'Hope' actor Jung Ho-yeon calls ‘3 Idiots’ an inspiration

South Korean actor Jung Ho-yeon has spoken about her appreciation for Indian cinema, naming Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’ as a film that continues to resonate with her. The actor believes Hindi films have a distinctive ability to celebrate happiness and bring joy to audiences.

She also hopes to create something that leaves viewers with a similar sense of positivity.In a conversation with Variety India, Jung Ho-yeon discussed the qualities she admires in Hindi cinema. She recalled watching ‘3 Idiots’ and explained why its approach to storytelling appealed to her. The actor also shared her desire to work on a project that makes people happy.

Jung Ho-yeon recalls watching ‘3 Idiots’

Jung Ho-yeon praised the emotional quality she associates with Indian films, particularly their emphasis on happiness.

She said she wants to explore stories that can offer audiences the same kind of joy. “I watched ‘3 Idiots’, and I always love that about Hindi films. They are really about happiness. They are really about joyfulness. I truly want to do something that makes people happy and brings joy,” Ho-yeon said.

Why Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’ remains memorable

Released in 2009, ‘3 Idiots’ was directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starred Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

The film follows three friends whose experiences challenge conventional ideas about education, success and personal fulfillment. Through comedy and friendship, the story examines the pressure students face to meet academic expectations. It also questions an education system that often places achievement above individual interests and creativity.

Jung Ho-yeon looks forward to ‘Hope’

The actor is also anticipating the Indian theatrical release of ‘Hope’, a science fiction thriller written, directed and co-produced by South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin.

The project brings together performers from South Korea and Hollywood. The ensemble cast includes Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.

What is ‘Hope’ about?

‘Hope’ follows a village police chief and his rookie deputy as they try to protect their community from a mysterious creature. Their efforts unfold as a hunting party in the surrounding mountains encounters a threat of its own. The film blends science fiction with monster-movie elements, placing a small community at the center of an extraordinary situation. Its story moves between familiar rural surroundings and an increasingly dangerous mystery.