Kang Dong-Won 강동원 [Upcoming movies: “The Plot”, “Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman”, “ War and Revolt”]

[dawonnie]

  2020.04.18  

 

 

 

[Helena]

https://zapzee.net/2020/05/23/pick-will-the-summer-theater-be-revived-upcoming-films-that-will-compete-for-box-office/
 

[PICK] Will the Summer Theater Be Revived? Upcoming Films that Will Compete for Box Office
 

By krishkim | Edited by Hong Hyun Jung | Translated by Kim Hoyeun

 

The film industry has fallen into a swamp of stagnation as it was hit directly by the COVID-19 pandemic. As theaters became empty, Time to Hunt chose Netflix, whereas intruder, and Innocent (literal translation) had to postpone the release date twice. Fortunately, though cautious, news about new films being released this summer is brightening up the industry. Whether the theater will be able to regain its old vitality again even when the situation dials down remains a question, but I hope that these four films below will signal a revival.

#ALIVE – Differentiated K-Zombie with a Fresh Settings?

The movie, which confirmed its release in late June, depicts a story of people stranded alone in an apartment as data, Wi-Fi, text messages, and phones all cut off amid people with unknown symptoms start to attack.

 

Based on the original scenario (#ALONE) of Matt Naylor, the writer and director of the TV documentary series Small Business Revolution: Main Street, Cho Il Hyung, a former director of the American Film Institute, directed the film. Yoo Ah In and Park Shin Hye will star in the movie as Jun Woo and Yoo Bin, who are isolated from the world and are living an apratment where unidentified beings are running wild, creating tension.

Peninsular – Can it Recreate the Success of ‘Train to Busan’? PicCredit: NEW

Peninsular, which first announced its release in February, tells the story that takes place four years after Train to Busan. Director Yeon Sang Ho once again directed the film, and actors Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwan Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, and Koo Kyo Hwan will appear as the main characters of the new story.

 

If Train to Busan provided dizzying tension with a survival struggle that takes place in a confined space of a moving train, Peninsular will show a larger scale and more speedier actions on the stage of the devastated vast city.

 

In the first trailer, the images of devastated peninsular such as hundreds of zombies entangled in closed subway stations, stranded harbors where only giant ships are left, a bleak street where only rusty cars remains were shown, raising expectations for the film.

 

Peninsular depicts the story of Jung Seok (Kang Dong Won), who returned to the peninsular after four years, meeting a group of survivors who have become wild dogs with Min Jung (Lee Jung Hyun) and fighting desperately against zombies who became more sensitive to sound and light, and barbaric groups who lost their humanity for survival.

 

Hero (literal translation) – Will the Film Be as Touching as the Musical? PicCredit: CJ Entertainment 

Spoiler

New film Hero, directed by Yoon Jae Kyun, best known for Haeundae and Ode to My Father, unveiled its released date on March 24, the 110th anniversary of An Jung Geun’s death.

 

Based on the musical of the same name, Hero depicts the last year of An Jung Geun, who was sentenced to death in a Japanese court after shooting Ito Hirobumi in Harbin in October 1909, from the moment he was preparing for the uprising to the moment he died. The fact that this is the first Korean musical film is catching the eye.

 

Jung Sung Hwa, the original cast of the musical, will also play the role of An Jung Geun in the film and showcase a determined yet honorable performance. Kim Go Eun, Na Moon Hee, Cho Jae Yoon, Bae Jung Nam, Lee Hyun Woo and Park Jin Woo joined hands to tell a heartbreaking story.

Space Sweepers – Is Space Opera Possible in Korea? PicCredit: Merry Christmas 

Spoiler

Like Hero, Space Sweepers, in which director Cho Sung Hee and Song Joong Ki have met once again after A Werewolf Boy, challenges a genre not often used in the Korean movie industry: the SF genre. Song Joong Ki, Kim Tae Ri, Jin Sun Kyu, and Yoo Hae Jin participated in the film headed to space in 2092.

 

Set in 2092, Space Sweepers follows the crew of a space junk collector ship called The Victory, who competes with junk collectors from other countries in search of garbage that they can make money off. When they discover a humanoid robot named Dorothy that’s known to be a weapon of mass destruction, they dive into a risky business deal.

 

Besides such fresh material, Space Sweepers will also shock everyone with the unique transformation of the actors. Song Joong Ki, who is returning to the big screen after three years, will lead the story as a pilot, while Kim Tae Ri (captain) and Jin Sun Kyu (engineer) will each catch the eye with their imposing looks and striking visuals. Yoo Hae Jin, on the other hand, plays the role of a robot, becoming the first Korean actor to act with motion capture.

[Draviu]

 

[Helena]

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/01/train-to-busan-sequel-peninsula-to-be-released-in-july/

‘Train to Busan’ Sequel ‘Peninsula’ to Be Released in July

 

by krishkim 

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s new film Peninsula has confirmed its release in July and unveiled its official synopsis.

 

Peninsula is an action blockbuster film that takes place about four years afterTrain to Busan and the last struggle of those left in the ruined land.

 

Peninsula released an official synopsis that occurs on a bigger scale with a tense story along with the confirmation of its release in July. The released synopsis introduces Jung Seok (Kang Dong Won), who returned to the deserted land after four years, and a new group of survivors. More questions are surfacing about the story of Unit 631, which lost its humanity, and how Min Jung’s (Lee Jung Hyun) family, who saved Jung Seok at the moment of the crisis, survived the past four years.

 

The movie fans are paying keen attention to the struggle of the returned, the survivors, and those who had gone insane against the zombie army that has occupied the entire land.

 

Peninsula, which expanded its stage from a running train to a vast downtown area, has drawn keen attention even from the production stage. The movie generated explosive responses every time new content got released, heralding the birth on an awesome action blockbuster.

 

Train to Busan’s sequel Peninsula is scheduled to be released at the same time in major countries in July.

 

Source (1)

 

———————

 

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/04/director-yeon-sang-hos-peninsula-got-invited-to-the-2020-cannes-film-festival/

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s ‘Peninsula’ Got Invited to the 2020 Cannes Film Festival

by krishkim

 

Credit: NEW

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s new film Peninsula was officially invited to the 2020 Cannes International Film Festival.

 

Peninsula, is an action blockbuster that depicts the final struggle of those left in the ruined land four years after Train to Busan.

 

At 1:00 a.m. on June 4, the “Cannes Official Selection 2020” was announced at UGC Normandie in Paris. During the announcement, Peninsula was introduced as “a great sequel of ‘Train to Busan.’”

 

Yeon Sang Ho is the sixth director to be invited by Cannes more than three times in Korea and the only director to be invited to both animation and film category. In particular, he is the first Korean director to receive an invitation from the festival for both series.

 

Peninsula, which returned with a more expanded worldview, was expected to be named on the invitation list early on. Director Yeon Sang Ho said, “It’s grateful to be invited to the Cannes International Film Festival once again after ‘Train to Busan.’ I sincerely appreciate how they sympathize with the fun of the genre and timeliness.”

 

He then went on to say, “The overwhelming expectation of introducing ‘Peninsula’ for the first time in the world’s top film festival will be impossible under the current circumstances, but I hope that the global film industry be normalized quickly and one day, attend another thrilling festival.”

 

Peninsula is scheduled to be released in July simultaneously in major countries.

 

Source (1)

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200604005900315

'Peninsula' expands 'Train to Busan' zombie universe, 'Heaven' a buddy comedy-drama

By Chang Dong-woo | June 04, 2020

SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- The two South Korean films that made it to the 2020 lineup of the Cannes Film festival -- Yeon Sang-ho's "Peninsula" and Im Sang-soo's "Heaven: To The Land of Happiness" -- couldn't be farther apart from one another in terms of genre, production value and narrative focus.

Yet both are largely considered to be among the leading contenders at the box office for the second half of the year, potentially giving a much needed shot in the arm to the current film industry, which has virtually been wiped away during most of the first half due to the novel coronavirus.

The two films made the list of Cannes' 2020 Official Selection announced Wednesday (local time), among a list of a total of 56 movies. This year's event was originally slated for mid-May but was ultimately scrapped due to the COVID-19 situation. Organizers opted to only announce the official selection.

 

A poster for director Yeon Sang-ho's new zombie film "Peninsula," provided by NEW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Starring Gang Dong-won and Lee Jung-hyun, "Peninsula," is an action block buster and the long-awaited sequel to Yeon's 2016 zombie film, "Train to Busan," which sold over 11 million tickets to become that year's top grossing film in South Korea.

"Peninsula" tells a tale of survivors in the zombie-infested Korean peninsula four years after the events in "Train to Busan." It follows protagonist Jung-suk, who had escaped the Korean Peninsula after the events from four years ago, returning for a mission.

Gang's character this time battles with a much fiercer type of zombies, as well as a group of evil militia with zero human compassion.

"The thought of introducing 'Peninsula' at the world's leading film festival would be wishful thinking at the moment," Yeon said in a statement Thursday after the Cannes announcement.

Yeon added, "I hope that the global film industry can return to normal as soon as possible and wish one day to be part of the emotionally moving film festival again."

"Train to Busan" was Yeon's first live action project after a series of feature-length animations with biting social commentaries. It was also invited to Cannes for a midnight screening in 2016. His 2012 feature animation, "King of Pigs," was also the first South Korean feature-length animation to receive a nod from Cannes.

"Peninsula" hits theaters next month.

