Seo Ye-ji [Bewave Entertainment]
Seo Ye-ji [Bewave Entertainment]

Actor Seo Ye-ji, 36, is returning to the big screen for the first time in six years with the film "Geumwoldo."

Bewave Entertainment, Seo's agency, announced Wednesday that she has been cast in the role of "Kim Ji-hu" in the film.

"Geumwoldo" draws on actual records of cannibalism documented in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, setting a Korean-style vampire story against the backdrop of a remote island and its insular community. Seo's character, Kim Ji-hu, is expected to drive the narrative as she investigates a series of mysterious incidents on the island.

The film will be directed by Baek Dong-hun, who helmed "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle." Shooting is set to begin in mid-November, with a theatrical release targeted for 2027.

Seo made her debut in 2013 on the tvN sitcom "Gamja Byeol 2013QR3" and went on to establish herself as a lead actor through drama series including "Save Me" and "It's Okay to Not Be Okay."

In 2021, however, her public image took a severe hit when she became embroiled in a controversy over allegations that she had gaslighted her then-partner, fellow actor Kim Jung-hyun.

Despite the controversy, she went on to film the tvN drama series "Eve" the following year, but public reception was cold. She has had no screen credits in film or television since.

Seo made a rare public appearance last year on Coupang Play's "SNL Korea," then took to the stage earlier this year in the play "Praise of Death."

In July, she signed an exclusive contract with Bewave Entertainment, signaling a fresh start.


paq@heraldcorp.com