precious experience and memory for me. It’s truly wonderful and an honor.”

Ji Chang-wook added, “While filming ‘Gunche’, I heard that I would be doing ‘Human Gumiho’ with Jun Ji-hyun. This is my first time working together in consecutive projects, so I thought, ‘I can’t believe this is happening, it’s so great.’ She looks so cool in ‘Human Gumiho’ as well, and I want to show it off soon.”

Meanwhile, ‘Gunche’, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, will be released in Korea on the 21st.