 

Spoiler

"Heaven" director Im is also no stranger to Cannes. having competed for the Palm d'Or with "The Housemaid" and "The Taste of Money" in 2010 and 2012, respectively. His 2005 film, "The President's Last Bang," was also screened at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight event that year.

The new film by the 58-year-old director is a drama-comedy of two men, played by seasoned actors Choi Min-sik of "Old Boy" and Park Hae-il of "The Host," who goes on a trip in search of happiness.

Wednesday's announcement from Cannes marks Choi's fourth shoutout from the festival. The veteran actor was featured in 2002's "Chi-hwa-seon" and "Oldboy" of 2004.

"Oldboy," directed by Park Chan-wook, went on to win the Grand Prix, the second-highest award, that year. He was also the lead in "Crying Fist," which was invited to Cannes the following year.

For Park Hae-il, "Heaven" marks his second Cannes-recognized film, after his role in Bong Joon-ho's 2006 monster flick, "The Host." "Heaven" is scheduled to be released later this year.

 

 

odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)

 

—————

 

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/05/peninsula-released-the-second-posters-that-captures-the-survivors-final-battle/

‘Peninsula’ Released the Second Posters that Capture the Survivors’ Final Battle

 

by krishkim 

 

Credit: NEW

 

The action blockbuster film Peninsula, which was officially invited to the 2020 Cannes International Film Festival, unveiled its second posters.

 

Taking place four years after Train to Busan, Peninsula depicts the final struggle of those left in the ruined land. The second posters convey volatile tension against the backdrop of the zombie-infested city.

 

The second posters, which was released on June 5, vividly captures the struggle of Jung Seok (Kang Dong Won), who returned to the deserted land after four years after accepting an unavoidable offer, the survivors who became more like the wild dogs, and those who lost their humanity and gone insane in order to survive.

 

The sight of Jung Seok (Kang Dong Won), who is aiming at the target with a gun, and Min Jung (Lee Jung Hyun), who is behind the wheel, moving forward through a slew of zombies heralds a striking and speedy action. Then, the sight of a flock of zombies surrounding a group of survivors in the midst of a ruined downtown area makes us expect the grand scale of the post-apocalypse world view.

 

The desperate struggles of the returned, the survivors, and the insane are expected to deliver thrilling and sensuous action delights.

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s new film Peninsula is scheduled to be released in July at the same time in major countries.

 

 

Source (1)

 

——————————
https://www.screendaily.com/news/contents-panda-sells-intruder-confirms-july-release-for-peninsula/5150383.article

Contents Panda sells 'Intruder', confirms July release for 'Peninsula'

 

By Jean Noh | June 5, 2020

 

South Korean sales company Contents Panda has sold mystery thriller Intruder to 26 countries, including Russia, CIS and the Baltics (Provzglyad), and provided an update on its release of Peninsula, Yeon Sang-ho’s follow-up to zombie action thriller hit Train To Busan.

 

Peninsula update

Meanwhile, investor/distributor NEW and its international business arm Contents Panda recently announced they are moving forward with the July release of Peninsula in Korea. (The director declines to call the film a sequel to Train To Busan but describes it as taking place “in the same universe”).

 

The Cannes film festival earlier this week announced Peninsula as one of its selections in ‘The Faithful’ section of is virtual ’Official Selection 2020’ label. The film had already pre-sold to a raft of territories including North America (Well Go USA), France (ARP SAS), Hong Kong (Edko), Taiwan (Movie Cloud) and the UK (Studio Canal) and was originally planned as a summer tentpole.

 

“It looks like plenty of countries will be opening their cinemas starting in July and August. Train To Busan was very lucrative for many, so almost all our buyers for Peninsula are thinking of theatrical releases. The Asians in particular are thinking of releasing around the same time as the July release in Korea. We’ll have a more concrete idea of the exact date in mid-June,” said Lee.

 

In 2016, Contents Panda coordinated with overseas distributors on the release of Train To Busan, which clocked up a total of $140m in worldwide box office according to NEW and Contents Panda.

 

On the decision to move forward with the summer release, Lee said: “I think we just have to adapt to the era of Covid-19. We can’t simply wait for the coronavirus to go away – we have to take precautions and keep to social distancing measures and go on with our lives and businesses.

 

“Intruder is doing well, and it looks like [CJ Entertainment’s] Deliver Us From Evilwill have a July release, as well as Tenet, although there’s still talk about that. So with Peninsula in the mix, we could have the market go back to a certain level of normality. If we prepare well, maybe it won’t be perfect, but we can provide good worldwide content with Peninsula. We’re encouraging our overseas partners to aim for similarly-timed theatrical releases as much as possible.” 

[dawonnie]

  2020.06.04  

Two Korean films make this year’s Cannes Film Festival list

 

Following the series of accolades “Parasite” swept up after director Bong Joon-ho won the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, all eyes are on what fruits this year’s event could bear for the Korean film industry.
 
Although the 73rd edition was ultimately canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, two local films—director Yeon Sang-ho’s “Peninsula” and director Im Sang-soo’s “Heaven: To the Land of Happiness”—made it on the 2020 Official Selection list announced by the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday.

 

Festival president Pierre Lescure and general delegate Thierry Fremaux unveiled 56 films which will be given the Cannes 2020 mark of approval at the UGC Normandie in Paris, during an event which was livestreamed on YouTube.  
 
The Official Selection did not divide up the films into their respective categories and instead presented one single list.
 
In “Heaven,” prisoner 203 risks everything to escape and find his last moment of happiness in life. He is joined but another man Nam-sik, who becomes his companion by chance. Actors Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il feature as prisoner 203 and Nam-sik.  

 

The film is director Im’s first release in five years since “Intimate Enemies” in 2015 and his third invitation to Cannes after “The Housemaid” (2010) and “The Taste of Money” (2012) competed for the Palme d’Or.  
 
It’s is also director Yeon’s third invitation. His animated film “The King of Pigs” (2012) was invited to screen in the Directors’ Fortnight section and his hit zombie blockbuster “Train to Busan” (2016) in the Midnight Screening section.  
 
“Peninsula” is the long-awaited follow-up of “Train,” set four years after the zombie apocalypse takes over the Korean Peninsula.  
 
The film is an action blockbuster that portrays the final battle between the remaining survivors and the zombies. 

 

Survivors are played by actors Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Min-jae, Koo Kyo-hwan and Kim Do-yoon.  
 
The festival revealed that a total of 2,067 films submitted their work this year, marking the first time entries surpassed the 2,000 mark.  
 
Some of the other 54 titles include director Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch,” Francois Ozon’s “Summer 85,” Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock” and “Mangrove,” Naomi Kawase’s “Asa Ga Kuru” and Goro Miyazaki’s “Aya To Majo.”  
 
The 56 films will be screened at other film events such as Venice, Berlin, Busan and Sundance.  
 
For this year only, Cannes will be collaborating with the San Sebastian Film Festival and allowing Cannes-selected films to compete for the Golden Shell, the festival’s most prestigious award.  
 
BY LEE JAE-LIM   [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]

 

source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/movies/Cannes-Film-Festival-Official-Selection-2020/20200604183600528.html

 

The films of the Official Selection 2020

On Wednesday 3 June at 6:00pm, Pierre Lescure and Thierry Frémaux have announced the line-up of the 73rd edition of the Festival de Cannes, live from the UGC Normandie in Paris.

 

For the occasion, Thierry Frémaux, the Festival's General Delegate, has unveiled the 2020's Official Selection, comprising fifty-six films to be accompanied by the Festival for their release in cinemas and screenings at certain festivals.

 

Check out the Cannes 2020 films !

 

THE FAITHFUL

(or at least selected once before)

 

PENINSULA by YEON Sang-Ho (South Korea) - 1h54

Production : REDPETER FILMS - International Sales : CONTENTS PANDA - French Distribution : ARP SELECTION

 

source: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/infos-communiques/communique/articles/the-films-of-the-official-selection-2020

[sheeeeee]

 

 

FINALLYYYYYYYYYY HES BACK!

[Helena]

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/16/peninsula-unveils-the-main-trailer-ahead-of-its-official-release-in-july/
Peninsula’ Unveils the Main Trailer Ahead of Its Official Release in July
 
by krishkim

 

Credit: NEW

Peninsula, the sequel of K-zombie film Train to Busan, has released its official trailer. Four years after the disaster in Busan, what kind of chaos takes place?

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s new film Peninsula released its main trailer on June 16. Intense gun fights and speedy car races against the slew of zombies are thrilling.

Peninsula is a film about the final struggle of those left in the ruined land four years after Train to Busan. Jung Seok (Kang Dong Won) has stayed in a lethargic mood since he managed to escape the peninsula four years ago.

However, Jung Soek and his crew get an offer they cannot refuse. Eventually, they head back to the peninsula, where everything stopped after the disaster.

Jung Seok and his crew thought that they would get the money sooner than they thought ended up making a careless mistake, and are surrounded by a swarm of zombies. At the moment of desperation, a car appears out of nowhere. Soon, they meet Min Jung (Lee Jung Hyun) and her family.

Min Jung’s family is called the “wild dogs.” They have been surviving by dodging zombies and soldiers of Unit 631.

Unit 631 was originally soldiers on a mission to protect people. But after losing humanity and rationality, they are only left with instincts and barbarism. They have now become even more dangerous than zombies.

Jung Seok, Min Jung’s family, crazy soldiers, and more threatening zombies. What kind of struggle will they face in the ruined land?

Meanwhile, Peninsula will be released in major countries next month.

