The upcoming Korean film ‘Gyeongju Trip’ is gaining international attention, securing an invitation to the 24th Florence Korean Film Festival (FKFF) in Italy, where it will compete in a section spotlighting new horizons in Korean cinema.
On January 20, the Taegukgi Toscana Association, which organizes the Florence Korean Film Festival, announced the official lineup for this year’s event. Gyeongju Trip, directed by Kim Mi-jo, has been selected for the Korean Horizon section a competitive category dedicated to films that present fresh perspectives and evolving narratives within Korean filmmaking.
A Story That Blends Grief and Dark Humor
According to festival representatives, Gyeongju Trip stood out for its distinctive tone. Jang Eun-young, vice chair of the Florence Korean Film Festival, described the film as one that “expresses the grief of losing a loved one through sharp humor,” highlighting its ability to balance emotional weight with wit.
She also praised director Kim Mi-jo’s approach, noting that “family conflicts hidden within the flow of the story are gradually revealed, creating a deeply personal and cohesive film.” The evaluation suggests that the film’s strength lies not only in its premise, but in its layered storytelling and controlled emotional pacing.
A Growing International Footprint
The Florence invitation follows the film’s earlier selection for the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival, where organizers commended it for skillfully combining dark humor with emotional intensity. With back-to-back invitations from international festivals, Gyeongju Trip is steadily building recognition beyond Korea.
A Familiar Cast in an Unconventional Narrative
Despite its emotional core, Gyeongju Trip is framed as an action thriller, centering on a family pushed to extremes. The story follows a mother and her three daughters as they embark on a dangerous journey after the youngest daughter, Gyeongju, never returns from a school trip. What begins as mourning evolves into a radical, violent pursuit, driven by love, rage, and unresolved grief.
Veteran actress Lee Jung-eun stars as the mother, Oksil, anchoring the film with her presence. She is joined by Gong Hyo-jin, Park So-dam, and Lee Yeon, who portray the eldest, second, and youngest daughters respectively, forming a tense yet emotionally charged ensemble.
Festival Details
The 24th Florence Korean Film Festival will be held from March 19 to 28 at La Compagnia Cinema in Florence, Italy. As Gyeongju Trip prepares to meet international audiences, expectations are rising for how its blend of genre, emotion, and dark humor will resonate on the global stage.