Latest news with #30thBusanInternationalFilmFestival


Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Romantics Anonymous Trailer OUT: Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri's head butting turns into love, here when it premieres
A man who fears germs, a woman who fears attention— what happens when two troubled souls unite in their love for chocolate? Life's sweetest romance ensues! Upcoming Japanese drama Romantics Anonymous, a series based on the 2010 French-Belgian romantic comedy film of the same name, follows Sosuke Fujiwara and Hana Lee in a telltale story of love and chance happenings. It turns the spotlight on how people with inhibitions may be able to surpass them if only they dare to try and overcome them. The trailer for the video shows Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri engaging in strange encounters as the president and an employee of a chocolate shop. With each of their shortcomings, the two find their way back to each other multiple times. Romantics Anonymous is aiming for an October 16 premiere. Romantics Anonymous drops a new trailer, watch The first look at the characters displays them in the cutthroat confectionery industry, where she, a gifted chocolatier, and he, the heir to a chocolate conglomerate, cross paths. Over time, their sudden meetings, which often bring problems to the forefront of their lives, start to feel comfortable instead. With his germaphobe tendencies and her social anxiety, not letting her look into people's eyes turns into a confident touch and conversational relationship; sparks fly. Aiming for a 30th Busan International Film Festival premiere with its first two episodes being shown as a part of the On Screen section, the romantic comedy is said to be promising a cross-border love story that hasn't been seen for a long time. With a fan favorite arc of two people who cannot be together but find comfort in each other and fall in love. The occasional slapstick comedy, paired with chocolate-dripping romance, is aiming for Han Hyo Joo's continued success in Japan and is seemingly looking to introduce Shun Oguri to the widespread love for her. Romantics Anonymous will debut on Netflix on October 16 and is all set to run across 8 episodes.


Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Whoa, Kim You Jung's 'Dear X' is Dropping Epic Vibes with a Festival Sneak Peek That's Got Fans Hyped!
The popular webtoon "Dear X" has been adapted into a drama. Starring Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Young-dae. Why 'Dear X' is the Next Must-Watch Obsession Imagine a gripping tale of an ambitious actress who schemes her way from obscurity to superstardom, only to face a dramatic downfall that tests her limits and relationships. That's the heart of 'Dear X', straight from a hit webtoon that's racked up millions of online reads and built a massive following. Leading the charge is Kim You Jung as Baek Ah Jin, the complex anti-heroine whose sharp wit and vulnerability make her impossible to forget-she's nailed similar roles in past projects, bringing depth to every scene. Teaming up with her is Kim Young Dae as Yoon Joon Seo, the loyal guy who's all in, shielding her from the chaos with intense devotion that amps up the romance and suspense. Rounding out the ensemble are talents like Kim Do Hoon and Lee Yul Eum, adding extra layers of intrigue and support to the storyline. It's not just about fame; the plot dives into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the harsh realities of the entertainment world, making it super relatable for anyone chasing dreams in a competitive scene. Fans are already theorizing plot twists based on the webtoon, heightening the anticipation for how the adaptation will handle those iconic moments. The Buzz from Its Festival Spotlight Get ready for some serious excitement because 'Dear X' snagged a spot at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, with the news dropping on August 11 from the production crew. It's featured in the 'On Screen' category, a prime slot for upcoming series set to hit streaming services, where select episodes get an early screening to build that pre-release hype. The festival itself kicks off from September 17 to 26, offering attendees a taste of cutting-edge Korean content amid a vibrant atmosphere of panels, Q&As, and fan interactions. This kind of exposure is huge, as past entries in this section have launched shows to global acclaim, drawing in thousands of viewers eager for innovative storytelling-festival data shows over 20 such previews in recent editions have boosted early buzz (per BIFF official reports). For 'Dear X', it means potential for viral moments, with audiences reacting live to the drama's intense plot turns and character dynamics, setting the stage for its full debut. What Makes This Drama a Game-Changer for Fans Beyond the surface romance, 'Dear X' tackles the gritty side of celebrity life, from cutthroat ambitions to emotional breakdowns, with twists that keep you guessing like a top-tier mystery series. Kim You Jung's portrayal of Baek Ah Jin's journey-from underdog to icon and back-mirrors real-world pressures in the industry, resonating with viewers who follow celeb news and social media scandals. Kim Young Dae's protective character adds heartfelt tension, creating on-screen chemistry that's bound to spark fan theories and shipper communities online. Slated for a November release on a major streaming platform, it's poised to ride the wave of K-drama popularity, where similar shows have hit impressive viewership highs-Sacnilk notes comparable romances averaging up to 5 million views per episode during peak times. This festival nod could amplify its reach, encouraging binge-watches and discussions about its themes of growth and forgiveness in a fast-paced world. Sneak Peek into Future Drama Thrills While counting down, dive into Kim You Jung's earlier gems like 'Backstreet Rookie' for lighthearted laughs or 'Moon in the Day' with Kim Young Dae for brooding intensity to get in the mood. 'Dear X' is gearing up to deliver even more, with subplots exploring industry secrets, personal sacrifices, and unexpected alliances that enrich the main narrative. Its webtoon roots ensure faithful adaptations of fan-favorite elements, while the live-action format adds visual flair and actor interpretations that could elevate the story. This one's shaping up to be a binge-worthy hit, blending humor, heart, and high stakes in a way that'll have you hooked from the first episode-perfect for those lazy weekends when you need an emotional escape with satisfying payoffs. About Dear X 'Dear X' is a romance drama adapted from a popular webtoon, following actress Baek Ah Jin's ruthless rise to fame and eventual downfall. It stars Kim You Jung as the ambitious lead and Kim Young Dae as her devoted protector, with supporting roles by Kim Do Hoon and Lee Yul Eum. The series explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption, set for a November streaming release after a Busan Film Festival preview.


