Song Ji-hyo's 'The House of Encounters' Set for October 15th Release, Marking Her Return to the Big Screen After 5 Years

Actress Song Ji-hyo is returning to the silver screen after a five-year hiatus. Her comeback film, 'The House of Encounters,' has officially set its release date for October 15th and has unveiled a heartwarming teaser trailer fitting for the autumn season.

'The House of Encounters' is a human drama that tells the story of a radiant connection forged through the first act of unsolicited kindness by 'Tae-jeo,' a by-the-book correctional officer with 15 years of service. The newly released teaser trailer opens with Tae-jeo (played by Song Ji-hyo) appearing weary and carrying out her duties with a cold, expressionless demeanor in a desolate and silent prison.

Set against the backdrop of the bleak correctional facility, Tae-jeo's line, "This is not a place where we grant requests," hints at her isolation and loneliness as she tries to maintain a strict professional distance from inmates. Similarly, Jun-young (played by Do Yeong-seo), who appears to have a bright school life, also seems to feel lonely, hiding a secret and avoiding a friend who asked to eat together, offering an awkward smile. Mi-young (played by Ok Ji-young), inmate number 432 who has been imprisoned for eight years and is Jun-young's mother, leans against the prison wall, seemingly burdened by guilt for not being able to properly care for her adolescent daughter. These glimpses pique curiosity about the stories of the three individuals, each isolated for their own reasons.

The phrase, "A connection like sunlight, brought about by an inmate mother," raises questions about the bond that forms between the three characters, initiated by Mi-young's mother's funeral. Tae-jeo's urgent call of "Jun-young!" upon spotting her in a moving car further heightens anticipation for the relationship between the two, connected through Mi-young, and for Song Ji-hyo's portrayal of the female correctional officer Tae-jeo in her first film role in five years.

Jun-young's line, "It feels like I didn't do anything to end up like this, but I wonder if I did something wrong?" reveals her complex emotions towards Mi-young, whom she hasn't seen in eight years. This evokes sympathy for Jun-young and raises expectations for how warmly the film will depict the relationship between these three characters.

'The House of Encounters,' which promises a warm emotional experience this desolate autumn, will be meeting audiences in theaters on October 15th.

Song Ji-hyo is making a significant return to cinema after a notable break, signaling a potential for a fresh and compelling performance. In 'The House of Encounters,' she takes on the role of 'Tae-jeo,' a strict, by-the-book correctional officer, aiming to showcase a different facet of her acting prowess. The film is anticipated to offer a tender exploration of how individuals, each carrying their own scars and secrets, gradually find connection and warmth within each other's lives.