Busan Film Festival Marred by Star Lateness, Audience Upset Over Lack of Apology

The 30th Busan International Film Festival is facing controversy due to repeated tardiness and a lack of apologies from some attending stars. Audience members have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating that basic courtesy was absent.

On the third day of the festival, events held at the Busan Cinema Center saw celebrities arriving approximately 15 minutes behind schedule. For instance, an open talk featuring Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, and Kim Dong-wook was significantly impacted by the delay, consuming a substantial portion of the limited event time.

Compounding the issue, the celebrities proceeded directly into discussions about their films without offering any apologies for their lateness, leaving many attendees disappointed. A similar situation occurred during a stage greeting for the film 'Wedding Banquet,' starring veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung. While newcomer Han Ki-chan was punctual, Youn Yuh-jung and director Andrew Ahn arrived late.

Although traffic congestion was cited as the reason for the delay, no direct apologies were issued to the waiting audience. This led to strong reactions from some, who felt that the lack of consideration for ticket-paying patrons was unacceptable. Conversely, others suggested that the stars might have been overwhelmed by the tight schedule and numerous commitments.

Ha Jung-woo is a prominent South Korean actor renowned for his powerful performances and box-office success in numerous films. Beyond his acting career, he has also established himself as a director, showcasing his versatile talents across different facets of filmmaking. His projects consistently garner significant public attention and anticipation.