Actor Lee Byung Hun has been selected as the host of the opening ceremony for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the organizers announced on July 28.
“Marking its 30th anniversary, BIFF is ushering in a new chapter with Lee Byung Hun as the opening ceremony host,” the festival stated. “Since his first appearance at the 8th BIFF in 2003, Lee has maintained a close relationship with the festival. As the first male actor to host the ceremony solo, his presence will add symbolic weight and meaning to this milestone year.”
Now in his 35th year since debuting, Lee Byung Hun has cemented his status as a world-class actor with an unmatched range across both film and television. Most recently, his appearances in the Netflix hit 'Squid Game' have further elevated the international profile of Korean content. His selection as host for this landmark edition of BIFF is seen as more than just a typical host role—it's a nod to his lasting impact on Korean cinema.
The opening ceremony is expected to be a turning point for the festival, redefining its identity and future direction. With Lee Byung Hun leading the event, the stage is set for a meaningful connection between audiences and the film community.
Lee Byung Hun’s acclaimed performances in films such as 'Inside Men' (2015), 'The Fortress' (2017), 'The Man Standing Next' (2020), 'Emergency Declaration' (2022), 'Concrete Utopia' (2023), and the upcoming 'The Match' (2025) have earned him both critical and commercial success, along with numerous major acting awards. He is also set to showcase a different side of himself in the upcoming film 'No Other Choice'.
In Hollywood, he made his debut in 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' (2009) and went on to appear in 'Red 2' (2013), 'Terminator Genisys' (2015), and 'The Magnificent Seven' (2016), leaving a strong impression on the global film scene. More recently, he has lent his voice to animated films like 'K-pop: Demon Hunters '(2025) and 'King of Kings' (2025), further solidifying his presence as a multifaceted artist and cultural icon.
With Lee Byung Hun’s name alone carrying considerable weight, his role as opening ceremony host is building anticipation for the 30th Busan International Film Festival, which will take place from September 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Center.
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