As its provocative title might suggest, especially to many Koreans, the film revolves around a woman in her late 20s who decides to move to New Zealand in search of happiness, quitting her job and leaving her family and boyfriend behind.
"'I should do this, otherwise, I would forever regret not doing it.' That's what I thought when I first read the script of this film," said Ko, 32, in an interview in central Seoul on Aug. 22.
Based on the best-selling novel by reporter-turned-writer Chang Kang-myoung, the film, which was the curtain-raiser for last year's Busan International Film Festival, deals with the antipathy and disillusionment of a young, weary office worker who starts questioning the meaning of her life, as she feels unfit for Korea's fiercely competitive society.
Does the main protagonist of the story really leave Korea just because she hates the country? The actress firmly replied, "Absolutely not," implying that it has a deeper and more symbolic meaning. "The place she yearns to go is, more precisely, anywhere but where she currently belongs."
"No matter who they are or what they do, everyone is trapped in a hell of their own," he said. "I'm getting close to being over the hill. People often assume that I lead a secure life, but even for me, this place feels like hell at times." Jang added, "Those who are just starting out in their careers, like Ko's character, a woman in her 20s, must feel that life is even harsher for them. I wanted to offer some comfort to those who are struggling."
Rising to fame with Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho's 2006 hit film "The Host," Ko has steadily built up her filmography, appearing in a number of films including Bong's other film "Snowpiercer" (2013).
Beneath her innocent look and seemingly naivety, the actress remained calm and surprisingly composed during the interview, even when faced with challenging questions, radiating her inner maturity and subtlety. These qualities undoubtedly enabled her to take on diverse roles, expanding her acting repertoire throughout her tireless career.
She recalled that the script for the film first reached her in 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread. The ensuing pandemic brought most movie productions to an almost standstill and made filming abroad impossible.
"Even in those moments, I remained optimistic and hopeful, preparing myself by spending quality time reading good scripts," she said. "Because I know movies go on, just like life."
