Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun Honored with Korean Cinema Contribution Award at 29th Busan International Film Festival

The late actor Lee Sun-kyun was honored with the Korean Cinema Contribution Award at the 29th Busan International Film Festival.

The opening ceremony of the 29th Busan International Film Festival took place at 6 PM on the 2nd. Numerous stars from the film industry graced the red carpet. The event was hosted by actors Park Bo-young and Ahn Jae-hong, who both donned black attire to kick off the ceremony energetically. Park Bo-young expressed her anticipation, saying, "I am excited to see what new films and filmmakers will be discovered this time." Over 4,500 invited guests and audience members filled the outdoor theater at the Busan Cinema Center.

The Korean Cinema Contribution Award was posthumously awarded to Lee Sun-kyun. Clips from his works, including the drama 'My Mister,' and films 'A Special Lady,' 'Silence: Project Silence,' 'Parasite,' and 'The King's Case Note,' were shown on the screen. Some actors, including Song Joong-ki, were seen shedding tears while watching the tribute.

Park Bo-young remarked, "It is such a heartbreaking farewell. I hope he has found peace, as the last line of 'My Mister' suggests." The award will be presented to his family.

The 29th Busan International Film Festival runs from the 2nd to the 11th at the Busan Cinema Center and surrounding areas. This year, 224 films have been officially invited, an increase from last year's 209. The opening film is Netflix's 'Warriors of the Dawn,' and the closing film is 'Journey of the Soul.'

This year's special program at the Busan International Film Festival is titled 'A Beautiful Person, Lee Sun-kyun,' featuring six of his works and including guest visits (GV) sessions.

Busan, Seo Yoon Kim, TenAsia Reporter seogugu@tenasia.co.kr