Renowned actress Jun Ji-hyun is reportedly in talks to lead an upcoming zombie film, directed by Yeon Sang-ho. SPOTV News broke the story on October 29, 2024, reporting that Jun Ji-hyun is currently negotiating to take on the lead role of the film titled Grove.
The news has quickly sparked excitement on social media platforms like X. Fans have been sharing their reactions, flooding timelines with posts and speculations about the film and Jun Ji-hyun’s potential role. One fan expressed,
"Woh queen is back👸"
"Yes we want our queen back on screen", another X user posted on the platform.
"I want it confirmed!! And even a zombie movie, it would be great if he starred in it!!", added one more X user.
"Please my queen get that script, we're waitinggggg for your comeback 🧎♀️➡️😭# JunJiHyun # 전지현" wrote a fan on X.
"yaaas i love korean zombie movies so much 😭😭" a netizen commented.
Known for directing the acclaimed Train to Busan, Yeon is expected to bring his unique vision to Grove, expanding his already celebrated K-zombie universe. Grove will mark Jun's return to the zombie genre following her appearance in Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021). Fans are eagerly waiting for the actress to make a comeback to the genre and also her inclusion into the director Yeon's universe.
"miss maam got tired of waiting for kingdom season 3 and picked up another zombie movie instead, im crying shsgshsjsksgsjs", posted one netizen.
"New entry to the Yeoniverse 🔥" said another X user.
"Woohooo!!! Queen comeback soon! 👏👏 # JunJiHyun" rejoiced a fan.
Jun Ji-hyun in talks for lead role in Yeon Sang-ho’s new zombie film Grove, marking her return to the genre
The film centers on a group of organisms working collectively, with the title Grove suggesting community and shared responsibilities. Known for his impactful storytelling, Yeon aims to add fresh layers to the K-zombie genre he has pioneered. His past projects, like Train to Busan, Peninsula, and the animated Seoul Station, have already established a rich zombie narrative. Grove is set to add another dimension, promising new twists for audiences.
If confirmed, Grove will be Jun Ji-hyun’s first collaboration with Yeon Sang-ho. This film will also mark her return to the zombie genre after her striking role in Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021), where her brief appearance left a memorable impact worldwide. Her potential role in Grove could further solidify her versatility in genre acting. Fans and industry insiders are eager to see how she will bring depth to her character within Yeon’s distinct zombie world.
Jun Ji-hyun is a celebrated South Korean actress, renowned for her versatility across various genres. She has a powerful screen presence and remains one of Korea's most influential actresses. The actress rose to fame with her iconic role in the romantic comedy My Sassy Girl (2001).
Her notable films include Il Mare (2000), Windstruck (2004), The Thieves (2012), The Berlin File (2013), and Assassination (2015). Jun has also starred in popular television series such as My Love from the Star (2013–2014) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016–2017). In addition, she appeared in the acclaimed Netflix series Kingdom (2021).
Currently, Jun Ji-hyun is filming the 2025 drama Polaris, also known as Tempest, with Kang Dong-won, Oh Jung-se, and John Cho. Directed by Kim Hee-won and Heo Myung-haeng and written by Jung Seo-kyung, Polaris has kept her schedule packed.
Scheduled for a theatrical release, Grove will reportedly begin production in early 2025, with casting underway. As the project progresses, fans are eagerly watching for more details regarding Jun Ji-hyun’s role and the direction of Yeon’s expanding zombie universe.