Busan Film Festival Marred by Stars' Late Arrivals and Lack of Apologies

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is facing criticism following repeated instances of high-profile attendees arriving late and failing to offer apologies. On the 19th, several stars were over 15 minutes late for scheduled events held at the Busan Cinema Center, proceeding directly into their programs without acknowledging the delay.

Specifically, the open talk for the film 'People Upstairs' featuring actors Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, and Kim Dong-wook, and the outdoor greeting for 'Wedding Banquet' with Youn Yuh-jung and director Andrew Ahn, saw their sessions significantly shortened due to the tardiness of the guests. The 'People Upstairs' session, initially planned for about an hour, was reduced to approximately 50 minutes, while the 'Wedding Banquet' event barely lasted 30 minutes.

More controversially, the late-arriving celebrities offered no apologies to the audience for their delay. For 'Wedding Banquet,' the moderator cited traffic congestion as the reason, but neither Youn Yuh-jung nor Andrew Ahn expressed regret. The moderator even appeared to placate Youn Yuh-jung, drawing further criticism that the festival prioritized celebrities over the audience.

While actors like Ha Jung-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook, and Youn Yuh-jung are well-established "trustworthy actors" with proven track records, their disregard for the audience's time has left many disappointed. A simple apology or acknowledgment of the delay would have gone a long way in mitigating the negative sentiment.

Ha Jung-woo is not only an acclaimed actor but also a prolific film director, having helmed several notable productions. Gong Hyo-jin is celebrated for her unique fashion sense and her standout performances in romantic comedy films. Kim Dong-wook showcases a wide acting range, skillfully portraying diverse characters across both television dramas and movies.