Actor Jung Woo’s first film as a director, Crayon Shin-chan, has locked its theatrical release for April 22. The story follows Shin-chan, a Seoul-based student living alone who dreams of becoming an actor, as he refuses to quit despite endless setbacks. Jung Woo both directs and stars, promising an authentic coming-of-age arc.
Crayon Shin-chan is a follow-up to the 2009 film Wish, drawing attention as a beloved character makes a long-awaited return to the big screen. The teaser trailer released on the 23rd opens with Shin-chan turning his head at someone calling his name, then dives into raw moments of frustration and perseverance. A cut reading “Failed the 99th audition” captures youth pushed to the brink. Still, Shin-chan refuses to give up on his dream. Taking the stage, training hard, and diving back into the fray, he showcases relentless grit. His fluttering feelings for Min-hee (Krystal Jung) add another emotional layer that viewers are already buzzing about.
In a surprise twist at the end of the teaser, director Jang Hang-jun — who became a 10-million-viewer filmmaker with The King’s Warden — appears as an audition judge and pointedly asks, “Mr. Kim Jung-guk, why do you act?” Shin-chan then stares straight ahead with a resolute look, leaving a brief yet powerful impression.
Jung Woo leads the cast alongside Krystal Jung, Shin Seung-ho, and Hyun Bong-sik, delivering a spirited yet heartfelt portrait of youth facing real-world failure and fighting back.