The film <귀향> (Return to Home), which was created with the support of approximately 75,000 citizens and the choice of 3.58 million viewers, returns to theaters for the 10th anniversary of its release.
<귀향: 언니야 이제 집에가자> [Screenplay/Director: Jo Jung-rae | Production: J.O Entertainment | Distribution: Connect Pictures] has confirmed its opening on August 26 on Culture Day and revealed its main poster.
The film, which caused a national sensation when it was released in 2016, was produced as a tribute to the late Kang Il-chul's painting "The Girls Who Were Burned." This newly released version adds the narratives of women from various Asian countries who suffered similar pain, capturing the transnational solidarity and friendship of girls who did not let go despite devastating despair.
The revealed main poster shows 14-year-old Jung-min and 15-year-old Young-hee embracing each other and smiling brightly, with the text "Only 5 of these smiling girls remain beside us. Please embrace them before it's too late." It reminds us of the miracle created by the nation's hearts 10 years ago while crossing the bright smiles with the cruel reality, vividly evoking the historical responsibility we must not forget.
Ahead of the release, Director Jo Jung-rae released a "Director's Statement" expressing his urgent feelings, saying "Now only five survivors are still alive. We really don't have time."
Director Jo revealed that "Grandmother Kang Il-chul, the true protagonist of the film, passed away in March this year, and I decided to re-release the film following the request from Grandmother Lee Yong-soo, whom I met at a screening in Daegu." The number of survivors, which was 47 ten years ago, has now decreased to 5.
He continued, "For the many victims, true resolution means the Japanese government acknowledging responsibility, formally apologizing, and leaving that history correctly to future generations." He added, "I hope this screening will help us remember forgotten history again and become a small cultural record that honors the dignity and honor of the victims."
<귀향: 언니야 이제 집에가자> will meet audiences at theaters nationwide on August 26.
