Even praised overseas, 'Gunche' (director Yeon Sang-ho, distributed by ㈜SHOWBOX, produced by WOWPOINT·Smilegate, co-produced by Midnight Studio) — what are the must-see points in theaters?
At the Cannes Film Festival, "'Gunche' introduces a new physical grammar to zombies, formally innovative with gut‑wrenching tension, an unprecedented work in current genre cinema," "a nonstop feast of thrills from start to finish, a tremendous genre pleasure," and other favorable reviews have raised expectations, and Yeon Sang-ho's new film 'Gunche' revealed three viewing points you shouldn't miss.
#1 Yeon Sang-ho presents upgraded zombies, the birth of a new species!
Thrilling suspense as infected people evolve in unpredictable directions!
Considered the 'zombie master' who examined the era's anxieties and deficiencies through zombies and built a Korean zombie genre, director Yeon Sang-ho has completed another evolution of zombies with 'Gunche.' The infected in 'Gunche' move collectively and update information, delivering fresh horror through unpredictable behaviors and attack patterns. Presenting a new species unlike traditional zombies, 'Gunche' will deliver extreme suspense through battles between evolving infected and survivors.
#2 Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Changwook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rock, and Go Soo
A trusted cast creates the most powerful ensemble of 2026!
The second viewing point is the intense acting ensemble delivered by a dazzling cast. 'Gunche' has drawn attention with performances from Jun Ji-hyun, who returns to the screen after 11 years to play survivor leader Kwon Se‑jung; Koo Kyo‑hwan as genius biologist Seo Young‑chul who caused the infection; Ji Changwook as Choi Hyun‑seok, who fights a bloody battle to protect someone precious; Shin Hyun‑been as Gong Seol‑hee, who struggles to resolve the situation from outside the building; Kim Shin‑rock as Choi Hyun‑hee, who reaches out to help those in need amid unreasonable circumstances; and Go Soo as Han Kyu‑sung, Se‑jung's ex‑husband who steps into danger for others. The fresh and powerful ensemble they create together is expected to further amplify the appeal of the film's diverse characters.
#3 Zombies like you've never seen before, new motion and visuals!
A sensory production that will provide the ultimate theater experience!
The third viewing point is the infected's new motions and visuals, and a production that maximizes immersion through sets and cinematography. First, the infected's unfamiliar and grotesque signature motions, completed through collaboration with dancers, heighten the tension of evolving zombies. Also participating were action director Heo Myung‑haeng's team, who directed action for The Roundup: Punishment and Wilderness, and special makeup team CELL, led by Hwang Hyo‑gyun, who created the appearance of Korean zombies in Train to Busan, producing realistic action and unique infected looks. Added to this are large, realistic sets, cinematography that makes the audience feel as if they are moving with the survivors, and production design that awakens the senses — together these create extreme immersion that promises the ultimate screen experience for viewers. As the new work from zombie master Yeon Sang‑ho, and starring a lineup from Jun Ji‑hyun to Koo Kyo‑hwan, Ji Changwook, Shin Hyun‑been, Kim Shin‑rock, and Go Soo, 'Gunche' depicts isolated survivors in a building sealed off by a mysterious infection who fight infected that evolve in unpredictable forms. It is scheduled to open domestically on the 21st.
Meanwhile, intense competition is expected as anticipated domestic releases hit theaters from late May through early June.
Currently, the Hollywood biopic Michael, about Michael Jackson's life, has gained the lead, and 'Gunche' follows with its release this week. Riding the praise from the Cannes Film Festival, expectations are rising, and it will be interesting to see how domestic audiences evaluate it. In addition, Gang Dong‑won's comedy Wild Sing, which opens June 3, received favorable reviews immediately after its press screening, drawing attention to the box office competition.
[Photo] SHOWBOX
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