A Legendary Cast and Director Reunite for the 25th Anniversary—A Moment Worth Applauding

The iconic film ‘Joint Security Area (JSA)’ is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and its legendary cast has come together to mark the occasion.

Director Park Chan-wook, along with actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Young-ae, and Kim Tae-woo, recently participated in a special Homecoming GV event for JSA. This gathering was organized as part of CJ ENM’s 30th-anniversary ‘Visionary Selection’, which honors films that have had a profound impact on the Korean entertainment industry.

Released in 2000, Joint Security Area became a major box office hit, drawing 5.8 million viewers while offering a humanistic portrayal of North and South Korean soldiers and their relationships. The film remains a standout in Korean cinema history.

Director Park Chan-wook Reflects on the Film’s Legacy

In an interview with ELLE, Park Chan-wook shared his thoughts on the film’s lasting impact. "Of course, commercial success and critical acclaim at the time of release are important, but as a director, my ultimate goal is to create films that people continue to revisit over time," he said.

He continued, "Since ‘Joint Security Area’ has been loved for 25 years, I feel like I’ve achieved that short-term goal. I owe everything to the actors who are here today, and I hope this film continues to be remembered for many more years to come."

Song Kang-ho, who played Sergeant Oh Kyung-pil, expressed deep affection for the film, saying, "Thanks to this film, I was able to fully immerse myself in the magic of cinema. As an actor, I’ve experienced many highs and lows, and a few moments of ‘In the Mood for Love’ in my career, but my very first ‘golden era’ was the time I spent filming ‘Joint Security Area’."

Lee Byung-hun, who revealed that he watched the film around 40 times in theaters upon its release, reflected on its enduring value. "Cinema is often called a 100-year art form. Films that remain compelling even after time passes are what we, as filmmakers, take pride in. ‘Joint Security Area’ is one of those films, and that’s why we’re here today for such an incredible occasion."

Kim Tae-woo, who immediately signed on after reading the script in his agency’s office, emphasized the film’s unique significance. "‘Joint Security Area’ is a rare masterpiece that balances both artistic merit and commercial success. More than anything, it tackled a subject that only Korean cinema could explore, making it even more special." He fondly recalled, "Even now, I vividly remember walking onto set every day with feeling excited about every scene we filmed."

Lee Young-ae, who played Sophie E. Jean, the only female character in the film, reminisced about shaping the role. "Sophie was a neutral figure with an ambiguous identity. I remember having many conversations with the director to ensure I portrayed her well, and I gave my all to every moment."

She also reflected on how the film shaped her career, saying, "Even now, thinking about the final scene fills me with emotion. Meeting Sophie and working on this film at the end of my 20s allowed me to enter my 30s with a bright and fulfilling mindset."

The special reunion of Park Chan-wook, Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Young-ae, and Kim Tae-woo was captured in an exclusive photo shoot and interview for ELLE Korea’s March issue, available both in print and online.

Even after 25 years, Joint Security Area remains one of Korea’s most influential films, proving that a truly great story stands the test of time.