Director Kim Mi Jo has revealed why actor Byun Yo Han agreed to make a special appearance in the upcoming film Gyeongju Travelogue without receiving an appearance fee.

During an interview on August 19, Kim Mi Jo explained that the film’s production team had been considering who could take on the role of Baek Sang Hyun, a key character in the story, before eventually approaching Byun Yo Han.

The director said she did not initially expect him to participate without payment.

Kim Mi Jo explained, “We kept thinking about who should play Baek Sang Hyun, and we decided on Byun Yo Han. I didn’t know he would appear without a fee.”

According to the director, Byun Yo Han told her during their meeting that he was interested in the film and wanted to support it.

She recalled him saying, “I was looking forward to this film and wanted to help.”

Kim Mi Jo added that Byun Yo Han already had a long-standing relationship with the production company’s representative, but said he also responded positively to the screenplay itself.

She explained, “He said he liked the script I wrote. I think he really wanted to help a project like this make it into the world.”

The director also suggested that the film’s relatively limited production budget may have influenced his decision.

She said, “Because this wasn’t a large-budget production, I think he had a strong desire to contribute in whatever way he could.”

Gyeongju Travelogue follows a mother and her three daughters who set out on a journey connected to the loss of the family’s youngest daughter. The cast includes Lee Jung Eun, Gong Hyo Jin, Park So Dam, Lee Yeon, and Byun Yo Han.

The film marks Kim Mi Jo’s first commercial feature and has already drawn attention after receiving invitations and recognition at international film events. Ahead of its release, it also ranked No. 1 in advance reservations among Korean films.

Despite opening alongside major Hollywood titles, Kim Mi Jo said she is trying to stay focused on the film itself rather than outside competition.

She said, “I can’t control the number of viewers. All I can do is sincerely make the best film possible.”

Gyeongju Travelogue is scheduled to open in theaters on August 26.