Time of India
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Park Chan Wook's 'No Other Choice' to open 30th Busan International Film Festival
Park Chan Wook's 'No Other Choice' to open 30th Busan International Film Festival The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has selected critically acclaimed director Park Chan-Wook's 'No Other Choice' as its opening film, reported Variety. It will mark the return of Park Chan to the big screens three years after 'Decision to Leave', for which he won best director at Cannes. According to the outlet, the film stars 'Squid Game' actor Lee Byung-hun in the lead role. He plays the role of Man-su, a man whose comfortable life unravels when he's suddenly dismissed from his job, forcing him into a desperate struggle to protect his wife Miri (Son Yejin), their two children, and their home, reported Variety. The story follows Man-su as he embarks on what the festival describes as "his own war of survival." Lee, who will also serve as host of this year's opening ceremony, teams up with Son Yejin for their first on-screen pairing as a married couple. The cast also includes Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. Park described the project as a "long-awaited passion project" at BIFF 2019, and the film will receive its Asian premiere in Busan, following its world premiere at Venice, as reported by Variety. "I am deeply moved and excited to experience the premiere of Park Chan-wook's desired project alongside diverse audiences on the festival's opening day," said BIFF festival director Jung Hanseok. "I sincerely hope that its selection will build meaningful momentum to garner greater attention and foster renewed interest in Korean cinema," added Jung as quoted by Variety. The selection comes at a significant moment for Korean cinema, with BIFF positioning the film as one that "embodies what audiences most hope to see" and can "reinvigorate Korean cinema at this pivotal moment." Park made his directorial debut with 'The Moon Is... the Sun's Dream' (1992) and went on to create groundbreaking works including 'Joint Security Area' (2000), the Vengeance trilogy ('Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,' 'Oldboy,' 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance'), 'Thirst' (2009), 'The Handmaiden' (2016), and 'Decision to Leave' (2022). The director has been invited to the Cannes competition section four times and has been honoured with the Grand Prix, Prix du Jury, and Prix de la mise en scene, making him the first Korean director to achieve all three distinctions, reported Variety. The 30th Busan International Film Festival will run from September 17 to September 26.


