South Korean actor Jung Il-woo expressed surprise and gratitude over the unexpected box office success of the Korea-Vietnam joint production "Leaving Mom" in Vietnamese theaters. During a press conference held at a Seoul theater on Wednesday, Jung revealed he never anticipated such overwhelming reception from Vietnamese audiences.
"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," Jung stated during the event.
"Leaving Mom" is a heartwarming drama that tells the story of Hoan, played by Vietnamese actor Tuan Tran, a street barber who dedicates his life to caring for his elderly mother Le Thi Han, portrayed by Hong Dao. The mother suffers from Alzheimer's disease, and the plot follows Hoan's emotional journey as he travels to Korea to find his long-lost older brother. Jung Il-woo makes a special appearance in the film as Jeong-min, Le Thi Han's Korean husband from her younger years.
The film has achieved remarkable commercial success in Vietnam, topping the Vietnamese box office for an impressive 15 consecutive days and attracting over 2 million viewers. This achievement represents a significant milestone for Korean-Vietnamese film collaboration, demonstrating the potential for cross-cultural storytelling in cinema.
The production itself was a true international collaboration, with Korean production staff led by director Mo Hong-jin working closely with Vietnamese crews for more than three years. The extensive development process began with story creation and continued through all phases of production, showcasing the dedication both countries invested in the project.
Jung's involvement in the film was particularly noteworthy as he participated pro bono, working without any financial compensation. The actor shared his personal connection to Vietnam and explained his motivation for joining the project. "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 revealed.
Director Mo Hong-jin confirmed Jung's selfless contribution to the film during the press conference. "Jung Il-woo is a very popular actor in Vietnam. It was beyond my control to cast him," the director explained. "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 provided insight into his reasoning: "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."
Jung expressed confidence that the film will resonate equally well with Korean audiences due to the universal nature of its central theme. "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."
Korean moviegoers will have the opportunity to experience "Leaving Mom" when it hits theaters nationwide on November 5, giving audiences a chance to witness this successful example of international film collaboration and its touching portrayal of family bonds.
