The film "HOPE" has successfully wrapped up its promotional tour in Vietnam.

"HOPE" concluded its promotions in Vietnam on Tuesday, September 1, amid an enthusiastic local response. Director Na Hong-jin, along with Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Hoyeon, attended the event to meet local press and audiences, sharing in-depth stories about the production.

During the press conference for local media, various behind-the-scenes stories about "HOPE," ranging from its inception and shooting process to the actors' decisions to join, were unveiled. Director Na Hong-jin shared his thoughts and efforts, stating, "We put a lot of effort into increasing the density and completeness of the scenario and figuring out how to make it a more entertaining film."

Hwang Jung-min remarked, "The very fact that Director Na Hong-jin was making a sci-fi genre film was extremely intriguing," expressing his thoughts on working with the director for the second time following "The Wailing." Meanwhile, Zo In-sung shared his reasons for joining the project, saying, "Just the fact that it was Director Na Hong-jin's film made me want to be a part of it. After reading the script, I felt a desire to summon courage as a filmmaker." Jung Hoyeon expressed her deep affection for her character Seong-ae, noting, "It felt like receiving something more precious than gold and jewels. When I first encountered Seong-ae, I was drawn even more to her vibrant charm."

The actors' efforts and shooting behind-the-scenes to complete the intense action in "HOPE" were also revealed. Director Na Hong-jin stated, "It is a film that made many choices that would not be universally adopted." In particular, regarding the tense chase scenes that continue through the first half of the film, Hwang Jung-min shared his concerns during filming, saying, "It was difficult to express the fear of an entity whose reality is not revealed. I thought that for the first 40 minutes, everything about the character Beom-seok was identical to the audience's emotions."

Zo In-sung heightened expectations for the film by stating, "I did my best during filming to create fresh imagery right up to the ending sequence." Jung Hoyeon reflected on completing her intense action training to build the character Seong-ae, saying, "During the six-month training process, I learned everything from weight training and firearm training to car racing skills."

At the subsequent premiere red carpet, the excitement heightened with cheers from local fans who gathered to see the stars of "HOPE." The enthusiastic applause and cheers from local audiences packed into the theater continued during the stage greeting that followed. Director Na Hong-jin, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Hoyeon expressed their gratitude to the audience and responded to the warm support.

"HOPE" tells the story that begins when Beom-seok, the head of a police outpost in Hopohang located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local young men about the appearance of a tiger, throwing the entire village into a state of emergency as they encounter an unbelievable reality. Having entered the final stages of its domestic screenings, "HOPE" plans to continue its international releases, starting with Vietnam and followed by a theatrical release in the United States.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)