Meeting Master Gyeongheo on Screen! The 'That Person, Master Gyeongheo' Conference Successfully Held!

On the 4th, a press conference was held for 〈That Person, Master Gyeongheo〉. Director Yoon Yong-jin, who challenged his third Buddhist film, stated, "I hope the thoughts and philosophy of the master will be newly illuminated beyond Korea and into the world." Actor Lee Jeong-hoon, who plays Master Gyeongheo, shared, "I tried to incorporate what I felt while reading books about the monk into my performance," adding, "The theatrical release of an independent film during a time when people don't watch movies much is a miracle."

Actor Jo Young-min, who plays Master Mangong, expressed, "I focused on expressing the characteristics of a real person along with the relationship with Master Gyeongheo," stating, "This is a work that anyone can comfortably watch regardless of their religion." Director Yoon Yong-jin decided to produce a film about the life and thoughts of Master Gyeongheo, who is regarded as a revitalizer of modern Seon Buddhism in 2019, to convey the spirit of Seon Buddhism to the audience. He then began serious planning and completed the film production in 2024.

One winter day, when a woman suffering from leprosy visited the temple, Master Gyeongheo welcomed her, offered her food, and took care of her wounds. This anecdote becomes a major narrative. As the act of caring for the woman led to misunderstandings, Master Gyeongheo left the temple, and the film calmly depicts this process alongside poems written by Master Gyeongheo during his lifetime and the voice of renowned singer Lee Hwa-jung. Director Yoon Yong-jin explained, "Master Gyeongheo is often remembered for his unconventionality and anecdotes, but we aimed to focus on the intense practice, compassion, and the true life of a person that existed behind that." Before its release, it was invited to the 27th Arpa International Film Festival, the 78th Salerno International Film Festival, and the 58th Houston International Film Festival, meeting audiences worldwide in advance. 〈That Person, Master Gyeongheo〉 will be released in theaters nationwide on March 19.