 

 

Source (1)

 

—————

 

OSEN | 2020. 06. 16.
Cast and director Yeon Sang Ho share about "Peninsula" and "2020 Cannes"

 

 

Four years after "Train To Busan", the movie "Peninsula" has finished the preparation stage and is about to reach the audience. The public's expectations for the movie skyrocketed thanks to the collaboration of director Yeon Sang Ho and the cast including Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, etc.

The launch press conference of the movie "Peninsula" was conducted online on the morning of June 16 with the participation of director Yeon Sang Ho and the main cast including Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Re, Lee Ye Won, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Goo Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, etc.

"Peninsula" (director: Yeon Sang Ho, distributor: NEW, producer: Red Peter Film) has promised a new challenge. This is an action blockbuster depicting the last battle of those who were left behind in the wasteland 4 years after "Train To Busan".

Earlier, the "73rd Cannes Film Festival", which was supposed to be held in May, was postponed due to the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide and confirmed that the event would not take place. Subsequently, a list of a total of 56 invited official works that are associated with the "Cannes 2020" label has been published, among which includes 2 Korean films. Yeon Sang Ho's new production "Peninsula" has been selected as the festival's official invited work.

This is the 3rd year director Yeon Sang Ho has attended Cannes Film Festival. Earlier, his zombie action movie "Train to Busan" (2016) was invited to the Midnight Screening session of the 69th Cannes Film Festival, while the long animation "The King of Pigs" (2012) came to the Directors' Fortnight of the 65 Cannes Film Festival.

Kang Dong Won talked about "Peninsula" being invited to Cannes Film Festival, "Although the Cannes Film Festival cannot take place as usual, I think receiving the invitation is such an honor. My foreign friends knew about this somehow and flooded me with calls to send congratulations." Then, Lee Jung Hyun shared, "I'm so happy. I always want to go to Cannes once but unfortunately I can't go with the crew. Despite that, I acted in a film joining Cannes and I'm glad to have a chance to show people my acting skills. I also want to thank director Yeon Sang Ho."

Actress Lee Re said, "I couldn't imagine this day would come. I once imagined what movie I would go with if I have a chance to join Cannes. Being able to attend this event thanks to 'Peninsula' is so magical and happy." Lee Ye Won also shared, "It's unfortunate that I can't manage to go to Cannes, but I'm still happy that our movie makes its appearance there." Kwon Hae Hyo smiled and said, "This is good news to me. Not everything is suitable with the criteria of the Cannes Film Festival, but the production crew and cast are still relieved."

Afterward, Kim Min Jae also expressed, "I'm glad I was able to share the director's worldview with many others," while Goo Kyo Hwan confided, "I heard the news while I was at home. and I screamed because I was so excited." Kim Do Yoon recalled that moment, "Because I was so happy, I screamed and applauded at midnight."

Director Yeon Sang Ho said, "I'm also curious about what points of my work can attract Cannes Film Festival. Actually, I don't have any thought about conquering it, and I'm fortunate to have everyone's love. Until now, I have had 6 films, 3 of which were selected by Cannes. I'm finding what differences these films have that the other 3 don't."

Then, the director talked about the turning point that inspired him to create the movie, "'Peninsula' is a sequel to 'Train To Busan'. The movie focuses on a family who escaped and then became refugees. 4 years later, they received an unavoidable request and had to go back to the peninsula. In order to film "Train To Busan", I had to seek locations and discovered many desolate places. I once thought 'If 'Train To Busan' achieved good results, I just need to shoot in locations like this desolate place.' That was the starting point of 'Peninsula'."

Kim Dong Won explained his appearance in "Peninsula", "Firstly, I was amused when reading the script. Normally, actors would feel pressured or less ambitious when filming a sequel. However, I don't have that feeling when reading this script. More importantly, it is really interesting. I want to join the cast because there is no other film in Korea that depicts such post apocalypse viewpoint.

Lee Jung Hyun explained why he starred in the production, "I really liked the zombie genre. The director's previous film 'Train To Busan' was so interesting that I went to the theater to watch it 4~5 times. I feel so proud that Korean cinema has such a good zombie movie. The things that happened on the train that I travel every day are thrilling and interesting as well. I was really surprised as the director contacted me. As a fan of this genre, I truly like my assigned role and find the script very interesting."

Lee Re commented, "The script is already good. As a fan of 'Train to Busan', I more or less look forward to its second part. When being offered to act in the movie, I said yes right away. Also, Joon is the kind of strong character that I had never tried, so I thought playing this role would give me good experiences." Lee Ye Won said cheerfully, "All other details of the movie are on point, but I picked this movie for only one reason, the director is the one in charge of 'Train to Busan'." Hearing so, director Yeon Sang Ho cracked everyone up by praising the child actress, "She will be a star. She will probably get the Best Actress award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards".

After hearing that he directing instructed acting for the actors on set, director Yeon Sang Ho looked embarrassed, "Because I had experience in filming, I knew that the actors would feel shy and embarrassed if they had to act suddenly. For fear of that, I just tried to show them, but I can't act."

When director Yeon Sang Ho praised that he was similar to Joaquin Phoenix, Koo Kyo Hwan showed his gratitude, "I'm embarrassed; I don't know why the director said that. But like I said earlier, I think it's best to simply act without consideration or calculation because this character straightforwardly speaks what's on his mind. Thus, I moved by intuition. The director gave me a lot of acting tips to inspire me before filming."

In addition, talking about actress Lee Re, the director said, "At first, I drafted an image of a little girl chasing cars while wiping out giant zombies. This image is most expressed through Joon. This is the strongest fighter among all characters of 'Peninsula'."

Admiring Kang Dong Won's muscles in a scene in the trailer, director Yeon Sang Ho constantly praised, "He did really well. He did well in both action scenes and posing for photos."

Kang Dong Won said, "This time, I didn't go to the stage combat class. Even when I asked for advice from the team performing action scenes, they said there was nothing special to learn and that I almost learned everything from the previous films. Perhaps I had nothing to worry about." Afterward, he smilingly told Koo Kyu Hwan and Kim Do Yoon, who are novices in action scenes, "It's just a beginning, so just rest, when you film, you will throw up time and time again. If you film the next work, just keep on throwing up."

Director Yeon Sang Ho explained about the studio bringing a true feeling, "I imagined what would happen if my familiar Korea was forgotten for 4 years in devastation. I have laid out situations like floods, shipwrecks, etc. and designed the space with the art and CG team."

Next, he confided his struggle, "This movie is covered by CG, so there are many worth watching points. All were done in the post-production phase so I had to monitor and confirm it constantly. The pre-production also lasted long. Normally, Korean movies take about 4 months, but it took us nearly one year."

Kang Dong Won also recalled the filming time, "From the first day, I had to shoot hard action scenes. What I was most curious about when reading the script was the set on the first day. This is also the scene that makes the highlight and can also make this fil the most special."

When asked if he felt pressured because of his previous work "Train To Busan", which attracted 10 million moviegoers in Korea and became famous as a storm, director Yeon Sang Ho said, "How can't I feel the pressure. However, what makes me feel the most burden is that I have to keep the spirit of "Peninsula" as the sequel of "Train To Busan" while also have to ponder on how to create a unique film. As for the pressure in terms of whether the movie will score big at the box office, I have made effort to remove it."

The director then heightened audiences' anticipations by unveiling, "If it comes to the advantages of 'Train To Busan', it is an experience similar to what the audience experienced in reality. As for 'Peninsula', I want to create a movie where the audience can immerse themselves in a new world and have experiences like Jeong Suk. I also put lots of effort to produce action footage in the form of experience that brings a completely different impression than 'Train To Busan' like car chases, gunfight, etc."

On the other hand, the movie "Peninsula" is slated to premiere in both Korea and other countries in July.

 

OSEN = Reporter Ha Soo Jung / hsjssu@osen.co.kr
Photo = NEW
Everything Idol, Everyday Exclusive
https://vtoday.vlive.tv/home

 

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https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200616009700315
Director Yeon Sang-ho tells story of 'Train to Busan' survivors in upcoming film

By Kim Boram

SEOUL, June 16 (Yonhap) -- Director Yeon Sang-ho, who helmed the smash hit zombie thriller "Train to Busan," said Tuesday that he wants to tell the story of the survivors and the land ruined by swarms of zombies from the 2016 film in his upcoming work, "Peninsula."

"While I was looking for filming locations for 'Train to Busan' years ago, there were many devastated places in Korea," Yeon said in a press conference streamed online. "I hoped to make a film at those ruins, if 'Train to Busan' went well. Anyway, dreams come true."

"Peninsula," which has been invited to this year's Cannes Film Festival, is set in the same universe four years after its predecessor, in which the whole country was hit by zombies except for the southern port city of Busan. It is Yeon's third Cannes' entry following the animated film "The King of Pigs" (2011) and "Train to Busan."

Since the zombie outbreak, Korea has been in a state of anarchy, has lost its name and is now called Peninsula.

Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won), a former soldier who escaped the zombie-infested peninsula four years ago, is tasked with going back to the devastated land to retrieve something.

He arrives in Seoul and discovers that there are some non-infected survivors left on the peninsula, isolated and struggling against attacks from zombies and savage humans in the post-apocalyptic world.

Yeon said he tries to present a wider scope of movement in "Peninsula" to help people feel the same horror and thrills as the characters, compared to high-concept shots of the narrow spaces in "Train to Busan."

"People liked 'Train to Busan' because they felt as if they faced zombie attacks in familiar settings, like a train," he said. "I hope they feel like venturing into an unknown world and being chased by hordes of zombies in 'Peninsula.'"