Korea Herald
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Park Chan-wook's ‘No Other Choice' to open this year's Busan International Film Festival
Venice-bound black comedy to kick off Korea's top film event on Sept. 17 Park Chan-wook's latest film, "No Other Choice," will open the 30th Busan International Film Festival on Sept. 17, festival organizers announced Monday. The black comedy marks Park's return to feature filmmaking three years after "Decision to Leave." Based on Donald Westlake's 1996 novel "The Ax," the film follows a laid-off middle-aged man who begins eliminating rival job seekers in a desperate bid to secure employment and support his family. Park reportedly spent 17 years developing the screenplay, which he described as a 'long-awaited passion project' during an appearance at BIFF in 2019. The film wrapped production in January. "No Other Choice" is set to make its world premiere later this month in Venice, where it will compete for the Golden Lion. It is the first Korean title to screen in the festival's main competition since Kim Ki-duk's "Pieta" took home the top prize in 2012. Following its Korean premiere in Busan, the film is slated for domestic release via CJ ENM later in the same month. Lead actor Lee Byung-hun will host the BIFF opening ceremony ― marking the first time for a male actor to do so solo. Lee has maintained a long-standing relationship with the festival, dating back to his first appearance in 2003. BIFF director Jung Hanseok voiced high hopes for "No Other Choice" as the festival opener. 'I sincerely hope the inclusion of Park's new film will spark renewed global interest in Korean cinema,' he said in a statement. This year's festival marks a historic shift as BIFF launches its first official competition after decades as a noncompetitive event. Fourteen Asian titles will compete for five awards. Total programming expands to approximately 240 films, up from last year's 224 entries, as organizers aim to restore the event's prepandemic scale. The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs Sept. 17–26 at venues throughout Busan, with the Busan Cinema Center serving as its main hub.


Broadcast Pro
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Busan International Film Festival to honour Iranian director Jafar Panahi
Panahi will receive the award during the opening ceremony of BIFF's 30th edition, which runs September 17–26, 2025. The 30th Busan International Film Festival has honoured Iranian director Jafar Panahi with 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year', an award given to a filmmaker or organisation that has made a profound impact on the advancement of Asian cinema and culture. A central figure in Iran's New Wave cinema, Panahi is widely respected for his fearless portrayal of life under political and social repression. Despite facing repeated arrests, travel bans and an official prohibition on filmmaking, he has continued to produce films covertly, courageously submitting them to international festivals. His works explore themes of freedom and resistance, offering a countercultural lens on Iranian society and earning global recognition for their emotional depth and artistic bravery. Panahi's career achievements are marked by top honours from the world's most prestigious film festivals. In 2025, he won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for It Was Just an Accident, adding to his earlier wins of the Golden Lion at Venice for The Circle (2002), the Golden Bear at Berlin for Taxi (2015) and the Prix du Scénario at Cannes for 3 FACES (2018). His debut feature White Balloon (1995) had already won the Prix de la Caméra d'Or at Cannes, and The Mirror (1997) earned him the Golden Leopard at Locarno. Accepting the award, Panahi said: 'At a time when making films in my country becomes more difficult every day, this recognition reminds me that cinema can still connect us beyond borders, languages, and limitations. I not only accept this award in my own name, but also on behalf of all those who, in silence, in exile, or under pressure, continue to create.' The award will be formally presented during the festival's Opening Ceremony on September 17 at the Busan Cinema Centre. The festival itself will run from September 17 to 26 across multiple venues in Busan, South Korea. Born in 1960, Panahi has become an enduring symbol of artistic resistance. His body of work not only reflects the complexities of life in contemporary Iran but also underscores cinema's power to transcend barriers and give voice to the silenced.