K-Zombie Evolution! Jun Ji-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan’s ‘Gunche’ Steals the Spotlight at Cannes Midnight Screening

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The zombie action film ‘Gunche’ (directed by Yeon Sang-ho and produced by Wowpoint and Smilegate) made a smashing debut at the World Premiere of the Midnight Screening at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

‘Gunche’ was unveiled at the Lumière Grand Theatre, the main venue of the Cannes Film Festival, at 12:50 AM local time on the 15th (00:50 AM on the 16th). Director Yeon Sang-ho, along with stars Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, and Kim Shin-rok, attended the event. All 2,300 seats were sold out early, proving the massive hype for the film.

Before the World Premiere, Director Yeon Sang-ho and the cast—Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, and Kim Shin-rok—hit the red carpet, where they were greeted by a flurry of camera flashes from global media.

Sporting a striking style in contrasting black and white, the ‘Gunche’ team showed their appreciation for the fans who waited patiently despite the event starting late at 12:50 AM due to a delay in the previous screening. Even in the middle of the night, the team responded to the unexpected cheers with bright smiles, happily signing autographs and taking photos to heat up the red carpet atmosphere.

From the witty couple shots of Jun Ji-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan to the fans who waited until 3 AM chanting the actors’ names and mimicking the signature poses of the infected from the movie, Director Yeon Sang-ho shared that this was “the reaction I wanted to see the most.” The passionate response from the red carpet to the early morning hours showed that the audience connected with ‘Gunche’ just as the infected in the film are connected.

Director Park Chan-wook, this year’s Cannes Film Festival Jury President, made a surprise appearance on the red carpet despite his hectic schedule. Alongside Festival Director Thierry Frémaux, Director Park warmly hugged Director Yeon Sang-ho and each of the actors on the Lumière Theatre stairs, offering heartfelt encouragement and support to his junior colleagues and peers.

As the screening began, the Lumière Grand Theatre erupted in cheers the moment the production logos appeared, followed by laughter and gasps throughout the film. The audience was completely immersed, breathing alongside the characters as they witnessed the birth of a brand-new species of zombie.

As the ending credits rolled, the theater exploded with cheers and applause, culminating in a stunning 7-minute standing ovation.

Director Yeon Sang-ho beamed with a bright smile, thanking the Cannes audience and sharing the joy of the first screening. The actors were also overwhelmed by the crowd’s energy. Koo Kyo-hwan showcased the eye-covering pose that had already become a hot topic in the trailer, while Jun Ji-hyun looked visibly touched by the massive cheers that erupted when her name was called.

Director Yeon Sang-ho expressed his feelings, saying, “It is a true honor to present ‘Gunche’ at the Cannes Film Festival, a place I’ve dreamed of. This will be a memory that stays with me for a very long time.” He also thanked the crowd in French, saying, “Merci beaucoup.”

In a rare move, Festival Director Thierry Frémaux personally escorted the director and actors back to the red carpet after the screening ended, drawing significant attention.

International critics and festivals are already raving. Samuel Jamier, President of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), praised the film, stating, “‘Gunche’ introduces a new physical grammar to zombies; it is formally innovative with a visceral tension that is unprecedented in current genre cinema.” NYAFF has even selected ‘Gunche’ as the opening film for its North American premiere to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The French magazine Trois Couleurs noted, “This well-crafted premise provides the perfect framework for Director Yeon Sang-ho, who excels in thriller and horror, to direct intense, sophisticated, and immersive action sequences. At times, it even evokes the world of video games.” Matt Neglia, editor of the entertainment awards website Next Best Picture, described it as “a feast of non-stop thrills from start to finish, providing great genre satisfaction,” further raising expectations for the domestic release.

‘Gunche’ tells the story of isolated survivors fighting for survival against infected beings that evolve in unpredictable ways inside a building locked down due to a mysterious infection. The film stars Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo, and is helmed by Director Yeon Sang-ho, known for ‘Train to Busan,’ ‘Peninsula,’ and ‘Face.’ It is set to be released on the 21st.