'Train to Busan' sequel 'Peninsula' premieres in Seoul, lead actor Kang Dong-won acknowledges Gong Yoo

Exactly four years after the release of Train to Busan in 2016, its sequel Peninsula made its premiere night in Seoul, South Korea during a media preview held on July 9.

The film's director Yeon Sang-ho was joined by Peninsula actors Kim Min-jae, Kim Do-yun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Re, Lee Ye-won, Kang Dong-won, and Kwon Hae-hyo.

Please attach peninsulapremiere.jpg (Yonhap News Agency)
CAPTION: From left: Actors Kim Min-jae, Kim Do-yun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Re, Lee Ye-won, director Yeon Sang-ho, actors Gang Dong-won and Kwon Hae-hyo of 'Peninsula' pose for pictures at the press premiere event held Thursday in Seoul. (Yonhap)

The Korean Herald reported Yang Sang-ho's statement during a press conference for the media preview. Yang Song-ho said, “I tried my best to deliver a universal message through a film which people of all ages could watch. I'm hoping 'Peninsula' becomes something for everyone to enjoy in theaters during this COVID-19 era.”

During the cast's sit-down press conference, Peninsula lead actor Kang Dong-won compared the film to its sequel and also acknowledged Train to Busan lead actor Gong Yoo.

Kang Dong-won said, "Of course, it was not an easy decision for me to lead a film's sequel. However, when I first met our director, I could tell that his vision and insights about the film were absolutely great," SBS News reported.

He added, "When I first read the scenario, I felt that it's quite different from Train to Busan.
I thought that it would have a different story from it. The scenario was so impactful."

Kang Dong-won also mentioned he hopes he will not disappoint Gong Yoo's fans. "I have worked my best not to disappoint moviegoers who enjoyed watching Train to Busan and Gong Yoo's fans. I think they would love this film as well."

The sequel starts with former soldier Jung-seok (Kang Dong-won) losing his family while escaping the zombie-infested Korean Peninsula four years ago.

Peninsula is also an official selection to this year's Cannes Film Festival and will premiere in Korean cinemas on July 15.

'Peninsula' cast Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun to hold live Q&A via Twitter