Actress Jang Hye-jin Reveals Turning Down Bong Joon-ho's 'Memories of Murder'

Article Image

Actress Jang Hye-jin Reveals Turning Down Bong Joon-ho's 'Memories of Murder'

Hyunwoo Lee · November 1, 2025 at 14:23

Actress Jang Hye-jin has revealed a surprising past connection with director Bong Joon-ho.

Appearing on the MBC entertainment show 'Point of Omniscient Interfere' (hereinafter 'Omniscient') on the 1st, Jang recalled a period of nine years when she stepped away from acting.

She candidly confessed, "After graduating from university, I didn't think I had a talent for acting, so I worked at department stores and supermarkets to make a living."

Jang explained the situation, stating, "While I was working at a department store, director Bong Joon-ho, who was preparing for 'Memories of Murder,' offered me a role."

She added, "I think my graduation profile picture must have left an impression." Jang continued, "I had quit acting at the time, so I refused the offer. But Director Bong told me, 'If you start acting again and succeed with this project, let's meet again.'"

Ultimately, the two reunited through the film 'Parasite,' creating a cinematic masterpiece.

Netizens watching the broadcast expressed surprise and admiration, commenting, "The connection between director Bong Joon-ho and actress Jang Hye-jin is truly fascinating," "She turned down 'Memories of Murder' but met him again through 'Parasite,' is it fate?", and "Actress Jang Hye-jin's acting skills are undeniable."

#Jang Hye-jin #Bong Joon-ho #Memories of Murder #Parasite #Point of Omniscient Interfere