Park Chan-wook's 'Unavoidable' and Lee Byung-hun Kick Off 30th BIFF; OTT Features Compete for Top Prizes

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has commenced with a vibrant showcase, featuring 328 films from 64 countries.

This year's festival opened with Park Chan-wook's latest film, 'Unavoidable.' The movie tells the story of an office worker, Man-su, who embarks on a personal battle for re-employment after being laid off. This marks a significant milestone for both director Park Chan-wook and lead actor Lee Byung-hun, as it's their first time having a film serve as the opening ceremony of BIFF. Actor Lee Byung-hun, celebrating his 30th debut anniversary, further added a special touch by hosting the opening ceremony solo.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, BIFF has introduced a new official competition section, signaling a strategic shift. Director Na Hong-jin has been appointed as the chief jury, leading a panel of acclaimed international filmmakers, actors, and producers. The Grand Prix winner from the 14 competing films will be screened as the closing film.

Furthermore, works from OTT platforms like Netflix, TVING, and Disney+ were featured in the 'On Screen' section, allowing audiences to experience them on the big screen. Netflix's animated feature 'K-pop Demon Hunters' special sing-along screening and the competition entries of Netflix original films 'Good News' and 'Frankenstein' highlight the growing synergy between BIFF and streaming services.

However, the festival was not without its minor setbacks, as several instances of late arrivals by cast members and questionable on-stage behavior drew some criticism. The open talk for the film 'People Upstairs' and the outdoor greeting event for 'Wedding Banquet' experienced delays due to cast members' tardiness. Some actors, including Ha Jung-woo and Gong Hyo-jin, proceeded with the event wearing sunglasses, further sparking audience dissatisfaction. The absence of several key figures at the 'Wedding Banquet' event, with only the youngest cast member present, also left a disappointing impression.

Director Park Chan-wook is globally recognized for his masterpieces such as 'The Handmaiden' and 'Oldboy.' Lee Byung-hun has demonstrated his versatility through a wide range of roles in films like 'A Bittersweet Life' and 'Masquerade.' 'Unavoidable' marks their first collaboration as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival.