Actress Gong Hyo-jin has joined the revenge film The Journey to Gyeongju, directed by Kim Mi-jo, playing the eldest daughter, Jang-ju. The movie is scheduled to premiere nationwide on August 26, 2026.
Gong Hyo-jin Joins The Journey to Gyeongju as Jang-ju
Actress Gong Hyo-jin has officially boarded the upcoming revenge feature The Journey to Gyeongju, taking on the role of the eldest daughter, Jang-ju. Known widely by her affectionate nickname ‘Gong Bli’ and celebrated for her work across romantic comedies and dramas, the actress steps into a darker, emotionally charged narrative for her latest big-screen appearance.
The project follows four sisters who embark on a vengeful journey after their youngest sister, Gyeongju, fails to return from a school trip, exactly eight years after her disappearance. She has long supported her mother, Oksil, at their tailoring shop, Oksil Fashion, while caring for her siblings, and she remains deeply devoted even after starting a family of her own. However, joining the trip brings a heavy psychological toll.
The character of Jang-ju navigates distinct internal conflicts throughout the narrative. To bring authenticity to the role, Gong incorporated careful visual details, styling the character with distinct choices including white sunscreen and eyebrow tattoos.
Overcoming Schedule Conflicts and Director Vision
Gong’s casting was far from straightforward. She initially declined the project due to scheduling conflicts. Yet the emotional weight of the screenplay lingered with her long after she finished reading it, ultimately convincing her to clear her calendar and accept the part.
Director Kim Mi-jo, a longtime fan of the actress, noted that Jang-ju required an intricate performance that balanced outward maturity with deep internal fragility. 'Jang-ju' appears mature and independent but is internally vulnerable and constantly shaken. Gong Hyo-jin’s persuasive acting perfectly embodies the complexity of a K-zangnyeo (Korean eldest daughter),
Kim explained.
Reuniting with Lee Jeong-eun Onscreen
The film also marks a major reunion for Korean television fans. Gong shares the screen with Lee Jeong-eun, who plays the mother, Oksil. The two previously portrayed a touching mother-daughter dynamic in the 2019 drama When the Camellia Blooms, making their pairing in The Journey to Gyeongju one of the most anticipated aspects of the production.
Gong Hyo-jin said, I wanted to see Lee Jung-eun once more.
After seeing the screenplay, I felt I wanted to support the mother Oksil from the side.
Production Backing and Release Timeline
The film is written and directed by Kim Mi-jo. It is presented by Lotte Entertainment and Michigan Venture Capital Co., Ltd., with Lotte Entertainment also handling distribution. Production duties were managed by Studio High Five, with Euphoria INT participating as co-producer.
The Journey to Gyeongju is set to open nationwide on August 26, 2026. Aside from her film commitments, Gong is also slated to appear in the upcoming MBC Friday-Saturday drama Married Woman Killer, maintaining a packed schedule across both cinema and television.
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