So the versatile director focused more on filming speedier car chase and shooting scenes in the ruined city of Seoul, with touches of computer-generated special visual effects.

 

As the creator of the sequel of "Train to Busan," regarded as a precursor to Korean zombie series, like Netflix series "Kingdom," Yeon noted that they are popular because neighbors who turn against each other.

"Korean zombies are not just monsters or evil creatures that we have to fight against. They were our family and colleagues minutes ago," he said. "I think this is the point that people like about Korean zombie films."

He said he did not expect his latest film, with a total budget of 20 billion won (US$16.5 million), to repeat the commercial success that "Train to Busan" achieved at home and abroad. It attracted more than 11 million viewers in South Korea and was the Korean film with the highest overseas earnings, of $129 million worldwide, before Oscar-winning "Parasite" (2019).

"I've just tried to make a high quality movie whose story continues from 'Train to Busan,'" he said. "I think a universal message is important in a big-budget commercial film. And this film gives a message of hope in the post-apocalyptic time."

"Peninsula," one of the most anticipated films in South Korea this summer, will premiere in theatres nationwide in July.

brk@yna.co.kr
(END)

[Helena]

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200616000947
'Peninsula’ takes post-zombie apocalypse to another level

Film’s official main trailer marks the world’s first movie trailer in 8K picture quality

 

By Choi Ji-won | Jun 16, 2020

 

Spoiler

(NEW)

 

The zombies do not roam, they run -- in a massive pack, streaking across a ravaged land that has turned into a huge ground of destruction in a post-apocalyptic world four years since the epidemic broke out.

 

Likewise, everything about “Peninsula” will be faster and fiercer compared to the original “Train to Busan,” according to the director of both films, Yeon Sang-ho. While the uninfected protagonists from the “Train to Busan” could do nothing but run from the zombies, the sequel will show survivors fighting back, and some taking advantage of the situation.

 

Set to hit the local theaters on June 24, director Yeon and the lead actors of the film, including Lee Jung-hyun and Gang Dong-won, held a promotional event Tuesday. The event was livestreamed online due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

 

Gang takes up the role of Jung-seok, who is sent back into the zombie-packed peninsula on a mission, while Lee plays Min-jung, a mother of two daughters who struggles to protect her family. Lee comes to save the lives of Jung-seok and his team of men from a zombie attack and the two band together.

 

From left: Actor Gang Dong-won, director Yeon Sang-ho and actor Lee Jung-hyun pose for pictures during a preview event for “Peninsula” on Tuesday. (NEW)

 

Gang says that although he is not personally a fan of zombie films, he chose the film without hesitation after reading the script.

 

“Taking up a follow-up film could sometimes come as a burden for actors, but ‘Peninsula’ gave me no such feeling. I also had been wanting to take part in a post-apocalyptic film since there has been almost none in Korea until now,” Gang, 39, said.

 

According to the director, Yeon started mapping out the sequel as he was hunting out locations for “Train to Busan.”

 

“We found a lot of ruins, and thought, if ‘Train to Busan’ goes well, I should make a film in these places. That was the start,” Yeon said.

 

Yet the ruins were mere scraps to start from.

 

“We thought about how the peninsula would have changed if it had been deserted for four years. We expected there would have been floods, as drainage systems would have been destroyed, and cars would have sunk and ships been overturned,” the director said, adding he worked with some 40 meteorologists to devise such settings. The production team paved a 50-meter length of asphalt road and piled on some 80 dumped cars as well, he added.

 

Spoiler

"Peninsula" poster (NEW)

 

While the action mainly happened inside the titular train in the original film, with the survivors fighting the zombies with only their body and wits, “Peninsula” takes the action to another level with a car-chase scene and more. 
 

The action-thriller was selected among the official lineup of the 73rd Cannes Film Festival. Originally slated for mid-May, this year’s edition of the Cannes festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Meanwhile, the film’s distributor New Entertainment World announced the film’s official main trailer is the world’s first movie trailer in 8K picture quality. The 8K picture solution is 16 times clearer than Full HD and four times clearer than the 4K, and can be enjoyed on all digital devices. 
 

Spoiler

 

By Choi Ji-won (jwc@heraldcorp.com)

 

—————

 

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/06/16/entertainment/movies/Peninsula-director-Yeon-Sangho-Train-to-Busan/20200616171400272.html
'Peninsula' has big, gory, undead shoes to fill...

June 16, 2020

 

From left, director Yeon Sang-ho, actors Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Re, Lee Ye-won, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Min-jae, Koo Kyo-hwan and Kim Do-yoon pose for camera at the online press event for the highly-anticipated zombie blockbuster "Peninsula." [NEXT ENTERTAINMENT WORLD]

 

The follow-on to 'Train to Busan' is set for release in July

Will “Peninsula” be able to repeat the success of “Train to Busan” (2016)?

The question that everyone’s been asking since the news hit that director Yeon Sang-ho is working on the follow-up of “Train” may have been partially answered when “Peninsula” was selected for the 2020 Official Selection list announced by the Cannes Film Festival on June 4.

At the online press event on Tuesday, director Yeon Sang-ho admitted that it “was a relief” to see that the film earned approval from the juries.

“It doesn’t mean that Cannes Film Festival is the only yardstick [to determine the success of the film] but the cast and the staff were definitely able to breathe more easily after we heard the news,” actor Kwon Hae-hyo said. “We like to think that the quality of our film has been somewhat proven through the Cannes festival judges and meet the audience [with confidence].”

The unspoken taboo in the film industry is that no matter how good the original film is, the follow-ups or sequels often leave fans disappointed.

Director Yeon Sang-ho, center, and actors Gang Dong-won, left, and Lee Jung-hyun pose for the camera at an online press event for "Peninsula." [NEW]

Actor Gang Dong-won had this same concern, but that was before he saw the script for “Peninsula.”

“As an actor, you can be put under pressure to continue telling the story of a prior film, but all of that dissolved after I read the script,” Gang said. “Besides, there was never before a post-apocalypse film in the Korean film industry so I’ve always wanted to be part of one.”

The story of “Peninsula” centers around Jung-suk (played by Gang) who escaped a zombie-riddled Korean Peninsula four years ago but due to an irresistible offer, goes back to the arid landfill.

Actor Lee Jung-hyun and child actor Lee Re both leaped at the opportunity when Yeon asked them to feature in the film as survivors Min-jung and Jooni.

“I was such a fan of ‘Train to Busan’ — I think I saw the film about five times in cinemas,” Lee Jung-hyun said.

 

Spoiler

Actor Lee Re [NEW]

“As a member of the audience who was waiting for another film to come out, I jumped at the chance when the proposal came,” Lee Re said. “Also, Jooni [my role] was a character that I’ve never encountered before — she’s a real tough cookie.”

Yeon hinted that Jooni’s feisty nature is equivalent to actor Ma Dong-seok’s presence in “Train.”

“Her combat power tops all the characters in ‘Peninsula,’” Yeon said. “The idea for ‘Peninsula’ stemmed from this imagery where this little girl riding a huge car wipes out the zombies. That concept was reflected in Jooni.”

Kwon, another survivor whose character is only known by his surname, Kim, introduced his character as “an unidentifiable old man living with the children in the ruins.”-jin and the old man Kim are the "survivors" of the apocalypse. Child actor Lee Ye-won features as Yoo-jin, Min-jung’s daughter, with exceptional talent in controlling the remote control cars to lure zombies sensitive to lights and sound.

“I am [one of] the adults who try to take care of the children left on the wasteland, but I tend to mentally rely on them too,” Kwon said.

Like “Train,” “Peninsula” will also feature various sides of humanity — but this time, in the situation of a post-apocalypse.

The main characters can largely be divided into three groups: Jung-suk and Chul-min are the ones who "go back" to the peninsula. Actor Kim Do-yoon portrays the role of Chul-min, Jung-suk’s brother-in-law, who also returns after he lost his wife and son in the zombie apocalypse.

Min-jung, Jooni Yu-jin and the old man Kim are the "survivors" of the apocalypse. Child actor Lee Ye-won features as Yu-jin, Min-jung’s daughter, with exceptional talent in controlling the remote control cars to lure zombies sensitive to lights and sound.

Actors Kim Min-jae and Koo Kyo-hwan represent the “crazy” characters — soldiers who have lost their humanity in the four years since the apocalypse.

 

Spoiler

Director Yeon Sang-ho [NEW]

“Car chases are another important motif of this film,” Yeon said. “If ‘Train’ was centered around action [scenes] in the confined space of a train, I put a lot of effort into the car chase scenes in the apocalyptic situation, which I believe that the audience has never seen before.”

Yeon hopes that his upcoming film can offer the thrill of an interactive cinema experience, where the audience will get to indirectly battle the zombies alongside the characters.

“I think the zombies in ‘Peninsula’ have evolved as well, because they’re even faster than the zombies from ‘Train,’ which adds to the thrill of the chase,” Lee added.

According to the director, choreographer Jeon Young who was in charge of overall zombie movements for “Train,” Netflix series “Kingdom” and “Peninsula” will also feature as one of the zombies.

“He will feature as a zombie who walks on all fours,” Yeon hinted. “You will all be surprised [by his appearance].”

Ever since “Train” opened the gateway for zombie blockbusters, the undead characters in local movies have been affectionately dubbed as “K-zombies” by global fans. When asked to single out what differentiates K-zombies from their counterparts, the director replied the attraction of “K-zombies” lies in their complexity.

