On the morning of the 6th, the production briefing for the movie '“Colony”' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Yeon Sang-ho, lead actors Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rock, and Go Soo attended the event.
'“Colony”' (directed by Yeon Sang-ho, distributed by Showbox Co., Ltd., produced by WOWPOINT and Smilegate, co-produced by Midnight Studio) depicts a desperate struggle of isolated survivors trapped in a sealed building amid an unidentified infection crisis, as they confront infectees evolving in unpredictable forms.
The film heralds a new evolution in the zombie genre and is the latest work by director Yeon Sang-ho, who previously created 'Train to Busan,' 'The Flu,' and 'Hell.' Director Yeon is expected to showcase another genre evolution through '“Colony,”' introducing a new species of zombies distinct from existing ones. The star-studded cast, including Jun Ji-hyun returning to the screen after 11 years since 'Assassination,' Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rock, and Go Soo, is anticipated to deliver a powerful and fresh ensemble performance.
Jun Ji-hyun plays Kwon Se-jeong, a biotech professor and leader of the survivors. Koo Kyo-hwan portrays Seo Young-cheol, a genius biologist yearning for the birth of a new humanity. Ji Chang-wook takes on Choi Hyun-seok, a security team member trapped in the building with his sister. Kim Shin-rock plays Choi Hyun-hee, Choi Hyun-seok’s sister with a lower-body disability. Shin Hyun-bin is Professor Gong Seol-hee, a biotech major holding clues to solving the crisis. Go Soo plays Han Gyu-seong, Kwon Se-jeong’s ex-husband and a biotech professor.
Jun Ji-hyun described her character: "She is a biotech professor and leader of the survivor group. She is upright, stands against injustice, and takes the initiative to ensure all survivors’ safety in extreme situations."
Reflecting on her return after 11 years since 'Assassination,' Jun Ji-hyun said, "It’s exciting to come back to the big screen after a long time. As a longtime fan of director Yeon Sang-ho, I’m glad to collaborate with him." She added, "I chose '“Colony”' not only because of the director but also the rare opportunity to work with such talented actors. I didn’t hesitate."
Director Yeon recalled their first meeting: "When we met at a café, I thought, 'Why isn’t the movie playing?' because I suddenly saw a movie star. The air felt cinematic just with her presence." He praised Jun Ji-hyun: "Her range, from 'My Sassy Girl' to 'Assassination,' is unmatched. In '“Colony,”' she compressed her vast spectrum into one role—cynical, playful, and serious. She’s a true superstar for a reason."
Regarding her casting, director Yeon said, "I never dared to approach her initially. But when I heard she was interested in my work, I took a chance.
Koo Kyo-hwan, playing a villain named Seo for the second time, joked, "This project must succeed for a potential 'Seo Villain Trilogy.'" He previously portrayed Seo Sang-hoon in 'Peninsula.'
Director Yeon praised Koo Kyo-hwan: "He reinvents himself in every role. He’s a free-spirited actor who loves films and knows everything about them."
Director Yeon highlighted differences from previous zombie films: "Unlike 'Train to Busan' or 'Peninsula,' '“Colony”' features zombies that are primitive and quadrupedal. Their evolution speed and methods differ from humans, creating terror. The survivors’ struggle against this adds suspense."
Jun Ji-hyun shared, "The raw energy on set was authentic. Preparing felt calculated, so I embraced the rawness. Leading survivors was challenging, especially with Hyun-hee (Kim Shin-rock). In reality, I might have abandoned her, but my character couldn’t. I even snapped, 'Get up and walk!' to Kim Shin-rock, who plays a wheelchair user. The urgency was real."
She added, "Kim Shin-rock and I are the same age. Meeting a female actor of my generation on set was rare and inspiring. She’s someone I learned from."
Expressing confidence ahead of the release, Jun Ji-hyun said, "I was conflicted about pressure after 'Assassination,' but boundaries between films and dramas have blurred. The filming process felt unchanged, though monitoring scenes on screen was nerve-wracking. 'The Royal Nanny' performed well, and I believe '“Colony”' will meet expectations."
'“Colony”' is scheduled for release in May.
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