The Korea Times

BIFF 2025 30th BIFF becomes festival for all, not just cinephiles

BUSAN — The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) kicked off last week with an electrifying energy, drawing in huge crowds. This year, Korea’s largest film festival is not just for movie fans, but for anyone looking to be part of a vibrant cultural event. The excitement is everywhere, and it’s clear the event has evolved into a full-fledged cultural destination. While films remain the heart of the festival, this year’s biggest attractions are the official merchandise shops. Both the p!tt GROUND booth at Busan Cinema Center and the shop at CGV Centum City have seen hundreds of people lining up to obtain limited edition festival merchandise. BIFF collaborated with a range of creative partners to launch a diverse lineup of 64 official merchandise items. Among them, IAB Studio stood out with collections inspired by cinema and the festival’s 30-year legacy. The studio also designed uniforms for staff and volunteers. Their zip-up hoodie sold out quickly, alongside other items such as caps, film cameras and pins. Another popular item is the 30th-anniversary commemorative posta

Sep 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] 30th BIFF becomes festival for all, not just cinephiles

Films

BIFF 2025 'BAKA's Identity' shines spotlight on youth poverty in Japan

BUSAN — Japanese movie director Nagata Koto said she aimed to sound the alarm on the problem of poverty and its psychological ramifications for younger generations in her country with her new film "BAKA's Identity." "Many foreign tourists visiting Japan seem to have the impression that Japan is a peaceful, beautiful and clean country. However, polarization is intensifying within Japanese society. Young people, in particular, are struggling with poverty," Nagata said during a press conference at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, Friday. "Not only are they suffering financially, but they are also having a difficult time due to psychological poverty. Many Japanese people are unaware of this reality, so I wanted to make a film that addresses that issue." "BAKA's Identity" was selected for the newly established Competition section at this year's BIFF. Based on Nishio Jun's novel "Orokamono no Mibun," the drama follows Takuya (Takumi Kitamura), Kenji (Go Ayano) and Mamoru (Yuta Hayashi) as they navigate poverty and the criminal underworld. BIFF programmer Karen Park descr

Sep 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] 'BAKA's Identity' shines spotlight on youth poverty in Japan

Films

BIFF 2025 Sul Kyung-gu leads hijacking dark comedy 'Good News'

BUSAN — Director Byun Sung-hyun’s Netflix film “Good News” is based on the 1970 Yodogo hijacking incident and reinterprets the historical event as a black comedy for the modern era. “The situation itself was like a comedy. I believe a black comedy should not only be funny but also have a sharp edge,” Byun said during a press conference at the Busan International Film Festival on Friday. “Although the incident happened in 1970, I thought it would be a way to tell the story nowadays.” The film was selected for the Gala Presentation section at the festival. The Yodogo hijacking incident refers to the 1970 event where nine members of the Japanese Red Army Faction, a communist group, hijacked a plane as it traveled from Tokyo to Fukuoka and demanded that the pilots fly to North Korea. “Yodogo” was a nickname for the aircraft. Veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu leads the film, playing a mysterious troubleshooter known as Nobody. Sul explained that his character is an enigmatic figure who resolves national issues with his flexible problem-solving skills. “The film has many characte

Sep 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] Sul Kyung-gu leads hijacking dark comedy 'Good News'

Films

BIFF 2025 Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares unwavering creative spirit

BUSAN — Iranian director Jafar Panahi, whose film “It Was Just an Accident” won the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, spoke of his unwavering creative drive despite facing repression in his home country during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). "I was banned from filmmaking by the government for 20 years. During that time, I stood in front of the camera myself and drew out ideas to make films. That process led to works like 'Taxi,'" Panahi said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday. "Ultimately, what I want to say is no one can stop us making films. Filmmakers will always find a way and will surely be able to convey their ideas." Panahi joined the 30th edition of BIFF to receive this year's Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award, which is given annually to an Asian filmmaker who has made a significant contribution to the development of the film industry and culture in Asia. His latest film “It Was Just an Accident” is also scheduled to be released on Oct. 1 in Korea. Panahi picked his wife as the driving force behind his ability to

Sep 18, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares unwavering creative spirit

Films

BIFF 2025 Na Hong-jin vows to lead BIFF’s first competition jury with sincerity

BUSAN — Director Na Hong-jin, currently serving as the first jury president of the Busan International Film Festival's (BIFF) new competition section, expressed the desire to do his best in the judging process. "I was on stage at the opening ceremony yesterday. It has been almost 10 years since I've directed a film, so being on a stage like that again after so long almost caused a panic attack," Na said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center in Busan, Thursday. "It's a lot of pressure, but I'll do my best. We've made careful and important decisions and it must succeed. I'm going to put my all into it." This year, Asia's leading film festival established a new competition section and created the Busan Award, with the inaugural ceremony to be held on Sept. 26, the closing day. Na was appointed as the head of the competition jury for the landmark first competition, which includes 14 major Asian films. The awards will honor top films from across Asia in five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Award, Best Actor and Artistic Contribution. Na, who made his directo

Sep 18, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] Na Hong-jin vows to lead BIFF’s first competition jury with sincerity