“They’re not merely just gory creatures,” Yeon said. “Just a moment ago they were our neighbors, friends, the same human beings like rest of us, and [even after they’ve turned to zombies] they are victims of this apocalypse — these many layers that surround the zombies are what I think differentiates ours from rest of the world.”

Audiences can find out for themselves when the "Peninsula" premiers in July.

 

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]
 
———————
 
https://variety.com/2020/film/asia/peninsula-train-to-busan-sequel-korea-zombie-thriller-trailer-cannes-1234636541/
‘Peninsula,’ Korean Zombie Thriller, Sets 8K Trailer Ahead of Cannes-Backed Debut

By Patrick Frater | June 16, 2020

“Peninsula,” a Korean-made zombie horror action movie, has unveiled an 8K trailer ahead of its premiere in theaters this summer. The film is a four-years-later sequel to “Train to Busan,” which smashed multiple records around Asia.

Despite its genre film status “Train” got its launch at the 2016 Cannesfestival as a midnight screening, before conquering the summer season in Korea and the Asia region. “Peninsula” is set for a similar course, having been named in the official selection of this year’s virtual Cannes.

It is aiming for a July release, but the exact date has not been locked in due to the uncertainties in the releasing calendar caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Distributor Next Entertainment World and its rights sales unit Contents Panda say that international releases will be closely co-ordinated as soon as the Korean outing is confirmed.

Korean cinemas reopened last month. And, after an initial hesitation, audience numbers are beginning to swell – the top five films earned over $3 million this weekend – and distributors are now rebuilding the summer releasing schedule.

“Train” clocked up 11.5 million admissions in Korea for a $76.9 million gross, and a $140 million worldwide total.

With those numbers, Contents Panda was able to widely pre-sell rights to “Peninsula.” WellGo USA has the film for North America, ARP will release in France, BF Distribution has rights in Latin America, Edko Film has Hong Kong, Movie Cloud / MoviePlay has rights for Taiwan, and Studiocanal has the U.K.

Directed again by Yeon Sangho, “Peninsula” stars Gang Dongwon (“Illang: The Wolf Brigade,” ”A Violent Prosecutor”) star as a survivor of the previous “Train” wreck return to Korea to retrieve a huge cash hoard. After things go wrong, he and his team are aided by a female survivor, played by Lee Junghyun.

The movie was produced by Redpeter Films. The 8K trailer was created by another Next Entertainment World subsidiary, NEW ID, together with SK Telecom. They have developed the proprietary Supernova technology for upscaling image and sound, using artificial intelligence’s deep learning algorithms. The two companies are also venturing into AI-based post production.

[Helena]

OSEN | 2020. 06. 16.

Lee Jung Hyun: "I think 'Peninsula' is even better than 'Train to Busan'"

 

Capable actors of many generations like Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Re, Kwon Hae Hyo, etc. have gathered in the film "Peninsula".

The online showcase of the film "Peninsula" (director Yeon Sang Ho, distributor: NEW, producer: Red Peter Film) was held on the afternoon of June 16. At the event, director Yeon Sang Ho along with the cast including Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Re, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, and Lee Ye Won attended and shared stories about the film.

"Peninsula" is an action blockbuster. It revolves around the final survival of those left behind in the devastated land 4 years after the storyline of "Train to Busan" (2016). "Peninsula" has been officially invited to the 73rd Cannes Film Festival (2020).

Kang Dong Won shared his thoughts, "When I heard that this year's Cannes Film Festival wouldn't be held, I deeply regretted, but at the same time, I also felt happy that our film was picked." Director Yeon Sang Ho said, "Thank you very much. While filming for this movie, I dreamed of attending Cannes Film Festival. So I really appreciate that 'Peninsula' is selected." Earlier, director Yeon was twice invited to Cannes Film Festival with "Train to Busan" and "King of Pigs" (2011).

The preview of "Peninsula" has gained 10 million views even before the film's premiere. Foreign markets also show considerable interest in the sequel of "Train to Busan". With such positive news, Lee Jung Hyun shared, "I didn't expect that the film would be so well received. International viewers really like 'Train to Busan'. So, I would like to thank everyone for taking an interest in 'Peninsula'."

Kwon Hae Hyo, who plays an old man in the film, expressed, "Though we couldn't walk on the red carpet of Cannes, the viewers' attention for the film is even 'hotter' than the red carpet. I’m glad for this. I was all ears for the news from Cannes Film Festival, about everyone's reactions after filming, but now I can set my mind at rest. Nevertheless, I'm indeed under pressure."

When a reporter stated that Yeon Sang Ho created a Yeon-niverse, the director recalled the beginning of his film this time, "When arriving at a location that has become a wasteland and with the staff that searching the place with me, I thought, 'I can film in a desolate place after 'Train To Busan'. That seems to be the beginning of 'Peninsula'."

 

 

"Peninsula revolves around character Jeong Suk (by Kang Dong Won), who is living in exile after struggling to escape an unprecedented disaster, along with other survivors who have received an irrefusable offer and decided to return to the peninsula, where everything has stopped and been abandoned by humans since the disaster. The group of Jeong Suk, who thought they easily achieved their goals, were pursued by zombies due to a minute of carelessness, and in an instant, they were all surrounded by walking deads present everywhere. Right at the moment when their lives are at stake as they could not stop or avoid the crowd of zombies, a car appeared in front of Jeong Suk and saved him. Afterward, Jeong Suk, who was just out of danger thanks to the help of an unexpected survivor, met up with the family of Min Jung (by Lee Jung Hyun).

Kang Dong Won shared, "After reading the script, I wanted to enter and see the world the director created. Maybe 'Peninsula' will become a movie with totally different vibes from 'Train to Busan', so I want to try expressing it fully." In this movie, the actor will play Jeong Suk, a former soldier. He added, "When being abroad, I video called the director and discussed the character."

Next, Lee Jung Hyun shared thoughts on her participation in the movie, "I've been a fan of director Yeon Sang Ho since 'Seoul Station'. I also excitedly watched 'Train To Busan' so many times in the cinema. I once doubted whether or not 'Peninsula' is more interesting than 'Train To Busan', but after I read the script, I found it really great. It's even better than 'Train To Busan'. When I came to the set, I realized that zombies' running speed got evidently faster within 4 years. I was extremely interested in the movie and acted with an excited mood." Lee Jung Hyun played Min Jung who lives in the place where becomes a wasteland. Meanwhile, child actors Lee Re and Lee Ye Won will play her daughters.

 

 

Child actor Lee Re also shared the reason for participating in the movie, "Because I trust director Yeon Sang Ho. I also want to try it out as the role this time is quite strong and different from my previous characters." Kwon Hae Hyo also said, "I would do anything as long as I'm capable of doing it. There was 'Seoul Station' before 'Train To Busan', so many people are curious about what the story would be like after 'Train To Busan'. Right at the time, I was extremely happy when receiving contact from the director. Earlier, I once had the honor to work with him in the movie 'The Fake'."

Kim Min Jae also confessed, "I really 'fall' for the director's directing skills. When I see the direction of my life is becoming wobbly, indefinite, the director gives me advice. It was really difficult for the director to had to directly show us how to act, but even in the situation where he could be judged by everyone, he actively expressed his world view. That's why I 'fall' for him."

Koo Kyo Hwan also said, “I’ve been a fan of the director since he still made short films. I secretly waited for him to make contact. One day, he suddenly got in touch with me, which I thought he was playing a prank on me. It was miraculous. After watching ‘Train to Busan’, I didn’t know that there would be a day that I appear here. It is amazing that this comes true.”

Kim Do Yoon confided, "When reading the script, I felt that 'No matter whether I'm joining this movie or not, I will still become a fan of it.' I also thought that standing in the shoes of an actor, if I could not act in this movie, I would be very frustrated and jealous. So I decided to join in."

 

Spoiler

 

Kang Dong Won revealed that he struggled every time he filmed action scenes with the walking dead. The actor talked about the shooting process, "The problem does not lie in the chemistry with co-stars, but because zombies keep running wild. I hold a gun while the zombies keep pressing their heads so it is really tiring to film such scenes." Hearing that, director Yeon Sang Ho happily promoted him, "Kang Dong Won is excellent at action scenes. Even the camera director must praise him for doing well during the filming."

Playing Min Jung in the film, Lee Jung Hyun recounted the filming time of the movie, "Every actor wanted to play Min Jung, so I'm glad that I got to play this character. The director only focused on filming the essential scenes. Although I only made simple moves, the director made the scenes become vivid and lively. I didn't sustain any injury when filming because the filming process was really comfortable." This is the first time Lee Jung Hyun acts in an action film since his debut.

Director Yeon Sang Ho recalled, “Right from the beginning, I had wanted to cast Lee Jung Hyun as Min Jung. Lee Jung Hyun once transformed into a mermaid in an MV. But when I saw her as a mermaid eating raw fish salad, I came to the conclusion that Korea’s warrior woman would be no other than Lee Jung Hyun.”

"Peninsula" will premiere in July.

 

OSEN = Reporter Kim Bo Ra / purplish@osen.co.kr
Photo = Online showcase, provided by NEW
Everything Idol, Everyday Exclusive
https://vtoday.vlive.tv/home

[Helena]

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/18/director-yeon-sang-hos-confidence-peninsula-is-different-type-of-film-from-train-to-busan/

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s Confidence – ‘Peninsula’ Is Different Type of Film from ‘Train to Busan’

 

by krishkim | images:NEW

 

The highly anticipated film Peninsula finally unveiled through online press conference and showcase.

