[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yoon] "I wanted to bring my film to Korea." (Christopher Nolan) Director Christopher Nolan visited Korea for the first time. He brought a story adapted from Homer's classic "Odyssey," a 3,000-year-old tale. It was also the first feature film shot entirely in IMAX. It was a myth crafted with that much care. Why did he bring up this story now, of all times? Producer Emma Thomas was confident, saying, "Connection and bond are the themes of this film. It will be a story that resonates universally, whether in Korea, India, France, or anywhere." The film "Odyssey" held a press conference in Korea on the 3rd at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Director Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and producer Emma Thomas were in attendance. "Odyssey" is based on the classic "Odyssey." It depicts an epic saga in which the hero Odysseus, who led the Trojan War to victory, fights against the wrath of the gods to return home. They arrived in Korea on the 1st. Before official schedules, each explored Seoul on their own. Christopher Nolan said, "I walked along the Han River and ate salt bread. I was grateful that fans welcomed me warmly." Matt Damon visited Korea for the first time in 10 years since the 2016 film "Jason Bourne." Upon arriving in Korea, he watched a game between the Kiwoom Heroes and SSG Landers at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. He recalled, "I have a friend who is a baseball agent. The player he manages is with Kiwoom. I heard Korean baseball is really great, so I went to watch. I felt the energy of the fans cheering was amazing." Charlize Theron visited Korea individually a few months ago. She said, "I came with my daughter and made Korean friends then. We ate delicious food and paid attention to skincare. I'm happy to be here with 'Odyssey' this way." For director Nolan, this visit to Korea was a long-held wish. He said, "I've wanted to bring my film to Korea for a long time" and "I know that Korean audiences really liked 'Interstellar.'" He continued, "It's amazing that people from other countries like the films I make. So I wanted to go to that country in person. I couldn't come during 'Tenet' because of COVID-19" and "I wanted to talk with audiences about the film." Emma Thomas added, "It's truly a beautiful thing that film brings people together. I think 'Odyssey' is a film that shows people what is important to them. It will be a story that resonates universally with Korean audiences as well." Matt Damon worked with director Nolan for the third time. Following "Interstellar" (2014) and "Oppenheimer" (2023), he played Odysseus in "Odyssey." Damon recalled, "When the director said he wanted me to take on this role, I had an instinct it would be the best experience of my career. I'd never been on a set where people worked this hard. It was difficult but enjoyable." Bringing myth to the screen was not easy. Trapped in a cave with the one-eyed giant Polyphemus, meeting the witch Circe's island, meeting the blind prophet Tiresias, encountering the Sirens, and being held captive by Calypso... Damon said, "It felt like shooting seven movies simultaneously. Each chapter has a different story, doesn't it? When I acquired the skills needed at one location, I couldn't use them at the next location." He gave a devoted performance. However, director Nolan is known for not being one to praise actors much. On this, Damon said with a mischievous laugh, "I heard he told Zendaya 'perfect.' But none of us heard that." Still, he said, "If it's Christopher Nolan directing, I'd say 'yes' to the next project" and "It would feel like 12 films rather than 7," showing strong confidence. Charlize Theron played the nymph Calypso, who held Odysseus captive for seven years. It was her first time working with director Nolan. How did she interpret and express the nymph? Theron said, "I just had to follow the script. I could immediately see what he wanted from us" and "The Calypso that Nolan created was human and smelled like a real person." She continued, "Creating something that couldn't be seen before is interesting for an actor. I haven't had many opportunities to play such a quiet character, and I was happy to receive this kind of role." "I joined in the latter part, and despite it being a large-scale production, the atmosphere was as intimate as an independent film. Also, I was impressed by the systematic way of working." (Charlize Theron) Emma Thomas has worked with director Nolan for over 30 years. When was the most astounding moment she experienced with Nolan? She revealed, "Every time I hear about a new project, I'm amazed." She continued, "(Nolan) uses the opportunities given to him well. He tries to incorporate what he learns on this set into the next work. This film accumulated all of that and was completed on the biggest scale ever." Thomas emphasized it was a grueling process at an epic level. Indeed, "Odyssey" shot its entire length on IMAX film for the first time as a feature film. She recalled, "We made it really intensely. By the end, everyone was exhausted and wanted to wrap quickly. But after filming ended and we popped champagne, no one wanted to leave. It was past midnight and everyone just stood there for several more hours." Director Nolan emphasized the theatrical experience. "Film is watched from a first-person perspective, but it's a personal yet collective experience that audiences share together in the theater," he shared his thoughts. He concluded, "When making the film, I made it with the heart of inviting audiences on Odysseus's journey. So you're on the deck, on the mountain, in the cave of the Cyclops, becoming part of the journey. I hope you experience it together through the screen." Matt Damon said, "I'm very nervous about showing the film. Like the original, it will resonate differently depending on each person's life" and "Korean cinema culture is reviving, and I'm very curious how you will feel about it." Theron also said, "There were various opinions about who Calypso is in this film. I'm excited to hear each person's story about whether he is a villain or a hero. Please watch it in theaters and share your thoughts."