Films

BIFF 2025 Park Chan-wook 'moved' as 'No Other Choice' opens 30th BIFF

BUSAN — Director Park Chan-wook expressed his gratitude as his latest film “No Other Choice” was chosen as the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), saying this marks the first time one of his works has been selected to open the prestigious event. "Everyone knows this is a project I’ve been preparing for a long time. It took a long time to complete the film and I'm deeply moved that we get the Korean premiere at BIFF," Park said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center, Wednesday. "I've been a part of BIFF for a long time, but this is the first time one of my films has been chosen to open it. I'm really thrilled." "No Other Choice" revolves around Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a family man who is suddenly laid off and embarks on a desperate fight to find a new job. BIFF programmer Karen Park praised the film as a fitting opener for the anniversary edition. "This is a masterpiece created by some of the greatest filmmakers of our time," she said, referencing director Park and his cast, including Lee, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Ye

Sep 17, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] Park Chan-wook 'moved' as 'No Other Choice' opens 30th BIFF

Films

BIFF 2025 Busan film fest kicks off with new official competition section for 30th year

BUSAN — The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) officially began its 10-day run Wednesday, marking the milestone anniversary with a grand opening ceremony and a new era of global competition. This year's iteration boasts a record number of films and guests, with a total of 241 official selections from 64 countries, an increase of 17 from last year. Including affiliated programs like Community BIFF, a total of 328 films will be shown during the festival. The increase reflects the festival’s growing ambition and reach, as it commemorates three decades of championing Asian cinema and international film culture. For the first time in its 30-year history, BIFF is introducing an official competition section. The inaugural Busan Awards will honor top films from across Asia in five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Award, Best Actor and Artistic Contribution. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony. Held at Busan Cinema Center's Outdoor Theater, the festival's opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, hosted by actor Lee Byung-hun. At the opening c

Sep 17, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

[BIFF 2025] Busan film fest kicks off with new official competition section for 30th year

Films

'Demon Slayer' craze in Korea reignites Rising Sun flag controversy

The recent release of the Japanese animated feature “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — The Infinity Castle” continues to captivate the Korean box office, surpassing 4.5 million viewers as of Tuesday, but the film’s popularity has once again spotlighted a long-standing controversy over the use of images resembling the Rising Sun flag, a symbol widely associated with Japan’s wartime imperialism. On Tuesday, Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University who is known for spearheading efforts to correct historical and cultural misrepresentations of Korea, raised concerns about a Rising Sun flag-inspired accessory depicted in the animation. He also criticized the sale of related merchandise, noting that the image remains a potent symbol of Japanese militarism and colonial aggression in Korea and other parts of Asia. Seo pointed out that various online platforms and shops have been selling accessories modeled after the earrings worn by “Demon Slayer” protagonist Kamado Tanjiro, a design that closely resembles the controversial flag. The earrings previously sparked b

Sep 16, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

'Demon Slayer' craze in Korea reignites Rising Sun flag controversy

Films

'Your Letter' highlights Korean sensibilities in global animation market

Kim Yong-hwan, director of the upcoming animated feature “Your Letter,” wanted to create a film that captures a distinctly Korean story, setting and emotional tone, brought to life by Korean voice actors. "When I first saw the original webtoon, I felt a beautiful and lasting impression," Kim said at the film's premiere at a theater in Seoul, Monday. "As I kept reading it, the resonance grew stronger.” Adapted from the webtoon of the same title by Cho Hyun-ah, the film follows So-ri, a transfer student who stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her desk, leading her on a scavenger hunt to find a series of letters filled with hidden clues. Kim believes the film’s distinctly Korean sensibilities set it apart in an industry often dominated by American and Japanese animation. "We tried to realistically and naturally capture Korean stories, actors and settings," he said. "The film has a unique charm because it’s filled with our own emotions and narratives." The film's art quality has also drawn praise, with its two-dimensional animation considered comparable to the highest standards of

Sep 15, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

'Your Letter' highlights Korean sensibilities in global animation market

Films

'Past Lives' star Greta Lee embraces new challenge in 'Tron: Ares'

Korean American actor Greta Lee, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for her emotional performance in "Past Lives" (2023), is making the leap into blockbuster territory with her role in Disney’s upcoming sci-fi epic "Tron: Ares." Lee described her role in the new film as dramatically different from her previous work, a new challenge she feels fortunate to take on. "This movie and this character could not be more different than 'Past Lives,'" Lee told reporters during a press conference in Seoul Monday. "I feel incredibly lucky that I have the privilege to play such a wide range of characters and different size movies. 'Tron' is arguably the biggest scale in terms of production value." Directed by Joachim Ronning, "Tron: Ares" is the third installment in the iconic franchise, which started in 1982. The film follows a highly advanced program named Ares (Jared Leto), who is sent from the digital world into the real world, marking humanity's first encounter with an artificial intelligence being. Lee stars as Eve Kim, a key figure in this high-stakes crossover. Though she plays a computer p

Sep 15, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Baek Byung-yeul

Read more

BIFF 2025 30th BIFF becomes festival for all, not just cinephiles

BIFF 2025 'BAKA's Identity' shines spotlight on youth poverty in Japan

BIFF 2025 Sul Kyung-gu leads hijacking dark comedy 'Good News'

BIFF 2025 Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares unwavering creative spirit

BIFF 2025 Na Hong-jin vows to lead BIFF’s first competition jury with sincerity

BIFF 2025 Park Chan-wook 'moved' as 'No Other Choice' opens 30th BIFF

BIFF 2025 Busan film fest kicks off with new official competition section for 30th year

'Demon Slayer' craze in Korea reignites Rising Sun flag controversy

'Your Letter' highlights Korean sensibilities in global animation market

'Past Lives' star Greta Lee embraces new challenge in 'Tron: Ares'

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