Song Joong-ki enters the Cannes Film Festival for the first time with 'Hwaran'

Actor Song Joong-ki heads to Cannes for the first time since his debut in 2008.

On the 13th, Executive Chairman Thierry Fremaux and Organizing Committee Chairman Lis Knobloch held an official press conference to announce the films invited to the 76th Cannes International Film Festival.

According to the announcement, Korean films 'Hwaran' (directed by Kim Chang-hoon) and 'Cobweb' (directed by Kim Ji-woon) were invited. 'Hwaran' was listed in the Un Certain Regard category, and 'Cobweb' was listed in the Non-Competitive category.

Un Certain Regard at the Cannes International Film Festival introduces unique works from various regions and cultures. 'Hwaran' is a story that unfolds when Yeon-gyu, a boy who wants to escape from the hellish reality, meets Chi-geon, the middle boss of an organization, and joins him in a dangerous world.

The reason ‘Hwaran’ is attracting attention is because it is Song Joong-ki’s first film to enter Cannes. Song Joong-ki played the role of Chi-gun in the play. Cheegan is the middle boss of the organization who trusts and leads Yeon-gyu. Yeon-gyu, whom Song Joong-ki trusts and guides, was played by newcomer Hong Sa-bin. Yeon-gyu is a character who jumps into the rough world of adults to escape from the miserable and dark reality.

Song Joong-ki appeared in the low-budget noir film ‘Hwaran’ with no guarantee. This is the first time a no-guarantee film has entered the Cannes International Film Festival. Currently, Song Joong-ki is staying in Hungary to film the Netflix movie 'Ro Ki-wan' (directed by Kim Hee-jin). He left the country with his wife, Katie Louise Saunders, a former British actress.

Song Joong-ki announced his remarriage and his wife's pregnancy in January of this year. He said, "Naturally, we dreamed of creating a happy family together. We worked hard to keep our promises to each other, and I am truly grateful that we have found a precious life together."

He also said, "And we are on our way to register our marriage to start our lives as a couple based on deep trust and love. Just like now, we will walk beautifully together in the days ahead, looking in the same direction."

Song Joong-ki faced multiple hardships including remarriage, his wife's pregnancy, and advancing to the Cannes International Film Festival. Attention is being paid to whether he will walk on the red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr