A new wave of female filmmakers is actively reworking genre conventions to broaden the scope of Korean cinema, with their projects earning international recognition and breathing new life into domestic theaters as the industry recovers from a prolonged slump. Director Kim Mi-jo's new film, "The Journey to Gyeong-ju," has opened to positive reviews. The film follows a mother and three daughters seeking revenge for their youngest sister, Gyeong-ju, who never returned from a school trip. Following her 2021 debut "Gull," Kim breaks away from standard revenge tropes to offer a layered portrayal of the grief of those left behind. The film earned international recognition before its official release, winning Audience Awards at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival and the 24th Florence Korea Film Fest. It was selected for the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival and the 6th Barcelona Korean Film Festival. The Florence Korea Film Fest praised Kim's screenplay and direction for breaking away from revenge-movie conventions and channeling grief and anger over the loss of a loved one thr