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Actor Jun Ji-hyun in a scene from the film “Colony” / Courtesy of Showbox
Actor Jun Ji-hyun spoke candidly about the widespread praise for her appearance following the release of the new zombie thriller “Colony.”
“There was no intention whatsoever, so it was unexpected that people responded so positively,” Jun said in a recent interview. “I only wore jeans and a white T-shirt … I didn’t do anything.”
Her striking appearance as Se-jeong has drawn widespread praise from moviegoers.
“On set, nobody said, ‘Because it’s Jun Ji-hyun, she needs to look like this.’ Everyone wanted to focus only on the narrative, so it was unexpected,” she said. “I felt good, but in some ways, I was pleasantly surprised.”
Actor Jun Ji-hyun appears in a scene from the film “Colony.” Courtesy of Showbox
While she said she still wants to take on action roles, her principle was to avoid flashy action sequences.
“I appear as a biotechnology professor, so I thought it would be awkward if I suddenly became good at action,” she said. “There was no need to beat down zombies, and I only wanted to show as much as Se-jeong could realistically do.”
This grounded approach focused on portraying Se-jeong not as a superhero, but as a relatable figure who serves as an anchor and guides people through chaos.
Eagerness for next project
What Jun felt most strongly about upon receiving the script was its departure from traditional zombie films. She expressed deep trust in her collaboration with director Yeon Sang-ho.
“I have watched all of the director’s films and series, and there were many projects I wanted to join,” Jun said. “When I received the script, I had already made up my mind to do it even before reading it.”
“When I actually met the director, he was humorous and enjoyable to work with, just like his films,” she said.
Jun said the set was bright and comfortable. “I realized why actors keep returning to his projects,” she said. “I naturally developed a desire to join his next work as well.”
Actor Jun Ji-hyun in a scene from the film “Colony” / Courtesy of Showbox
Lifestyle over beauty
Jun shared her personal philosophy when asked about her timeless looks.
When reporters mentioned her enduring status as part of the “Tae-Hye-Ji” trio — a popular moniker grouping Korea’s top actors Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo and Jun — she expressed gratitude but downplayed the focus on physical appearance.
“I am grateful for the term ‘Tae-Hye-Ji,’ but I don’t think my face needs to be pretty,” she said.
Jun emphasized balanced lifestyle is paramount.
“If the body is healthy, the face naturally gets better. As I get older, I feel how one lives is more important than being pretty,” she said. “What is the use of only working out hard? One must also do their job well and take care of their family.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
