What happens when a journalist and a serial killer are trapped in the same hotel suite? Jo Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il take the risk in Murderer Report, an upcoming thriller that turns confinement into cinematic firepower.

🎬 A Thriller Inside Four Walls

Director Cho Young-joon knew he was breaking conventions when he chose the classic "locked room" setup. Most filmmakers avoid single-location shoots because they can feel visually flat. But Cho leaned in:

"I felt a strange confidence that I could pull it off. I wanted to create a story audiences hadn't seen before."

At the press screening held at CGV Yongsan on August 28, the director was joined by cast members Jo Yeo-jeong, Jung Sung-il, and Kim Tae-han.

📰 Jo Yeo-jeong as the Relentless Journalist

Jo Yeo-jeong plays Baek Sun-joo, a veteran reporter hungry for exclusives. She walks into the suite confident and composed—but slowly loses her grip under psychological warfare with a killer.

"I didn't pick the role because of the 'locked room' element, but the tension that comes from confinement was undeniable," Jo admitted.

Her past projects like The Hidden Face and Parasite also touched on claustrophobic settings, making her a natural fit for this performance.

🧠 Jung Sung-il as the Killer Who Speaks Calmly

Jung Sung-il transforms into Lee Young-hoon, a psychiatrist who murdered 11 people. He requests a one-on-one interview with Sun-joo to rationalize his crimes.

Haunted by the loss of his wife and child, he repackages murder as "justice" and challenges the reporter to understand his twisted logic.

"Because the story takes place in one day, pacing my dialogue delivery was everything," Jung shared. "I had to memorize the script word for word to sustain the intensity."

🎭 Acting Under Extreme Pressure

With almost no scene changes, the tension relies on pure acting. The script is dialogue-heavy, forcing both leads into their most grueling performances yet.

Jo recalled:

"At first, Sun-joo resists with everything she has. But as the interview progresses, she collapses mentally. I genuinely felt the pressure throughout filming."

Director Cho praised:

"Both actors memorized the script entirely. At one point, they ran through 15 scenes straight without stopping."

🏨 The Suite Becomes a Character

Instead of fighting the limitations of a single room, Cho used them. Every lamp, fireplace, and piece of classical music was designed to enhance the psychological duel.

"I treated the suite as a living character. Every object and beat was carefully orchestrated," Cho explained.

🎥 A Unique Cinematic Experience

By stripping away distractions, Murderer Report locks viewers into the same suffocating space as its leads. The audience is made to feel like a silent witness to the chilling interview.

Jo emphasized:

"Viewers will experience the film as if they're sitting inside the suite, watching the deadly mind game unfold."

The director added:

"Watching in a theater is the best way to feel that intensity. I hope this film sparks new energy in the Korean movie industry."

📅 Release Info

Murderer Report hits theaters on September 5.

Prepare for an intense two-hander that proves sometimes, less space means more fear.