The director and actors of the Korean film "Coin Locker Girl" attended the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, during which the film was screened.

The feature-length debut by director Han Jun-hee was screened under a non-competition category at the 68th edition of the festival.

"I never expected the film to be invited (to Cannes)," said Han on Saturday, thanking the actors and crew members.

From left: Director Han Jun-hee, actors Kim Go-eun and Go Kyung-pyo at the Cannes Film Festival, Saturday. (Yonhap)

The host for the non-competition category said the film was "energizing" and that lead actress Kim Go-eun looked set to be the next Jeon Do-yeon, who has attended the Cannes Film Festival four times.

Kim, attending the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, plays a young girl abandoned as a baby and raised by a ruthless moneylender in "Coin Locker Girl."

"There were times during filming that I even thought I couldn't do it," said Kim. "In the future as I continue doing projects, I think I will remember this film when I feel burdened or face difficulties."

Kim, 23, said that she hopes to become like fellow actress Jeon, who also attended this year's festival for the film "The Shameless."

"Coin Locker Girl" and "The Shameless" are among four Korean films invited to the Cannes Film Festival this year.

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)