The 30th Busan International Film Festival kicked off on September 17, 2025, with a red carpet that pulled in crowds and cameras from across Asia. Stars like Son Ye-jin, Han So-hee, and Kim Yoo-jung stepped out in outfits that mixed soft edges with sharp details, setting a tone for the 10-day event. Held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, the night celebrated 30 years of the festival with 328 films from 64 countries, including world premieres and special screenings. The red carpet doubled as a stage for personal style, where actresses showed how they balance everyday grace with event-ready flair.
Son Ye-jin’s Soft Pink Gown Steals the Spotlight
Son Ye-jin arrived as the lead in the opening film No Other Choice, directed by Park Chan-wook. She wore a light pink gown that flowed from the shoulders down to the floor, with a fitted bodice that hugged her frame before opening into gentle layers. The color picked up the evening light, giving her a warm glow that matched her calm walk.
Fans noted how the dress echoed simple wedding styles, but Son Ye-jin made it her own with loose waves in her hair and small earrings. She paused to wave at the crowd, her smile easy amid the flashes. One reporter from The Korea Times called it “timeless allure,” pointing out how the gown let her natural poise take center stage.
The actress, known for roles in Crash Landing on You and Something in the Rain, used the moment to chat about the film. No Other Choice follows a tense family story, and she plays a key part that draws on her skill for quiet strength. Her look tied into the film’s themes of everyday choices under pressure—nothing flashy, just real.
“The story pulls you in with small moments that build to something big,” Son Ye-jin said during a quick interview on the carpet.
Her appearance reminded everyone why she’s a go-to for these events; at 42, she blends comfort with polish, like slipping into a favorite coat that happens to turn heads.
Han So-hee’s Silver Sheen Adds Quiet Drama
Next up was Han So-hee, fresh from promoting Project Y, a suspense tale about two women chasing escape through tough paths. She chose a silver gown with a soft shine that caught every angle, the fabric draping loose over her frame with waves in her hair to keep it relaxed.
The dress had a high neck and long sleeves, but the metallic tone gave it edge without trying too hard. Paired with minimal jewelry—a thin bracelet and stud earrings—it let the material do the work. Han So-hee walked with her co-star Jeon Jong-seo, the two linking arms for photos, their outfits contrasting like silver against white.
Online chatter split on her choice: some saw the loose fit as comfy chic, others as too plain next to bolder looks. But her wavy hair and fresh makeup kept it grounded, like a friend heading to a late dinner that turns fancy. At 29, Han So-hee has built a name for cool, direct roles in My Name and Nevertheless, and this gown fit that vibe—effortless but present.
The actress shared a light moment with fans, blowing kisses as she moved along. Project Y, directed by Lee Hwan, screens later in the festival, and her role as Mi-seon dives into survival choices that feel close to home for many viewers.
Kim Yoo-jung’s Navy Slit Brings Fresh Energy
Kim Yoo-jung made waves in a deep navy gown that looked covered at first glance but revealed a high side slit as she posed. The long sleeves and draped top gave it a cozy wrap feel, while the slit showed toned legs paired with calf-high boots for a grounded twist.
At 26, the actress, once Korea’s “little sister” from child roles in Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, stepped into grown-up territory. Her hair fell straight and full, framing a makeup look with red lips that popped against the dark fabric. The outfit sparked talk—some loved the mix of safe and daring, others felt the slit leaned mature for her image.
She promoted Dear X, her new drama where she plays a sharp celebrity with hidden layers. The role marks a shift from sweet parts, and her red carpet style mirrored that: familiar but with a new cut.
“This character lets me explore sides I haven’t shown before,” Kim Yoo-jung told a camera crew, her voice steady.
Her walk had a quick step, like she was late for a good story, and she stopped to sign a fan’s poster. The festival’s New Currents section, now with a full competition for 14 Asian films, fits her growth—spotlighting fresh voices amid big names.
Other Stars Mix Comfort and Edge
The carpet stayed busy with more looks that felt wearable yet special. Jeon Jong-seo, Han So-hee‘s co-star, picked a white mermaid gown with lace flowers and a deep neckline. It clung to her curves, earning nods to her “golden hips” from a baseball pitch viral clip last year. At 30, she’s rising fast post-Burning, and this dress highlighted her bold screen energy.
Geum Sae-rok went for black see-through with bold patterns, the fabric sheer over key spots but structured enough for poise. Her choice screamed confidence, like layering a light shirt over jeans for a night out that lasts till dawn.
Shin Ye-eun kept it refined in a simple gown that skimmed the floor, her hair in a low knot. The 28-year-old, from The World of My 17, added a necklace that caught the light, proving less can pack a punch.
YooA from Oh My Girl brought whimsy in a dreamy dress with soft sleeves, her doll-like features shining through. At 26, she mixed idol charm with actor poise from Love Revolution.
Men held their own too: Lee Byung-hun, the solo host, in a classic black tux with a slim tie, his presence steady as ever at 54. Ha Jung-woo and Kim Dong-wook paired up in navy suits, the colors echoing the sea nearby.
Festival Vibes Blend Films and Faces
BIFF 2025 marks a milestone with its first full competition, judging Asian entries for awards like Best Film. The lineup includes premieres of Girl by Shu Qi and Resurrection by Bi Gan, plus Korean hits like Seven O’Clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted with Suzy. Screenings spread across seven theaters, with free community shows adding access.
The red carpet fed into the opening of No Other Choice, a black comedy that sets the tone for talks on family ties and hard calls. Stars mingled post-poses, sharing laughs over the night’s energy.
Han Hyo-joo, in gold that gleamed like a standard pick, joined jury duties with Tony Leung Ka-fai and Na Hong-jin. Her gown had clean lines, a nod to her steady roles in W: Two Worlds.
Just before the ceremony, the red carpet was a dazzling showcase of Korean cinema’s biggest stars. A-listers like Son Ye Jin, Ha Jung Woo, Han Hyo Joo and Lisa were in attendance. They were joined by a host of popular actors including Kim Yoo Jung, Rowoon, Han So Hee, Jeon Jong Seo, Park Seo Ham, Kim Sung Chul, Lee Jin Wook, Krystal, Lee Soo Hyuk and many more.
The lineup of international guests was equally spectacular, with legendary directors Guillermo del Toro and Michael Mann gracing the event. They were joined by acclaimed international actors such as Milla Jovovich, Ken Watanabe, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Gwei Lun-mei, and Kentaro Sakaguchi.
As the night wrapped, the crowd buzzed toward screenings, the outfits lingering in photos shared worldwide. With events running to September 26, more chances come for stars to show their off-duty sides amid the films.
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