According to officials on the 23rd, Jung Ho-yeon recently returned to New York to handle pre-planned schedules after completing her duties for ‘Hope’ at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, including the official screening, press conference, and interviews with Korean media.
However, Jung Ho-yeon made a surprise return to Cannes, France, on the 22nd (local time). She attended the official film festival dinner held the day before the closing ceremony. She was joined by ‘Hope’ director Na Hong-jin, as well as Hwang Jung-min and Jo In-sung. Her presence reportedly drew significant attention from industry insiders.
With Jung Ho-yeon’s return, expectations for ‘Hope’ to win an award are soaring.
Local anticipation is growing, with foreign press members reportedly asking Korean reporters if they have seen ‘Hope’ and engaging in frequent discussions about the film.
While the official screenings for ‘Hope’ ended on the 21st, an additional screening was added on the 22nd.
Since its official screening on the 17th, ‘Hope’ has quickly become the most talked-about film of the festival. It has received rave reviews for director Na Hong-jin’s unique style, stunning visuals, and the appearance of new creatures.
As the closing ceremony is just one day away, Jung Ho-yeon’s return from New York has further heightened the excitement over a potential win for Na Hong-jin’s ‘Hope’.
On the day of the closing ceremony, the festival notifies the directors of winning works to attend the awards event in the afternoon. Therefore, whether ‘Hope’ has won will likely become clear on the afternoon of the 23rd (local time). The specific award category will only be revealed during the ceremony.
‘Hope’ tells the story of Beom-seok, the head of the Hopo Port office located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). After hearing from local youths that a tiger has appeared, the entire village goes on high alert, leading Beom-seok to encounter an unbelievable reality. This is director Na Hong-jin’s first film in 10 years since ‘The Wailing’.
During its world premiere, ‘Hope’ received a 7-minute standing ovation from a packed crowd of 2,500 people at the Lumiere Theatre.
All eyes are now on whether ‘Hope’ will bring home a victory at the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony.
