Chow Yun-fat, 'the majesty of a man', Song Joong-ki, 'infatuated with hearts', and Jang Won-seok, 'baggage man-to-be'

Actor Chow Yun-fat showed off the dignity of an Asian big brother, and Song Joong-ki looked immersed in his heart. The groom-to-be, CEO Jang Won-seok, showed off his unconventional red carpet manners by wearing a bag.

The opening ceremony of the 28th Busan International Film Festival was held in the Busan Cinema Center area at 6 p.m. on the 4th. Prior to the official opening ceremony on this day, many film industry stars who visited Busan walked the red carpet.

Among the male attendees, the main character by far was Asia's big brother, Chow Yun-fat. Chow Yun-Fat, who appeared with a nice wrinkled eye smile, waved his hand in a relaxed manner and gave a friendly greeting to his fans. Chow Yun-fat then approached Song Kang-ho, who was smiling brightly in the host's seat, and shook his hand with a friendly smile.

Song Joong-ki, who visited Bugukje with the movie ‘Hwaran’ (directed by Kim Chang-hoon), also attracted attention. Song Joong-ki, who appeared on the red carpet with actors Hong Sa-bin, Kim Hyeong-seo, and director Kim Chang-hoon, enjoyed the festival with a smile throughout. In particular, Song Joong-ki showed off various heart poses and seemed to be immersed in making hearts. It seemed like they were busy providing fan service, such as making a heart with their fingers.

On this day, the appearance of BA Entertainment CEO Jang Won-seok, who announced his marriage to actress Son Eun-seo, attracted attention. Walking the red carpet with director Kang Je-gyu, he wore a neat black casual suit with a bag wrapped around him and bowed to the audience.

The Busan International Film Festival, now 28 years old, is Korea's largest non-competitive film festival and has established itself as Asia's leading film festival. However, due to the 28th edition being embroiled in internal conflicts and gossip ahead of the opening, Chief Programmer Nam Dong-cheol and Deputy Executive Chairman Kang Seung-ah filled the vacant positions of Executive Chairman and Steering Committee Chairman.

The opening film is 'Because I Hate Korea' (Director Jang Geon-jae), which tells the story of Gye-na (Go Ah-seong), in her late 20s, who suddenly leaves her job, family, and boyfriend behind and leaves for New Zealand alone one day in search of her own happiness. This work is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Jang Kang-myeong, a representative Korean writer. Go Ah-seong, Joo Jong-hyuk, and Kim Woo-gyeom appeared.

The original novel 'Because I Hate Korea' (novelist Jang Kang-myeong) was published at the time of its publication and was supported by the MZ generation by providing a comforting and empathic solution to the core of society as a problematic theory of happiness and a way to deal with despair for the global generation. Director Jang Geon-jae, who has been recognized for his unique sensibility and delicate sense through films such as 'Ghost' and 'A Midsummer's Fantasia', was in charge of writing and directing.

Song Kang-ho, who served as the host of this film festival, welcomed guests with a cheerful smile. Song Kang-ho's profound greeting gave a good first impression of the film festival. Previously, the Busan International Film Festival said, "There was discussion about the opening ceremony host. There was an opinion and a suggestion that actor Song Kang-ho should host the opening ceremony of this year's Busan International Film Festival. Even though it was a difficult position, he readily accepted and said he would play a role in helping the film festival." .

Meanwhile, at this year's Busan International Film Festival, a total of 269 films, including 209 officially invited films from 69 countries and 60 community beef screenings, will meet the audience. The opening film was 'Because I Hate Korea' (Director Jang Geon-jae) starring Go Ah-seong, Kim Woo-gyeom and Joo Jong-hyuk, and the closing film was 'The Emperor of Movies' (Director Ning Hao) starring Yoo Deok-hwa.

Busan Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr