Jung Il-woo credits universal family theme for Korea-Vietnam joint film

Director Mo Hong-jin, left, and actor Jung Il-woo attend a press conference for their movie “Leaving Mom” at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Actor Jung Il-woo said he did not anticipate the massive box-office success of the Korean-Vietnamese joint film "Leaving Mom" in Vietnam, expressing gratitude for the positive reception.

"I didn't know it would be such a hit. I cried a lot and was very moved after watching the film. I had a feeling that these emotions would be conveyed to the Vietnamese audience, but I am grateful that it has become a bigger success than expected," he said during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday.

"Leaving Mom" is a drama that follows Hoan (Tuan Tran), a street barber who cares for his mother, and Le Thi Han (Hong Dao), who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Hoan embarks on a journey to take his mother to his long-lost older brother in Korea. Actor Jung made a special appearance as Jeong-min, Le Thi Han’s Korean husband in her younger days.

The movie topped the Vietnamese box office for 15 consecutive days, attracting 2 million viewers. This film was a Korean-Vietnamese collaboration. Korean production staff, including director Mo Hong-jin, worked with the Vietnamese crew for more than three years, starting with the story development.

Actors Tuan Tran, behind, and Hong Dao in a scene from “Leaving Mom” / Courtesy of Sidus

Jung, who participated in the film pro bono, shared his connection to Vietnam.

"When I traveled to Vietnam two years ago, I thought it would be great to work as an actor here. I never imagined I would find Vietnam with such a wonderful project," he added.

The actor expressed his belief that the film will also perform well in Korea due to the shared, universal theme of family.

"Because the theme of family is similar in both countries, I think Korean audiences will also watch it favorably," he said. "Even though I am not the main character, I am here to represent the actors. I hope the feelings of the Vietnamese actors are conveyed well."

Mo confirmed Jung’s selfless involvement.

"Jung Il-woo is a very popular actor in Vietnam. It was beyond my control to cast him,” the director said. "The Vietnamese and Korean production companies suggested Jung Il-woo. We thought, 'we can't pay him much and will he do it?' But he sincerely wished for the success of his first Vietnamese film and worked hard without a guarantee."

Regarding his decision to work for free, Jung explained, "It was such a great project, and I still have vivid memories of the kindness I received while traveling in Vietnam. There weren't many chances to work there, and because this was such a wonderful film, I wanted to participate with that sincere feeling."

“Leaving Mom” will hit theaters in Korea on Nov. 5.