Jun Ji Hyun Boldly Takes On a 2,000-Year-Old Gumiho — Here's What She Said

Jun Ji Hyun is making one of the most anticipated comebacks in Korean entertainment history, and the legendary actress is not holding back. In a candid appearance on the W Korea YouTube channel, Jun revealed details about her dual return to both the big and small screens, expressing confident excitement about playing a 2,000-year-old nine-tailed fox in the upcoming JTBC drama Human X Gumiho.

The actress, who has remained one of Korea's most iconic stars since her breakout role in My Sassy Girl, described the gumiho character as something she boldly went for without hesitation. She noted that the concept of a character described as an animal rather than a human offered a unique creative challenge that she found irresistible.

A Return 11 Years in the Making

Jun Ji Hyun is simultaneously preparing for her return to the big screen through the movie Gunche, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yeon Sang Ho of Train to Busan fame. The zombie-thriller marks her first film role in 11 years, making it one of the most talked-about Korean movie projects of the year.

During the W Korea appearance, Jun shared her enthusiasm for the zombie genre, admitting that she personally enjoys watching K-zombie content. She described Gunche as a film about fleeing from infected people, but emphasized that her character shows a mature, evolved side within the chaos. The film features a star-studded cast including Koo Kyo Hwan and Ji Chang Wook.

The Gumiho That Fans Have Been Waiting For

While Gunche grabs attention for its genre appeal, it is the JTBC drama Human X Gumiho that has fans most excited. Jun revealed that the 2,000-year-old gumiho premise felt special the moment she heard the concept, and she expressed confidence in bringing a raw, unfiltered performance to the mythical role. She promised to deliver the character with bold intensity, saying she plans to show an unapologetically fierce portrayal.

Beyond her acting projects, Jun was also recently named the new brand ambassador for fashion label TopTen, further cementing her status as a cultural icon who transcends generations. The brand cited her ageless image and timeless elegance as a perfect match for their brand identity.

With a blockbuster zombie film and a fantasy drama both on the horizon, Jun Ji Hyun is poised to dominate Korean entertainment in 2026, proving at 44 that her star power shows no signs of dimming.