Actress Jun Ji-hyun, ahead of her return to the screen after 11 years, has shed her previous mysterious image and begun communicating with the public.

Jun Ji-hyun is reportedly discussing appearances on the YouTube web variety shows "Pinggego" and "Na Young-seok's Wagle Wagle" alongside Koo Kyo-hwan and Ji Chang-wook to promote director Yeon Sang-ho's upcoming film "The Swarm," scheduled for release in May. A representative from "The Swarm" told Ten Asia, "Nothing has been decided yet," adding, "It is still under discussion. Nothing is confirmed." The actors' side has stated that they plan to appear unless there are special changes.

Last year, Jun Ji-hyun began her first web variety show activity in her 28-year career through the YouTube channel "Study King Genius Hong Jin-kyung." The video recorded 900,000 views within 13 hours of its release. Her last TV variety show appearance was in 2000 on MBC's "Goal Achievement Saturday - god's Parenting Diary." Since then, she has refrained from activities outside of acting for about 20 years, maintaining a mysterious image, but recently chose a strategy to expand her connection with the public through YouTube.

Jun Ji-hyun's recent works have shown poor performance at the box office. In 2021, Netflix's "Kingdom: Ashin of the North" was criticized for its slow development and limited screen time. The tvN drama "Jirisan," which had a production budget of 30 billion won, received harsh reviews for awkward computer graphics and excessive product placement, ending with ratings below expectations. Disney Plus's "Polaris," with a production budget of 70 billion won, also showed low popularity. Criticisms regarding its quality included a complex narrative, sudden romantic developments, bed scenes during tense moments, and the "mistress" setting.

Preparations for her next project are also underway. Since March, Jun Ji-hyun has been involved in the production of the drama "Human X Gumiho," which is scheduled to be released next year. She will reunite as the lead with Ji Chang-wook, who co-starred with her in "The Swarm."

As YouTube appearances have become a new promotional formula in the entertainment industry, Jun Ji-hyun has also changed her communication style to align with this trend. In the past, top actors often maintained a mysterious image and met the public only through their works, but recently, YouTube channels have become a platform to show actors' natural sides. "The Swarm" marks Jun Ji-hyun's return to the screen after 11 years since "Assassination" in 2015.