[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yoon] Director Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope' has teased intense suspense.

The film 'Hope' was invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival and has confirmed its North American release in partnership with distributor NEON. With worldwide anticipation, six stills were released for the first time on the 30th.

The stills offer glimpses of mise-en-scène and style. In a dark space, 'Bum-seok' (played by Hwang Jung-min) captured beyond a hazy glass window by some presence, 'Sung-gi' (played by Cho Jin-sung) aiming a gun in a deep forest, and 'Sung-ae' (played by Jongho Yeon) holding a gun in a destroyed village.

Set against the backdrop of Hopo Port, vivid images of each character confronting an unbelievable reality could be seen. Hwang Jung-min, Cho Jin-sung, and Jongho Yeon have completely transformed into people of Hopo Port fighting to protect their village.

Sub-station chief Bum-seok was holding a gun while taking shelter against a broken wall. Sung-gi was making an emergency call. Sung-ae gazed at something with a startled expression from a police car that had arrived.

'Hope' depicts the story that unfolds when Bum-seok, the sub-station chief of Hopo Port located in the demilitarized zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared. As the entire village goes on alert, an unbelievable reality emerges.

Director Na Hong-jin has captivated audiences and critics through overwhelming immersion, highly polished mise-en-scène, and outstanding directorial skill. He has devoted considerable time preparing his new work.

'Hope' will have its world premiere at next month's Cannes Film Festival. It is scheduled to meet audiences in theaters this summer.

<Photo courtesy=Plus M Entertainment>