Korean actor Jung Il-woo created quite the frenzy when he landed in Ho Chi Minh City last month. Earning the sweet nickname “Vietnam National Son-in-Law,” he flashed a big smile and shouted “Xin chao Viet Nam!” – and just like that, the airport turned into a buzzing party. Fans swarmed, airport staff dropped everything for selfies and autographs, and one devotee exclaimed, “I’ve been hooked since his 2011 drama ’49 Days’ – pinch me, is this happening?” Jung was in town from the 28th to the 31st, promoting the Korean-Vietnamese collab film ‘Heading to Abandon Mom‘, helmed by director Mo Hong-jin.
Heartfelt Narrative
Dive into the film, ‘Heading to Abandon Mom’ is a touching family saga. The plot centres on Hwan, a struggling street barber in Vietnam (brought to life by Tuan Tran), whose mother Le Thi Han (played by the talented Hong Dao) grapples with dementia, drifting back to her vibrant younger days. Jung Il-woo stars as Jung-min, her youthful Korean ex-husband, infusing the story with a fresh cross-cultural flavour that’s both tender and intriguing. And for an extra emotional punch, there’s a surprise cameo from actor Ko Kyung-pyo as Jung-min’s son Ji-hwan, gearing up for some serious heartfelt scenes. Jung doesn’t just act – he strums a guitar and croons the timeless Vietnamese tune “Le Da” (Stone’s Tears) to charm the leading lady, mastering the lyrics in Vietnamese all by himself, no lessons needed. It’s pure commitment, highlighting themes of family loyalty and the unbreakable role of mothers as life’s steady anchors.
Overcoming Hurdles
In the movie, Jung’s character masters Vietnamese with spot-on accents and tones, and the actor nailed it in real life – ditching tutors and learning directly from his co-stars. His on-screen love interest, Juliette Bao Ngoc, spilled the beans: “Korean lines were new territory for me too. We swapped tips, nailing emotions and pronunciations together – it created so many hilarious and memorable times!” Director Mo Hong-jin couldn’t stop raving about Jung’s initiative, like when he pitched switching lines to Vietnamese right on set, showcasing his deep dive into the role. Between takes, the energy spilled over into autograph marathons, with fans jamming two entire floors for the press conference and red carpet. Jung was all high-fives and beaming grins, even presenting peonies – flowers symbolising maternal love – to Hong Dao, affectionately known as Vietnam’s “People’s Mom.” It’s these light-hearted, barrier-busting moments that add a fun layer to the production, turning potential challenges into shared jokes and stronger bonds, much like impromptu jam sessions that unexpectedly steal the show.
Peak Fan Madness: Record-Breaking Premieres, Box Office Wins, and an Inspiring Note
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMw2S5QBQvv/ The hype reached fever pitch at the red carpet event, where local stars surprised Jung with a basket of his favorite mangoes, and he returned the gesture with elegant flower bouquets. Crowds cheered for encore performances of his song, turning the night into a glamorous spectacle. The film didn’t just shine in buzz – it dominated sales too: pre-bookings from the 30th to 31st sold out in 234 theaters across Vietnam, claiming the top spot in ticket charts. Adding to the triumph, the movie surpassed its break-even point right from the opening week, a speedy feat that underscores its massive appeal. According to industry insights from Sacnilk, such collaborative projects have boosted viewership by 20% in Southeast Asia, reflecting a growing trend for these cultural crossovers. Jung summed it up beautifully: “May this film remind us all of family’s irreplaceable value.” As he eyes his 20th debut anniversary next year, he shared, “I’m eager to share more diverse stories with fans – let’s keep the journey going!” It’s a perfect blend of success and sentiment, showing how one actor’s charm can unite hearts and break records in unexpected ways.
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