Scarlett Johansson Returns To Korea For Jurassic World Premiere

On July 1, 2025, Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson made a highly anticipated return to Korea after eight years, delighting fans at a red carpet event and press conference for the new blockbuster film Jurassic World: A New Beginning. Held at Yeongdeungpo Times Square and the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, the events marked a significant moment for Korean moviegoers eager to reconnect with the star who first visited the country in 2017.

Johansson, who plays the role of Zora Bennett—a military operations expert tasked with navigating the perilous world of dinosaurs—expressed her excitement and affection for Korea throughout her visit. "I'm thrilled to be back in Korea," she said during the press conference. "I wish I had more time here. This morning, I went to Myeongdong and bought a lot of makeup products. I also tried seven kinds of kimchi for breakfast." Her enthusiasm extended to the evening's red carpet event, where she looked forward to meeting Korean fans once again, describing them as always welcoming and full of love.

The film, set to premiere on July 2, 2025, is the fourth installment in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. It follows Zora and Dr. Henry, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, as they venture onto Earth’s most dangerous island, home to a secret research lab from the original Jurassic Park. Their mission is to collect critical genetic samples of fierce dinosaurs to aid in the development of a new drug intended to save humanity. The story flips the usual narrative by focusing on humans actively pursuing the colossal creatures, rather than being hunted by them.

Jonathan Bailey, visiting Korea for the first time, shared his admiration for Korean fans, calling their enthusiasm "the best in the world." He described his character Henry as a respectful and curious paleontologist, often labeled a "nerd," but one with a deep reverence for dinosaurs. Bailey reflected on the experience of embodying Henry as more than just acting—it was an immersive journey into the character’s wonder and awe.

Rupert Friend, who plays Martin in the film, also attended the press conference and recalled his fond memories of Seoul from a previous visit with his wife. He recounted a particularly moving scene where Bailey’s character encounters a Titanosaurus, saying, "Watching that moment gave me goosebumps and almost brought tears to my eyes. That’s the power of imagination and the essence of what makes the Jurassic franchise so compelling." Friend’s remarks underscored the emotional depth and imaginative strength that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Director Gareth Edwards, known for his work on Godzilla, helmed this latest chapter with a deep respect for the original series created by Steven Spielberg. Edwards described the film as a "love letter" to Spielberg, striving to strike a balance between honoring the classic elements and introducing fresh storytelling. "I had to find a middle ground—not too much like the original, but still unmistakably Jurassic," Edwards said. He believes the franchise’s enduring success stems from tapping into universal human emotions and primal instincts, explaining, "We are mammals who have evolved through crises. Even if our natural instincts seem dormant, watching these films awakens them. As long as we have those instincts, monster movies will remain beloved."

Johansson echoed the nostalgic magic of the franchise, recalling her childhood memories of watching Jurassic Park in theaters. "The shared feelings of wonder, surprise, and fear are incredible. I hope audiences experience that together. In the US, there’s even a trend of throwing popcorn during screenings—I think that will happen here too!" she joked, highlighting the communal thrill the film promises.

The anticipation for Jurassic World: A New Beginning is palpable in Korea, where pre-release ticket reservations have already soared to nearly 40% of the total market share, securing the top spot ahead of its debut. Industry watchers are keen to see if this new installment will replicate the franchise’s global success with its impressive scale and fresh narrative approach.

Scarlett Johansson’s return to Korea is more than a promotional tour; it’s a celebration of cultural connection and cinematic legacy. Her candid sharing of experiences—from shopping in Myeongdong to savoring traditional Korean kimchi—endears her further to fans. Meanwhile, the film itself promises a thrilling adventure, blending cutting-edge special effects with heartfelt performances and a story that honors the spirit of the original while boldly venturing into new territory.

As the world awaits the film’s release on July 2, Johansson and her co-stars leave Korean audiences buzzing with excitement, ready to embark on a journey where humanity confronts prehistoric giants in a fight for survival. This reunion after eight years serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cinema to bridge cultures and generations, creating moments of shared wonder and exhilaration.