25 Years Later: The Reunion of 'Joint Security Area' Cast at CJ ENM's 30th Anniversary

On February 4, 2025, a special event celebrating the 30th anniversary of CJ ENM took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, featuring a screening and discussion of the iconic film 'Joint Security Area' (공동경비구역 JSA). This gathering marked a nostalgic reunion for director Park Chan-wook and the film's leading actors, including Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Young-ae, and Kim Tae-woo, who came together to reflect on the film's impact 25 years after its release.

CJ ENM, a global powerhouse in entertainment, announced the selection of 'Joint Security Area' as a Visionary work, highlighting its significance in the evolution of K-culture. Since 2020, the company has recognized individuals across various fields of Korean pop culture who have demonstrated unique originality.

The event featured heartfelt discussions about the film's themes and the actors' experiences. Director Park expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the film with the cast, humorously noting the absence of actor Shin Ha-kyun, who was away on vacation. He also revealed that he initially wanted to explore queer themes in the film, but faced resistance from the production company at the time.

Song Kang-ho reminisced about his first meeting with Park, recalling the director's impressive presence that instilled confidence in him. He also shared his recent experience of rewatching the film, reflecting on the timeless quality of Park's works.

Lee Byung-hun expressed his joy at reuniting with his co-stars and shared his curiosity about the reactions of younger audiences who were experiencing the film for the first time. He humorously recalled a past awards ceremony where he and Park joked about their previous films' lack of success.

Lee Young-ae noted the loneliness she felt as the only female lead during filming but expressed gratitude for the reunion, while Kim Tae-woo shared his excitement about being part of such a significant project.

In closing, Park emphasized the film's importance in his career, describing it as a lifeline after two previous films had failed to perform well. The event served as a poignant reminder of the film's legacy and its role in shaping the landscape of Korean cinema.