 

Set four years after Train to Busan, Peninsula is a film about the final struggle of those left behind in the ruined land. Earlier, it was named on the official list of films invited to the 73rd Cannes International Film Festival. Director Yeon Sang Ho, Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Gu Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, Lee Re, and Lee Ye Won attended the online press conference and showcase held on June 16 to talk about their upcoming film.

 

 

About his third invitation to the Cannes Film Festival with Peninsula, following The King of Pigs and Train to Busan, Director Yeon Sang Ho said, “I also wonder what has captured the Cannes Film Festival. But I’m glad that they like it (my work).“

 

When asked about the reason they chose Peninsula, Kang Dong Won said, “I really wanted to participate because there has never been a movie with the post-apocalypse worldview in Korea.” Lee Jung Hyun said, “The script was so fun. and I’m so grateful to director Yeon Sang Ho for giving me this opportunity.” Kwon Hae Hyo said that he was curious about the story after Train to Busan, whereas Kim Min Jae said he joined the film with trust in director Yeon Sang Ho. Gu Kyo Hwan, the star in the independent films, said, “It was like a gift,” expressing his pleasure.

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho, who announced the start of K-Zombie with Train to Busan, mentioned that for Peninsula, he wanted to “draw a separate story though it may continue the stream of Train to Busan.” He added, “We wanted to make a hands-on film that allowed the audience to experience the dangerous situations with the characters, and the scale of action such as car chasing and gun-action became bigger.”

“I think the bigger the commercial movies, the more important the messages become,” said Yeon Sang Ho, who has sharply pointed out the society. “If it’s the era of post-apocalypse, hope should be the appropriateness. Please think of it as a story of people who set their hopes as their appropriateness.”

 

 

On the evening of June 16, more than 26,000 prospective audiences logged on to the online showcase held through a live chat on Kakao TV, proving the keen interest. Director Yeon Sang Ho said, “I talked a lot about movies with actor Kang Dong Won on video calls during the pre-production stage, but it was really embarrassing to see my face with Kang Dong Won’s face together.”

 

He also continued, “If there’s Ma Dong Seok in Train to Busan, there’s Lee Re in Peninsula. She’s one the best fighters who sweeps zombies at once as if she was cleaning out the trash,” expressing his affection for the actors he worked with. After introducing their characters, the actors had a fun time with the viewers, including taking survival tests and engaging in a real-time chatting.

 

Peninsula will be released in July at the same time in major countries.

 

——————————————————————————————————-

 

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200621000152

Korean films hope to repeat Cannes success in 2020 Cannes Film Market

By Lim Jang-won | Jun 21, 2020

 

The 2020 Cannes Film Market, an annual marketplace where the global movie industry convenes for business opportunities, will be held online for the first time this week from Monday to Friday, featuring several Korean films attempting to follow the success of last year’s grand prize winner “Parasite” by director Bong Joon-ho.

The online film market will try to mirror the offline experience by hosting online concerts, keynote talks and over 150 events, with more than 1,200 online screenings and rights to over 2,300 films on the market, according to Cannes.

 

“Peninsula” (Next Entertainment World)

 

Among the Korean films at this year’s Cannes Film Market is “Peninsula” by South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho, one of the two Korean films that made Cannes’ 2020 Official Selection. “Peninsula,” the sequel to zombie-thriller “Train to Busan” (2016), features actors Gang Dong-won and Lee Jung-hyun, and is set four years after the zombie apocalypse took place on the Korean Peninsula.

 

Spoiler

“Heaven: To the Land of Happiness” (Hive Media Corp)

 

“Heaven: To the Land of Happiness” by Korean director Im Sang-soo is the other Korean film that made the 2020 Official selection. Lead actors Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il play the role of two men who go on a journey to find happiness in their lives.

Movies featuring big name actors will be joining the two movies in the film market.

“Deliver Us from Evil” by director Hong Won-chan features Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, who plays the role of hitman In-nam, and Lee Jung-jae, playing the role of Ray who chases In-nam, thinking In-nam killed his brother. The movie is set for release in August in Korea.

Hwang also appears in director Pil Gam-sung’s “Hostage” which will also be featured at the film market. In “Hostage,” Hwang plays the role of a kidnapped star actor struggling to break free from his captives.

“Emergency Declaration” by director Han Jae-rim features “Parasite” lead actor Song Kang-ho along with several veteran actors, including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Nam-gil and Jeon Do-yeon. The movie revolves around a plane that has to make an emergency landing, causing an unprecedented crisis.

“Seobok” (working title) by Lee Yong-ju features popular actor, Gong Yoo, who plays former agent Gi-hun, and Park Bo-gum, who appears as the first ever human clone Seobok. Gi-hun and Seobok face many perils as organizations chase Seobok, who holds the key immortality.

“Josee” is a Korean remake of Japanese film “Josee, The Tiger and The Fish” (2003), and is a love story starring Han Ji-min and Nam Joo-hyuk.

“Hero” by director Yoon Je-kyoon, is a movie that captures the final year of Korean-independence activist, Ahn Jung-geun, based on Korean musical by the same title. Jung Sung-hwa, who played Ahn in the musical, was cast for the movie as well.

“Voice of Silence” by director Hong Eui-jeong featuring Yoo Ah-in, “Yaksha: Ruthless Operation” by director Na Hyun featuring Sol Kyung-gu and “Beyond the Mountain” by Choi Jung-tae starring Ahn Nae-sang are also participating in this week’s film market.

 

By Lim Jang-won(ljw@heraldcorp.com)

[Helena]

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/24/kang-dong-won-coolly-answeres-the-controversy-over-his-recent-looks/

Kang Dong Won Coolly Answers the Controversy Over His Recent Looks

by krishkim 

 

Credit: YouTube ‘Monotube

 

Kang Dong Won responded coolly to the recent controversy over how he looked at the press conference.

 

On June 20, Kang Dong Won coolly responded to the controversy over his recent looks through a live broadcast on YouTube channel “Monotube.”

 

On his first-ever YouTube live stream, Kang Dong Won drew attention with his witty talks. He also mentioned the recent controversy that sparked from his photos at the press conference for Peninsula. He said, “My face was swollen that day, and I wasn’t in good condition that day. Now, I’m getting older, so there are times like this and times like that.”

 

When asked about his MBTI, he answered that he is INTJ. The analysis came out as “refrain from obvious and banal chatter,” he nodded, saying, “I do joke a lot, but I only say what I want to say in general.” As a hobby he enjoys these days, he chose “watching baseball.” “My family is from Changwon, so I am NC Dinos’s fan.”

 

To the question, “When will you get old?,” he answered, “It’s getting tougher and tougher,” giving a big laugh. At the end of the streaming, Kang Dong Won said, “Everyone is having a hard time, so let’s cheer up and overcome it. I hope we can get through it well,” encouraging his fans.

 

Kang Dong Won is getting ready to meet audiences with Peninsula next month.

 

 

Source (1)

 

———————

 

https://zapzee.net/2020/06/25/peninsula-confirms-its-release-date-on-july-15-drops-the-short-making-clip/

‘Peninsula’ Confirms Its Release Date on July 15 + Drops the Short Making Clip

 

by krishkim 

 

 

Film Peninsula has confirmed its release on July 15.

 

NEW, the distribution company, announced on Juen 24 that the upcoming film Peninsula is getting released on July 15.

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho’s new film Peninsula is an action blockbuster film that takes place about four years after Train to Busan and the last struggle of those left in the ruined land.

Actors Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Gu Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, Lee Re, and Lee Ye Won appeared in the movie. Earlier, Peninsula was officially invited to the 73rd Cannes International Film Festival.

 

In addition to announcing the release date, a 1-minute making clip was also released, drawing attention. Expectations are reaching its peak as the video offered a variety of behind-the-scenes footage, ranging from running nonstop, relentless shooting, cool car-chasing, and actors’ chemistry.

 

 

Source (1, 2)

[Helena]

http://www.ajudaily.com/view/20200625152906687

S. Korean zombie film 'Peninsula' to hit cinemas in IMAX format

 

Park Sae-jin Reporter(swatchsjp@ajunews.com) | June 25, 2020

 

[Courtesy of NEW]

 

 

SEOUL -- "Peninsula," a sequel to the 2016 zombie action horror film "Train to Busan," directed by Yeon Sang-ho, will hit black screens next month in IMAX, the special cinema projection standard that provides a wider image width.

NEW, the film's distributor, said Thursday that the zombie horror film will be released in the format of both IMAX and normal cinema on July 15. IMAX films are screened at special theaters with wider screens.

Train to Busan, the original film starring popular actors Gong-yoo and Ma Dong-seok, garnered unexpected popularity at home for its horrific depiction of zombie-infested Seoul and people going to the southern port city of Busan in a desperate attempt to take refuge. It was the first zombie film to gain such attention as the horror film genre has been recognized as B-grade.

The sequel film depicts a story about a group of people striving to survive in South Korea, four years after the zombie outbreak depicted in Train to Busan. Peninsula will star Kang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun and Kwan Hae-hyo.

The much-awaited zombie blockbuster sequel joined the lineup of 56 films selected by the annual Cannes Film Festival in early June. Having a film included in the list of Official Selection announced by the prestigious international film festival is seen as receiving a badge of honor. This year's prestigious annual film festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200629005300315
Three Korean blockbusters likely to lead summer box office race amid pandemic

 

SEOUL, June 29 (Yonhap) -- This year's summer box office will highly likely be a three-way race among Korean movies as two Hollywood blockbusters -- "Mulan" and Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" -- delayed their July releases.

