Actor Justin Min stars in the feature film “Journey” (“흐르는 여정”), marking his first project in a Korean-language feature film as he explores the identity of a conductor searching for his biological mother in South Korea, newspim.com reported on October 21, 2026.
Justin Min Takes On First Korean Feature Film Role
Actor Justin Min traveled to Seoul to promote his role in director Kim Jin-yu’s film “Journey.” Speaking at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, on October 20, 2026, Min described the production as a wonderful experience that served as an ideal introduction to Korean cinema. The film follows Chuni, played by Kim Hye-ok, as she encounters unexpected relationships in a new apartment after losing her husband. Min portrays Minjun, a German-raised conductor who travels to South Korea to find his birth mother.
Min stated in the newspim.com report that he immediately connected with the character of Minjun. Having experienced feelings of unfamiliarity and alienation during past visits to Korea, Min drew on those personal sensations to shape his performance. He explained that Minjun’s journey is not just about locating a biological parent, but about self-discovery and understanding his origins.
Crafting Minjun Beyond Adoption Tropes
To avoid standard media portrayals of adoptees, Min conceptualized Minjun as someone who grew up receiving ample care and affection from his adoptive parents in Germany. He focused the character’s demeanor on optimism and resilience, deliberately injecting lighthearted moments into a narrative that carries heavy emotional weight. Min collaborated closely with director Kim Jin-yu on the character’s visual presentation, suggesting specific styling choices such as having Minjun drink makgeolli from a wine glass or use a straw to emphasize his foreign upbringing. He also incorporated German social gestures, such as maintaining direct eye contact during toasts and tapping fingers on a table instead of applauding.
Performing in Korean required significantly more preparation than his English-language roles. Min noted in the newspim.com interview that he had to exert ten times more effort to focus on emotional delivery while speaking in a foreign language. His performance was supported by veteran actress Kim Hye-ok, whom Min has long admired as a fan. He praised her ability to listen and share presence within scenes, noting that her portrayal of a Korean mother created an authentic dynamic on set.
Filming in Gangneung and Expanding Career Horizons
Production took place in the coastal city of Gangneung, offering Min a change of pace from visiting only Seoul. Living within walking distance of the beach reminded him of his hometown of Los Angeles. While he observed that South Korean film sets operate with efficient preparation compared to longer waiting times in the United States, he emphasized that the fundamentals of filmmaking remain universal.
Beyond “Journey,” Min addressed his broader career trajectory as an Asian-American actor in Hollywood and South Korea. He expressed appreciation for working on stories written for and by Korean creators, which allows him to bypass conventional stereotypes often found in American productions. Following appearances in Netflix’s “The Devil’s Plan” alongside previous projects like “The Umbrella Academy” and “After Yang,” Min aims to divide his time between South Korea and the United States, expressing a desire to work with directors such as Lee Chang-dong, Bong Joon-ho, and Na Hong-jin in future projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Min and Journey
What is the plot of the film Journey?
The film follows Chuni, played by Kim Hye-ok, as she prepares for a journey following her husband’s death and meets unexpected people in a new apartment. Justin Min plays Minjun, a German-raised conductor who travels to Korea to find his birth mother and discover his identity, as reported by newspim.com.
Where was Journey filmed?
Principal photography took place in Gangneung, a coastal city in South Korea, marking Justin Min’s first time visiting and working in the area, according to newspim.com.
Which Korean directors does Justin Min hope to work with next?
Min stated in the newspim.com interview that he wants to collaborate with Korean filmmakers Lee Chang-dong, Bong Joon-ho, and Na Hong-jin, as well as actor Park Jeong-min.
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