Yeon Sang-ho and Jun Ji-hyun discuss Colony, George A. Romero, and the ways in which zombies symbolize our contemporary society.

      A decade ago, Train to Busan showcased passengers battling zombies aboard high-speed trains. With a clever script and dynamic editing, Yeon Sang-ho's film became a global success. In Yeon’s newest film, Colony, an experimental serum releases throngs of zombies within a downtown Seoul office building. The key distinction this time is that these zombies can communicate instantly, developing a hive-like mentality.

      Featuring Jun Ji-hyun in her first on-screen role in over ten years, Colony was a box-office success upon its release in South Korea this May. Alongside The King’s Warden, Yeon’s film played a crucial role in revitalizing Korean cinema after a prolonged period of stagnation. I had a conversation with Yeon and Jun at the New York Asian Film Festival during the North American premiere of Colony, which hits theaters this Friday, distributed by Well Go USA Entertainment.

      The Film Stage: How did you and Gianna Jun create Kwon Se-jeong, the professor who confronts the zombies?

      Yeon Sang-ho: I envisioned Kwon Se-jeong as the complete antithesis to the zombies, who embody a form of collective intelligence. You could describe her as a lone wolf, but I see her as a confident one who consciously embraces that role. Ji-hyun has portrayed many iconic female characters, and I felt that her qualities would align perfectly with Kwon Se-jeong’s character. She truly exudes confidence.

      Ji-hyun, what prompted your return to film after eleven years?

      Jun Ji-hyun: The main reason was director Yeon. For most actors in Korea, working with him is a dream come true, and I shared that sentiment. Additionally, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean film industry faced significant challenges. Outstanding scripts were scarce. Upon reading the Colony script, I immediately thought it was the type of film I would want to watch in theaters, which led me to accept the role.

      What did you contribute to the character?

      Jun Ji-hyun: People tend to reveal their true selves in times of chaos. Kwon Se-jeong is someone who remains steadfast even in turmoil. She is centered and assumes a leadership role to guide the survivors to safety. I wanted the audience to follow Se-jeong’s decision-making journey amidst the chaos she confronts. Therefore, my focus was on portraying her as both centered and relatable. Striking that balance was somewhat challenging. Personally, I have a strong sense of justice, and I believe Se-jeong shares that trait.

      Why don’t the other characters in Colony trust Se-jeong?

      Yeon Sang-ho: I think it's because Se-jeong holds very firm principles and is resolute in defending them. This can sometimes be interpreted as inflexibility, leading to discomfort among others.

      Does Se-jeong reflect your own career?

      Jun Ji-hyun: In a way, yes. Throughout my career, there has often been much discussion about what I should do—people’s expectations of me. Ultimately, it comes down to my perspective on a character and a project. It's about whether I believe I can contribute to the project to the best of my ability. So, yes, that interpretation holds true.

      Yeon Sang-ho: From my perspective, what stands out in Ji-hyun’s career is that, from the start, exemplified by her role in My Sassy Girl, she portrayed characters that diverged from the typical representations of Korean women. I believe she has played a significant role in shifting the paradigm for female characters in Korean cinema. She has consistently taken on powerful and groundbreaking roles ever since.

      Have you revisited My Sassy Girl recently?

      Jun Ji-hyun: No, it’s been such a long time since its release—maybe around 20 years?

      23 years.

      Jun Ji-hyun: Let’s estimate one year ago.

      Did you anticipate that your stunts would require such physicality?

      Jun Ji-hyun: The stunts weren’t overly challenging. The more dangerous scenes were managed by the stunt team. For the stunts I performed, I gave my all. We also discussed on set how Se-jeong, coming from an academic background, had to reach a believable level of action heroism. We aimed to find a suitable balance in the action she engaged in.

      There’s a spectacular scene in which your character is surrounded by zombies and wrecked, burning vehicles in a nighttime plaza.

      Jun Ji-hyun: To achieve that, I had to simulate driving a car through the crowd. I was actually synchronized with the movements of the stunt driver, who was in the passenger seat. My side of the car had no brakes, but out of fear, I kept pressing on nonexistent brakes.

      Yeon, could you elaborate on your approach to zombies in Colony?

      Yeon Sang-ho: Colony developed after [screenwriter] Choi Gyu-seok and I collaborated on the series Hellbound. We felt there was still more to explore regarding collectivism