The 30th Busan International Film Festival opened with star-studded events, featuring notable attendees and awards for film excellence.
September/18/2025 12:14
The 30th Busan International Film Festival opened amid the warm support of film industry people from around the world. On the afternoon of the 17th, the opening ceremony of the '30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2025)' was held in the area of the Busan Cinema Center. The host for the day was actor Lee Byung-hun, who became a global star through the 'Squid Game' series. On the red carpet that day, director Park Chan-wook of the opening film 'Decision to Leave', Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hae-ran, Park Hee-soon, as well as Han Hyo-joo, Lee Jin-wook, Jung Jong-so, Han So-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Lee Hae-yon, Kim Sung-chul, Shin Ye-eun, Jo Woo-jin, and SF9's Rowoon appeared. From Japan, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Ken Watanabe, Kou Shibasaki, Junichi Okada, Yumi Fujisaki, Go Ayano, Takumi Kitamura, Sara Minami, Natsuki Deguchi, Takayuki Yamada, and Yamato Kawachi participated. Additionally, Maggie Kang, director of Netflix's 'KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters', and Hollywood actress Milla Jovovich also walked the red carpet, adding glamour to the film festival. In particular, BLACKPINK's Lisa's surprise appearance drew a particularly loud cheer. Lee Byung-hun, who hosted the opening ceremony, expressed, 'A small dream that started in Busan 30 years ago has become a film festival representing Asia. I debuted in 1991, appeared in my first film in 1995, and this year marks my 30th year.' He added, 'After 30 years, I think I have finally become a bit more like an actor.' He also remarked, 'Interestingly, the 'Busan International Film Festival' also started around the same time. In the end, it has grown alongside me.' He noted, 'Time changes us in various ways, but the excitement for film remains unchanged from then to now. Just as every story has a beginning, we will witness a new beginning tonight.' During the opening ceremony, the 'Asian Film Award' (Iran, director Jafar Panahi), 'Korean Film Achievement Award' (director Jung Ji-young), 'Camellia Award' (Taiwan, actor and director Sylvia Chang), and 'BIFF Cinema Master Honorary Award' (director Marco Bellocchio) were awarded. Director Jung Ji-young, who received the 'Korean Film Achievement Award', shared, 'The 50 years have not been smooth. Sometimes I fought against rough waves, and each time I rowed harder. Crossing that endless river was possible because of many colleagues, juniors, and seniors. I believe this award is something I receive on their behalf. The Korean film market is temporarily facing a crisis, but somewhere, a gem-like Korean film is hidden. I hope you all find it and enjoy it.' Sylvia Chang expressed her special feelings, saying, 'Since I made my first work in 1972, I have been completely obsessed with film. Since then, I have worked hard without rest. I got married and became a mother along the way, but I never gave up on film. I wrote scripts, directed, and produced, and rather became more deeply immersed in it.' This year's opening film for the 'Busan International Film Festival' is Park Chan-wook's new work 'Decision to Leave'. Chairman of the organizing committee, Jung Han-seok, praised the selection of this film as the opening work, stating, 'It was not a burden at all. I felt as if this film was made for the opening ceremony alone.' He confidently stated, 'This is a work created by a master director representing the world, along with renowned actors and excellent staff, and it is this year's opening film.' Director Park Chan-wook expressed his excitement, saying, 'When I first heard about the film festival being created in Busan, I wondered if such a thing could happen in Korea. I thought it was reckless, but as 30 years have passed, it has become a film festival. I can't believe my film is the opening film for the 30th anniversary. It is an honor.' The '30th Busan International Film Festival' will be held from the 17th to the 26th for ten days in the area of the Busan Cinema Center. The closing ceremony will be hosted by actress Su-hyun.
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