The film <귀향>, which was created with the support of approximately 75,000 citizens and the choice of 3.58 million viewers, returns to theaters for its 10th anniversary since 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, Culture Day, and released its main poster.
The film, which sparked national resonance upon its release in 2016, was produced with inspiration from the painting 'Girls Being Burned' by the late Kang Il-chul. The newly presented version adds narratives of women from various Asian countries who experienced similar pain to the existing content, capturing the cross-border solidarity and friendship of girls who never let go despite devastating despair.
The released main poster shows 14-year-old Jeong-min and 15-year-old Young-hee embracing each other with bright smiles, accompanied by the caption "Only 5 of these smiling girls remain by our side. Please hold them before it's too late." It recalls the miracle achieved by the gathering of the people's hearts 10 years ago, while simultaneously contrasting the bright smiles with the cruel reality, vividly reminding us of the historical responsibility we must not forget.
Ahead of the release, director Jo Jung-rae issued a "Director's Statement" expressing urgent feelings, saying "Now only five survivors are alive. We really don't have time."
Director Jo revealed, "In March of this year, Kang Il-chul, the real protagonist of the film, passed away, and following the plea from Grandmother Lee Yong-su whom I met at a screening in Daegu, I decided to proceed with the re-release." The number of survivors, which was 47 ten years ago, has now dwindled to 5.
He continued, "True resolution for the many victims means the Japanese government acknowledging responsibility, formally apologizing, and leaving that history correctly to future generations. I hope this screening will help people 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.
