The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) entered its third day on September 19, 2025, with a series of high-profile events featuring some of Korea’s biggest actors. The day was marked by red carpet talks, press conferences, and special screenings that drew large crowds of fans and film enthusiasts.
Major Appearances by Top Actors
Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Byung-hun, Kim Nam-gil, and Gong Hyo-jin were among the stars who participated in events on Day 3 of the festival. Their appearances included a red carpet talk session where they interacted with fans and discussed their work. This event was part of the festival’s efforts to create a closer connection between actors and the audience.
“The festival’s director, Jung Han-seok, described the lineup as ‘monumental, the largest and finest in the history of BIFF’ during a press conference for the festival on Aug. 26.”
Lee Byung-hun, who is also hosting the opening ceremony of BIFF 2025, appeared in multiple events. He stars in the festival’s opening film, “No Other Choice,” a black comedy directed by Park Chan-wook. The film had its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival earlier in September.
Special Screenings and Programs
The festival featured several special programs, including the Actors’ House event, which is a fan meet and greet session. This year’s Actors’ House includes actors like Kim You-jung, Son Ye-jin, Lee Byung-hun, and Japanese actor Kazunari Ninomiya. They shared their experiences and stories from their acting careers with the audience.
Another highlight was the Special Program in Focus section, which featured retrospectives of Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio and French actress Juliette Binoche. A new program called Carte Blanche was introduced, where prominent figures from the film industry select and discuss a film that is meaningful to them. Participants include director Bong Joon-ho, actor Gang Dong-won, and journalist Sohn Suk-hee.
New Competition Section and Awards
BIFF 2025 introduced a Competition section for the first time, featuring 14 films from Asian countries. The aim is to highlight Asian cinema and present fresh perspectives from the region. The winner, along with awards for Best Actor and the Special Jury Prize, will be announced at the closing ceremony on September 26.
The festival also presents several annual awards, including The Asian Filmmaker of the Year, which will go to Iranian director Jafar Panahi. The Korean Cinema Award will be given to director Chung Ji-young, and the Camellia Award will honor Taiwanese filmmaker Sylvia Chang.
World Premieres and International Films
Several Korean and international films had their world premieres at BIFF 2025. Korean films include “The Great Flood” (Netflix), “Boss” (starring Jung Kyung-ho), and “The People Upstairs” (directed by Ha Jung-woo). International films making their world debuts include “5 Centimeters Per Second” (a live-action adaptation of the Japanese animated film) and “The Final Piece” (starring Ken Watanabe).
The festival also hosted a sing-along event for Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” where fans could sing along to songs like “Golden” and “Soda Pop.”
Background on the Festival
The Busan International Film Festival is held annually in Busan, South Korea, and is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The 2025 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the festival, which runs from September 17 to September 26. The event includes film screenings, industry talks, and networking events, attracting filmmakers, actors, and audiences from around the world.
Also Read: Kim Yoo-jungโs Navy Slit Dress at BIFF 2025 Divides Fashion Opinions
Credits: Naver
