Opening August 26, Gyeongju Trip is already generating buzz for one of the most unusual revenge stories in recent Korean cinema. Four women — a mother and her three daughters — set out on a journey eight years in the making, after losing the youngest of them on a school field trip. The twist: they kidnap the man responsible and bring him along. Here’s everything confirmed so far about the plot and cast.
What Is Gyeongju Trip?
It’s the first commercial feature from director Kim Mi-jo, who first drew attention with her debut film Gull. This time, she combines family drama with revenge to create something that doesn’t fit neatly into either genre. Distribution is handled by Lotte Entertainment.
https://youtu.be/-C9rf0mzhZs?si=0bhEFrrkDXPIa58c
The Plot
Eight years after losing their youngest daughter, Gyeongju, on a school trip she never returned from, a mother and her three surviving daughters finally take a “killing” trip of their own. Having carried their grief for nearly a decade, the four women kidnap the man responsible for Gyeongju’s death and set off together toward the city of Gyeongju.
The character details revealed on the film’s posters add another layer of intrigue. There’s Ok-sil (Lee Jung-eun), the mother, gripping a rosary in prayer; Jang-ju (Gong Hyo-jin), the eldest, gripping the steering wheel while watching everyone else nervously; Young-ju (Park So-dam), the second daughter, testing a disposable camera meant to help build an alibi; and Dong-ju (Lee Yeon), the youngest surviving daughter, fast asleep and completely unbothered. All four are shown piled into a yellow van, and their contrasting personalities alone hint at an unpredictable ride ahead. A second poster shows the family posing for a cheerful group photo at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, two of Gyeongju’s most famous landmarks — an oddly wholesome image layered over a very dark premise.
Cast
- Lee Jung-eun as Ok-sil — the mother anchoring the family
- Gong Hyo-jin as Jang-ju — the eldest daughter leading the plan
- Park So-dam as Young-ju — the meticulous second daughter
- Lee Yeon as Dong-ju — the youngest surviving daughter
Why This Film Stands Out
What sets it apart is how far it strays from the standard revenge-thriller formula. Instead of leaning into dark, brutal action, the film frames the story around the four women’s bond and their long road toward healing, using revenge as the vehicle rather than the point. It reportedly balances humor, grief, and tension all at once, prioritizing emotional connection between the characters over physical retribution — a notable departure from how most Korean revenge films tend to play out.
It’s also already picked up international recognition before its domestic release. The film has been invited to screen at both the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Florence Korea Film Festival, earning early praise for its craftsmanship.
Quick Checklist
- Mark August 26 for the nationwide theatrical release
- Go in expecting a family drama with revenge elements, not a straight crime thriller
- Watch for how real Gyeongju landmarks like Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are used throughout
- Pay attention to the chemistry between all four leads — it’s the emotional core of the film
Final Thoughts
A family that spent eight years carrying an unbearable loss, finally taking the trip they never wanted to take. Gyeongju Trip takes a familiar genre and gives it real emotional weight, making it one of the more original picks in theaters this summer. We’ll follow up with a full review once it’s out.