 

The summer peak season is when most box office hits come out in the country.

 

According to foreign press reports, Disney's "Mulan" postponed its release date from July 24 to Aug. 21 due to the worsening new coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Warner Brothers' "Tenet," which had already delayed its release from July 17 to late July, reportedly pushed the opening further back to Aug. 12.

 

The question now is whether three big-budget Korean films set to open this summer -- zombie thriller "Peninsula," action film "Deliver Us From Evil" and thriller "Steel Rain 2: Summit" -- will be able to save local cinemas hit hard by the pandemic.

 

Spoiler

A scene from "Peninsula" by NEW (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Director Yeon Sang-ho's second zombie film after smash-hit "Train to Busan" (2016) is the first of the three films to arrive at the summer box office.

 

Starring silver screen star Gang Dong-won, "Peninsula" will hit the local screens on July 15, heralding the start of the summer vacation season. It is poised to repeat the feat of its predecessor, released on July 20, 2016, that attracted a total of 11.6 million admissions.

 

"Peninsula" is set in the same universe four years after its prequel, in which the whole country was hit by zombies except for the southern port city of Busan. Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won), a former soldier who escaped the zombie-infested peninsula four years ago, is tasked with going back to the devastated land to retrieve something.

 

Spoiler

A scene from "Deliver Us From Evil" by CJ Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

In early August, "Evil" will be released to target summer vacationers between end-July and early-August.

 

The film revolves around a professional killer, who plans to retire after carrying out his last mission. But he is embroiled in unexpected incidents as an unidentified pursuer tries to kill him. It is in the media spotlight for being the first collaboration between star actors Hwang Jung-min and Lee Jung-jae after their 2013 hit crime opera "New World." Hwang played the kingpin of a corporate crime syndicate, and Lee was a deep-cover cop and his right-hand man.

 

Spoiler

A scene from "Steel Rain 2: Summit" by Lotte Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

At the same time, "Steel Rain 2" is preparing to open in early August, with a poster and a teaser trailer released on social media.

 

Starring seasoned actor Jung Woo-sung, the film features a fictional kidnapping of leaders of the two Koreas and the United States in a North Korean nuclear-powered submarine.

 

Although it shares two of the main leads of the 2017 political action thriller "Steel Rain," "Steel Rain 2" is not a direct sequel of its predecessor, which drew around 4.5 million moviegoers at the box office, and does not share the same universe.

 

Insiders expect the virus-hit film industry, which is showing some signs of rebound in June after a monthslong slump, will be bolstered by the upcoming competition of the three summer tentpoles.

 

Due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Korean box office has been in a deep slump for about four months, with its daily admissions slumping to 15,000 in April.

 

Dozens of big-budget titles, including the space opera "Space Sweepers," starring Song Joong-ki and Kim Tae-ri, postponed their releases to the latter half of this year.

 

brk@yna.co.kr
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https://zapzee.net/2020/06/29/behind-the-scenes-stories-of-peninsula-and-its-post-apocalypse-production/

Behind-the-Scenes Stories of ‘Peninsula’ and Its Post-Apocalypse Production

 

By krishkim | Images: NEW

 

Movie Peninsula has unveiled behind-the-scenes stories of production that embodies post-apocalypse.

 

 

Set 4 years after Train to Busan, Peninsula depicts the final struggle of those who are left on the ruined land. The movie deals with the post-apocalypse worldview for the first time in Korea. Director Yeon Sang Ho worked hard on the pre-production process to give shape to the land that was destroyed after the disaster. From the pre-production stage, the art team and the VFX team invested nearly a year in creating a visual that has never been seen before. He explained the core of the space setting, saying, “We gathered ideas and actually created them to materializes a familiar yet never-seen background.”
 

Incheon Port, the first thing Jung Seok sees upon returning after 4 years, is one of the representative places that realistically materializes neglected and abandoned spaces. From wild, unmanaged grasses, unordered cars on the street, polluted streets without any human traces, to huge ships that are spotted on the land or floating uncontrolled in the ocean, the scenery was created from the idea of 4 years after the disaster. Realistic details were brought to life by how the things that should belong separately to the land and the sea are mixed in the streets.

 

 

Movie Peninsula features a number of familiar urban landscapes, including Guro Digital Complex, Omokgyo, and Sebitseom. Director Yeon Sang Ho had put in careful efforts to work on VFX even before the shooting, scanning the actual images of the Guro Digital Complex, where the truck that Jung Seok and his crew needs to find is located, and creating the entire city with visual effects.

 

 

One of the filming sets that both the production team and the actors admired is the mall, which serves as a hideout for Unit 631. After pondering on “how will survivors survive when the post-apocalypse comes,” director Yeon Sang Ho used a shopping mall that combines complex elements after a long meeting with the art team. While collecting images of abandoned shopping malls around the world, they took hints from spaces filled with water on the floor and actively reflected them in the 631 Unit’s set, and even waterproofed the place to fill the large space with water.

 

The underground parking lot of the mall was actually filmed at a real underground parking lot, where the actual cars were set up, and 10 five-ton trucks of dirt were poured in. In all, they managed to create the real underground parking lot that shows the cars tangled up as the soil was pushed in due to the flooding. Also, the interior of the shopping mall was made to look dry and impoverished, reflecting the psychology of Unit 631, who lost their humanity.

 

Peninsula will be released on July 15.

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200630002600315
Summer zombie blockbuster 'Peninsula' sold to 185 overseas markets

SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) -- "Peninsula," the sequel to director Yeon Sang-ho's 2016 zombie blockbuster "Train to Busan," has been sold to over 180 overseas markets, according to its distributor on Tuesday.

The film, set to hit the South Korean box office on July 15, was sold to 185 nations and territories, including Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Britain, France and Italy, according to NEW.

The movie was also picked up for major markets in North and South America, Central Asia and the Middle East.

"Peninsula" surpassed its prequel in terms of the number of markets it has been sold to. "Train to Busan," the highest-grossing film in South Korea in 2016, was purchased in 160 nations and territories.

The film will hit Taiwanese and Hong Kong cinemas on the same day of the South Korean release. The Malaysian box office release will come the following day, on July 16.

Starring Gang Dong-won and Lee Jung-hyun, "Peninsula" tells a tale of survivors on the zombie-infested Korean peninsula four years after the events in "Train to Busan." It follows protagonist Jung-suk, who escaped the Korean Peninsula after the events from four years before, returning for a mission.

"Peninsula" was selected for the official lineup of this year's Cannes Film Festival.

 

These images provided by NEW show Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Malaysian posters (from L to R) for the upcoming South Korean zombie blockbuster "Peninsula." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

odissy@yna.co.kr
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https://www.screendaily.com/news/yeon-sang-hos-peninsula-clocks-up-sales-to-185-countries/5151180.article
Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘Peninsula’ clocks up sales to 185 countries

BY JEAN NOH | 30 JUNE 2020

South Korea’s Contents Panda has announced it has now wrapped deals for a total of 185 countries for upcoming Train To Busan follow-up Peninsula.

One of the Cannes 2020 Official Selection, director Yeon Sang-ho’s highly-anticipated zombie action thriller, starring Gang Dong-won and Lee Jung-hyun, is set for July 15 release locally, with July and August theatrical releases in territories where the Covid-19 pandemic and other circumstances allow.

“Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia are going to open the film in July, almost at the same time as us in Korea, in the same first week,” said Danny Lee, Contents Panda’s director of International Business, speaking to Screen.

“Distributors in other countries also want to release the film quickly after us in July and August, but there are so many places where the cinemas may or may not be opening, and then Tenet has been pushed back, so some are wondering if they should pull their releases forward or not. Many countries will give it an August release. We’ll know definite dates closer to our local release.”

On the heels of the virtual Cannes market, Contents Panda closed additional sales to Russia, CIS and the Baltics (Provzglyad), Italy (Tucker Films), MENA (Empire Networks), Mongolia (The Filmbridge) and Scandinavia (Mis. Label), bringing the film’s total of countries sold to 185 with more to come, according to Lee.

Contents Panda previously announced pre-sales deals on the title to North America (Well Go USA), France (ARP SAS), Latin America (BF Distribution), Hong Kong (Edko), Taiwan (Movie Cloud), the UK (StudioCanal), Japan (Gaga), Spain (A Contracorriente Films), Germany and Benelux (Splendid Film), Australia and New Zealand (Purple Plan), in-flight (Emphasis), Philippines (Pioneer Films), Thailand (Sahamongkol), India (Kross Pictures) and Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam (Clover Films).

Peninsula is set four years after the outbreak of the zombie epidemic seen in Train To Busan and follows Gang’s character, who has escaped the devastated Korean peninsula to live in exile in Hong Kong, as he is given a mission to go back and retrieve a truckload of cash left abandoned in the streets of Seoul.

When he and his team are ambushed by a militia known as Unit 631 and vicious zombie hordes, he is saved by a woman (Lee Jung-hyun) and her family who formulate an ultimate plan to escape the peninsula.

Train To Busan, which premiered in Cannes’ Midnight Screenings in 2016, clocked up worldwide box office of $140m, with $58m of that coming from international territories, including $10m from Taiwan alone.

[Penn Sylvan]

Hi! I'm looking for help subbing one of his interviews online. If anyone can help please reply or DM me

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/07/398_292273.html

Film 'Peninsula' unveils special interactive trailer [VIDEO]

By Lee Gyu-lee | July 3, 2020

 

Spoiler

A scene from the upcoming zombie blockbuster "Peninsula" / Courtesy of NEW

 

Zombie blockbuster "Peninsula," the sequel to 2016 hit "Train to Busan," has unveiled a special interactive trailer.

