The Burglars starring JUNG Ae-hwa and Gi Ju-bong to release Aug 12
The road movie 'The Burglars' follows a lonely woman and a gentle burglar as they rediscover freedom and connection in rural Korea.
The film 'The Burglars', starring JUNG Ae-hwa and Gi Ju-bong, will be released in theaters nationwide on August 12. It is a road movie that follows Eun-ja (played by JUNG Ae-hwa), a loner in a rural village who survives the day with alcohol, and Pal-bok (played by Gi Ju-bong), a gentle burglar who has seeped into the village, as they rediscover forgotten excitement and freedom.
During a press preview held on the afternoon of the 5th at the Seoul Film Center in Chungmu-ro, Seoul, the film's unique premise was introduced. Through the act of housebreaking, the film explores the message that new connections can begin at any moment in life, framed through the protagonists' experience of a 'second youth.'
An Eun-ja inspired by a grandmother
Director Kim Tae-hwi used his paternal grandmother as the motif for the character while conceiving his first feature film. During the press conference, Kim stated, "During my school years, I was surprised to see my grandmother in a greenhouse showing an unexpected side, smoking cigarettes and drinking soju straight from the bottle." This served as the inspiration for the character of Eun-ja.
Regarding her decision to join the cast, JUNG replied, "It is a role I haven't attempted before, and a work that allows me to bring out the version of myself trapped in my subconscious through acting." JUNG has built her career through numerous works, including the independent film 'Seagull' as well as 'Lucky, Apartment', 'The Land of Morning Calm', and 'The Ripple'. Kim cited the fast and rough image JUNG showed in 'Seagull' as the reason for casting her, noting it aligned perfectly with the character.
Gi Ju-bong's kitsch charm brings Pal-bok to life
Gi Ju-bong, who plays Pal-bok, has appeared in films such as 'Gangbyeon Hotel' and 'Merely Known as Something Else'. Kim initially imagined a typical elderly gentleman for the role, but decided on Gi after determining that his cute yet kitsch image—seen in his role as 'Mogeumsan' in 'Merry Christmas Mr. Mo'—was more suitable. Gi shared that during his first meeting with Kim, he read the script while wondering if he possessed the qualities of Pal-bok.
Choosing frames over valuables: The Munch reference
The setting in which Pal-bok steals picture frames instead of valuables is tied to his psychology. Kim explained, "Pal-bok is not a master burglar, so when he first started housebreaking, he would have been afraid of getting caught." He added, "In that fear and solitude, the family photo frames hanging in the empty houses were devices that could provide comfort to Pal-bok."
The beach painting featured in the film is an image reworked by the art director using Edvard Munch's paintings as a reference. Filmed in Jeonju, Iksan, Imsil, Buan, and Wanju in Jeonbuk, 'The Burglars' follows the footsteps of independent films 'The Grandchild' and 'People and Meat' and is distributed by Mano Entertainment. Kim expressed his hope that the film would be a pleasant experience, wishing that audiences would leave the theater with happy memories.
