Na Hong-jin's $700 Million Film 'Hope' Set to Revitalize Korean Cinema This Summer

As the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism prepares to distribute additional 6,000 won discount tickets, all eyes are on director Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope.' This marks Na's return after a decade since 'The Wailing,' and 'Hope' has been invited to compete at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. With a production budget of approximately 700 billion won, it has been touted as one of the most anticipated Korean films of the year. The film has already topped pre-release ticket sales, raising hopes for a revival in the sluggish Korean film market.

On July 6, a press screening and media conference for 'Hope' took place at the Megabox Coex in Gangnam, Seoul, featuring director Na Hong-jin and actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon.

'Hope' tells the story of Bamseok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of a branch office in the Demilitarized Zone, who faces an alarming situation when local youths report a tiger sighting. This film is Na's fourth invitation to Cannes, showcasing his signature intense genre style seen in previous works like 'The Chaser,' 'The Yellow Sea,' and 'The Wailing.'

Regarding casting, Na Hong-jin shared, "I had intended to cast Hwang Jung-min in another film after 'The Wailing,' which was rated for mature audiences. However, when that project fell through, I found it challenging to cast him in a different script. While writing, I envisioned him as Bamseok, making it a natural and inevitable choice."

Na explained that Jo In-sung was cast after hearing positive feedback from fellow actors and director Ryoo Seung-wan. He said, "Many actors I know have worked with Jo and spoke highly of him. I thought, 'What’s going on here?' After watching Ryoo's films, I felt confident that we needed to bring him on board. I believed we could create something great together."

As for Jung Ho-yeon, Na noted, "She embodied the character I envisioned. I was surprised at how well we matched during our first meeting. I humbly asked her to join, and despite her busy schedule, she graciously made time for us."

'Hope' combines large-scale action, creature features, and chase scenes. Na emphasized the importance of safety in the action sequences, stating, "We spent a year preparing storyboards and discussing with the cast and crew to ensure we could execute the action as envisioned. I wanted the action to convey the film's emotions and themes without relying solely on dialogue or explicit descriptions."

He added, "Each chapter of the film required different storytelling approaches. As Jo In-sung mentioned, we aimed to maximize the feeling of survival through action. While characters could express their desire to live verbally, I wanted to convey that through action instead. In the first sequence with Hwang Jung-min and Jung Ho-yeon, we aimed to depict the shifting dynamics of predator and prey through action."

The actors also engaged in intense action to immerse the audience. Jo In-sung, who performed various stunts including gunfights, horseback riding, and car chases, described the lengthy preparation process that led to the completion of these scenes.

He remarked, "I want to share more, but I must avoid spoilers. The final action sequence was particularly challenging for all of us, including Hwang and Jung. I feel a sense of pride in the great scene we created after all the hard work."

Notably, the horseback riding action is highlighted as a spectacular element of 'Hope.' Jo In-sung shared that he underwent extensive training for the horseback scenes, stating, "I practiced two to three times a week for three months. I ran on asphalt and even rode in permitted areas to sync with the horse. It was challenging, as horses can react unpredictably, and I realized how difficult it is to coordinate with them. This film provided a valuable learning experience, including horseback riding."

Acting without a visible presence posed a unique challenge for the cast. Hwang Jung-min noted, "Acting without a scene partner and relying solely on imagination was a first for me, and I believe it was unfamiliar for all the actors. I had to think creatively about how to maximize my performance."

He continued, "There were moments when I had to request specific angles or eye levels while monitoring, but often, there was nothing to react to. It required careful calculation in our performances, as the reactions of others were absent, necessitating a thoroughly planned approach from the start."

Jung Ho-yeon added, "At times, we used laser pointers to help with eye lines, or actors would hold creature models. When running or riding, we relied on our imagination. It was a fun and unique experience for all of us."

Jo In-sung echoed, "Acting in an empty space was not easy. The key was to maintain the energy of fear and survival. I focused on sustaining that mood throughout my performance."

Jung Ho-yeon also expressed that working with Hwang Jung-min and Jo In-sung was a significant challenge for her, stating, "Communicating through eye contact rather than dialogue was prevalent. Keeping up with their pace was personally challenging, but it felt like we became one during the process."

Na Hong-jin did not hide his anxiety about the upcoming release, saying, "I feel a tremendous burden and anxiety. I plan to avoid checking audience reactions until the release date. I will do everything I can until then. Ultimately, a film exists because of theaters and audiences. I will do my best to ensure a good viewing experience for the audience in the remaining time."

'Hope' features a global cast, including Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton. With a production budget of around 700 billion won, its invitation to the Cannes Film Festival and Na Hong-jin's first film in a decade have positioned it as a key anticipated release in the summer box office. There is keen interest in whether this film can affirm the presence of major Korean cinema. The film is set to hit theaters on July 15.