 

The film's distributor NEW uploaded the trailer on its YouTube channel, Friday, giving a peek into the big-budget production. 

 

The trailer follows the lead character Jung-seok ― played by Gang Dong-won ― who gets entangled on a zombie-hit area. 

 

Along with the video, viewers are given a series of choices with two options about which action he should take. 

 

The horror action film, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, picks up four years after the original movie. 

 

Former soldier Jung-seok goes on a mission to the isolated zombie-filled peninsula, where he teams up with another survivor Min-jung ― played by Lee Jung-hyun ― to escape. 

 

The premiere has been garnering global fans' attention, as the previous production was a major hit in 2016. It has been sold to 185 nations and territories, including France, Thailand, Taiwan, and Italy. 

 

"Peninsula" is set to hit local theaters, as well as Taiwanese and Hong Kong cinemas, on July 16.

 

Cine21 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Helena]

 

 

https://variety.com/2020/film/asia/singapore-cinemas-reopen-peninsula-1234698651/

Singapore Cinemas Poised to Reopen With ‘Peninsula’ Among First Releases

Spoiler

 

By Patrick Frater | July 5, 2020

 

Cinemas in Singapore are set to reopen later this month as the city-state takes further steps towards a new post-coronavirus normality. Multiple social distancing and public hygiene measures will inform the cinemas operations.

 

Major cinema chains announced that they will reopen their doors from July 13, following an announcement from the Infocomm Media Development Authority. Some independents said they would reopen on July 15.

 

“Both IMDA and Singapore Film Commission (SFC) have assessed that the Mandatory Safe Management Measures for Cinemas meet the necessary precautionary measures for managing the COVID-19 related risks in cinemas. The Mandatory Safe Management Measures for cinemas are a result of consultation with key industry stakeholders,” the IMDA statement said.

 

Cinemas were ordered closed from March 26 in order to help the city control the spread of coronavirus. With its population of 5.5 million, Singapore has recorded 44,800 cases of COVID-19 infection.

 

Each cinema hall will be limited to a maximum of 50 patrons at a time. And guests must wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking. Up to five people who are friends or family may sit together without the 1 metre safe distancing requirement. But all other audience members must comply with the 1 metre safe distancing requirement.

 

The separate chains have each published their own additional guidelines for how their cinemas will be operated after re-opening. They all stress temperature checks, use of the government-issued SafeEntry app and increased sanitization measures, though they differ slightly on seating arrangements.

 

The box office in Singapore is normally dominated by mainstream Hollywood movies. In recent days, these have seen the release dates of “Tenet” and “Mulan” moved backwards.

 

That may allow Korean-made “Train to Busan” sequel “Peninsula” to be among the first wide-release new title to play Singapore theaters. It is currently scheduled for a July 15 day-and-date outing co-ordinated with the film’s premiere in South Korea.

 

 

https://twitter.com/plain_archive/

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[Helena]

Press Reactions:

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Credits: topStarNews

[Helena]

JTBC PLUS | 2020. 07. 09
Kang Dong Won: "I don't want to disappoint 'Train To Busan' fans"

 

 

Actor Kang Dong Won shared his thoughts on participating in "Peninsula", the sequel to the box-office hit "Train to Busan".

During the press conference of the film "Peninsula", including an interview and a sneak preview, taking place at CGV I'Park Mall, Yongsan District, Seoul on the afternoon of July 9, Kang Dong Won shared, "For actors, it is not an easy decision to appear in the sequel of a hit work. Nonetheless, I like the director's vision and thoughts. After reading the script, I reckoned that although 'Peninsula' and 'Train to Busan' share the same plot and unusual worldview, this movie can still deliver a new story. Overall, the scenario structure is also very good."

The actor then expressed his confidence, "I always feel pressured when I decide to join a movie and when I wait for the premiere date after filming. It feels like I'm shouldering huge responsibility. But after I met the director and read the script, I was relieved and reassured. I have tried my best not to disappoint the viewers who have loved 'Train to Busan'. I think those who like 'Train to Busan' will support this movie as well."

"Peninsula" is an action blockbuster portraying the final battle of the people left in the ruin 4 years after "Train to Busan" and the new work of director Yeon Sang Ho - who opened the "K-zombie" era after rocking the world with the masterpiece "Train to Busan" in 2016. Therefore, the movie has quickly got to worldwide audiences' attention. Besides being officially invited to the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, "Peninsula" sold copyright in advance in a total of 185 countries, from Asia: Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, etc., Europe and North-South America: Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, etc., to other areas such as Oceania, India, and the Middle East. It has the participation of a superb lineup including Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Re, Lee Ye Won, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, etc. and will premiere on July 15.

Reporter Park Jung Sun /park.jungsun@jtbc.co.kr
Photo = Reporter Park Se Wan
Everything Idol, Everyday Exclusive
https://vtoday.vlive.tv/home

 

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https://zapzee.net/2020/07/09/kang-dong-won-lee-jung-hyun-burst-into-laughter-after-a-child-actor-says-she-never-knew-how-famous-they-were/
Kang Dong Won & Lee Jung Hyun Burst Into Laughter after a Child Actor Says She Never Knew How Famous They Were

 

by krishkim 

Credit: SPOTVNEWS

 

Lee Ye Won, the youngest actor of Peninsula, said, “I honestly didn’t know that Lee Jung Hyun and Kang Dong Won were so famous,” giving a big laugh.

 

At 2:00 p.m. on July 9 KST, the press screenings for Peninsula was held at Yongsan I’Park CGV in Seoul.

 

During the interview, Lee Ye Won said, “I honestly didn’t know at first that Jung Hyun mom and uncle Dong Won was so famous. But everyone asked me to get their autographs, and I heard that they were really famous in the past,” drawing laughter from everyone at the scene.

 

“Now, I know a few songs of Jung Hyun mom. I know that she is still famous, and that uncle Dong Won used to be really ‘hot’ in the past,” she added.

 

Meanwhile, Kang Dong Won drew attention by candidly expressing his thoughts about working on a sequel of a famous work. He said, “It was not an easy decision as ac actor to play a role in a sequel. But I loved the director’s vision when we first met. When I read the script, I could tell that the film will portray a different story from ‘Train to Busan.’”

 

He added, “I really worked hard to not disappoint those who enjoyed ‘Train to Busan.’ I’m sure they will like this movie, too. Also, I think Gong Yoo hyung’s fans will also cheer us as well,” raising the expectations.

https://youtu.be/54Rk32ACB-k

Source (1)

 

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https://www.soompi.com/article/1411829wpp/peninsula-cast-talks-about-making-a-post-apocalyptic-film-expanding-the-world-of-train-to-busan-and-more

“Peninsula” Cast Talks About Making A Post-Apocalyptic Film, Expanding The World Of “Train To Busan,” And More

by C. Hong

 

 

On July 9, the cast and crew of the film “Peninsula,” the sequel to “Train to Busan,” held a media preview ahead of the film’s premiere.

 

“Peninsula” takes place four years after the events of “Train to Busan” and centers around a group of people who were left behind to fight for their lives in a ruinous land. It stars Kang Dong Won, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Min Jae, Goo Kyo Hwan, Kim Do Yoon, Lee Re, and Lee Ye Won.

 

Kang Dong Won talked about the difficulties of tackling a sequel, but shared his faith in the director’s vision. “When I saw the script, I realized it was a different story from ‘Train to Busan,'” he said. “They take place in the same world, but they’re different stories.”

 

He added, “I always feel a sense of pressure when I’m about to pick a film, making a film, or waiting for a film to premiere. I didn’t feel that with this one once I had seen the script. In fact, it felt like I was on firm ground. I worked hard not to disappoint the people who enjoyed ‘Train to Busan.’ I hope that Gong Yoo’s fans will cheer us on.”

 

Director Yeon Sang Ho said, “It was the same with ‘Train to Busan,’ but people said that for ‘Peninsula,’ we were building a whole new world. But the concept didn’t start out like that. I think that in a certain light, it’s just an ordinary story about humans. Jung Suk is an ordinary person who doesn’t have a huge mission or cause. The background is all that’s changed. The people who live in the land of ‘Peninsula’ have the same kind of desires that ordinary people have. Against that kind of background, I wanted to make the characters relatable by giving them the same kind of desires that we are familiar with.”

 

Kang Dong Won’s character, Jung Suk, is far from the typical action hero. “I think that in the face of a disaster scenario, there will be times when you are disappointed and pessimistic about humanity. My character is a well-trained soldier, but I don’t think of him as a hero. I think that Min Jung and her family are the true heroes he meets after he loses all hope. He meets them and recovers his sense of hope.”

 

The director and the cast also referenced the current COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the film industry.

 

Kang Dong Won said, “We are releasing a film during a difficult period of time. I hope that people will carefully manage their health. I have heard that the theaters have put in serious protective measures, so I hope that people can go see the film if they have time. I hope that everyone will stay strong and not give up.”

 

Lee Jung Hyun said, “The actors gave it their all to make this film. I hope that you will look upon it favorably. Please wear a mask and take care to be safe while watching the film. ‘Peninsula’ is a film with many different facets. It is not the same on the second watch as it is the first time, so please watch it many times.”

 

“Peninsula” will premiere in South Korea on July 15.

 

Source (1)
Top Photo Credit: Xportsnews