'Joint Security Area' cast and director reunite after 25 years

Park Chan-wook, Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun mark 25th anniversary of 'JSA'

By KTimes

It was not the set of a major new Korean film, nor was it an awards ceremony. Yet, as actor Kim Tae-woo appeared, followed by Lee Young-ae, with Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and director Park Chan-wook making their entrances, the atmosphere felt almost surreal. Even the event’s host remarked, "I have to ask myself if this is real."

These key figures from "Joint Security Area/JSA" (2000) gathered on Tuesday at the Park Chan-wook Auditorium in CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall, Seoul, for a special event marking the 25th anniversary of the film’s release.

After a screening, they engaged in a conversation with the audience — a momentous occasion, as this was the first time they had reunited since the film’s debut.

A film that changed Korean cinema

"JSA" is widely recognized as a milestone in Korean film history. Unlike previous films that took a binary approach to inter-Korean relations, it told the story of South and North Korean soldiers stationed at the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom, who develop an unlikely friendship only to meet a tragic fate.

Released amid a period of reconciliation between the two Koreas, the film drew 5.82 million viewers, making it the highest-grossing film at the time. It also signaled the dawn of the "Korean cinema renaissance" of the 2000s.

Ko Kyung-bum, head of CJ ENM’s film division, emphasized the film’s significance, saying, "Korea is a rare country where Cannes-winning films also perform well at the box office. If you trace that back, you’ll find 'JSA' at the beginning."

For Park and the cast, "JSA" was a defining moment in their careers. The director reflected, "My previous two films ['The Moon Is ... the Sun's dream' (1992) and 'Trio' (1997)] had failed at the box office, so I felt that if my third attempt didn’t succeed, 'JSA' might become my final work."

The success of "JSA" paved the way for his future films, including "Oldboy" (2003), which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Looking back, Park said "'JSA' was the film that saved me."

For Lee Byung-hun, the film was a turning point in his career. "It was 'JSA' that first introduced me to the power of commercial success," he said. "I remember being introduced as ‘box office star Lee Byung-hun’ at an awards ceremony after its release. I wanted to fully experience the audience’s reactions, so I ended up watching it in theaters about 40 times."

He added, "Even today, when I’m introduced in the U.S., 'JSA' is always mentioned."

Song Kang-ho, Lee Young-ae and Kim Tae-woo shared similar sentiments. Song, who first appeared on camera in "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well" (1996), reflected on his 30-year career, saying, "'JSA' was the film that gave me my ‘time of blossoming’ as an actor."

With a laugh, he added, "I rewatched it three days ago and thought, ‘I wasn’t so bad compared to Lee Byung-hun back then!’"

Lee Young-ae described the film as "a miraculous project" that guided her from her late 20s into a bright new chapter in her 30s.

Kim Tae-woo also acknowledged its impact, saying, "Whenever I mention 'JSA,' people instantly recognize it. It’s that famous."

Worry about violating the National Security Act

Despite its success and lasting impact, the film’s production was not without its challenges. When filming began in 1999, South Korea’s National Security Act was still strictly enforced.

Park recalled, "Nowadays, people might ask, ‘What’s so controversial about a scene where North and South Korean soldiers play a simple game?’ But back then, it could have been considered praise for the enemy under the National Security Act. So we and the production team at Myung Films prepared ourselves mentally before shooting."

However, Park noted that their concerns were ultimately unfounded. "Not long after, President Kim Dae-jung visited North Korea, and the first inter-Korean summit was held. Our fears turned out to be unnecessary."

At one point, Song Kang-ho almost turned down the role. "When I first read the script, I thought the story was too tightly woven," he said. "I wasn’t sure if it was even possible to make such a film in Korea at the time. But when I met director Park, dressed in his signature trench coat, I knew right away that he could bring the script to life."

Alternative endings, queer storyline

During the discussion, Park revealed an alternate ending that never made it to the final cut. "Originally, Lee Soo-hyeok (played by Lee Byung-hun) wasn’t supposed to die. Instead, he would have met Oh Kyung-pil (played by Song Kang-ho) in Europe."

He also considered another ending where Sophie Jean (played by Lee Young-ae) visits her long-lost father, a North Korean prisoner of war who chose to remain in Switzerland, and clips his nails.

Song Kang-ho joked, "The producers were adamantly against that ending, saying, ‘That would be a total disaster!’"

Park also disclosed that he initially envisioned "JSA" as a queer film about romance between North and South Korean soldiers. "At the time, it would have been impossible to make such a film," he said. "But in the 21st century, maybe it could happen."

One notable absence at the event was Shin Ha-kyun, another key cast member. Park playfully expressed his disappointment, saying, "I heard he had unavoidable circumstances, but I wonder what kind of amazing trip he’s on."

Kim Tae-woo added with a laugh, "Since Shin Ha-kyun isn’t here, I get to be the honorary youngest member of the group, even though I’m in my 50s!"

As the event came to a close, Park made a promise to the audience: "If we hold another event for the film’s 50th anniversary in 25 years, I’ll make sure to bring a 70-year-old Shin Ha-kyun with me."