The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) turned into a sea of tears as the late Lee Sun Gyun was posthumously awarded the Korea Cinema Contribution Award.

The festival’s opening ceremony took place on October 2nd at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, with Park Bo Young and Ahn Jae Hong hosting the event.

Stars graced the red carpet, including Kang Dongwon, Park Jungmin, Cha Seungwon, Kim Sinrok, Jin Seonkyu, Jung Sungil, Lee Jungjae, Jang Donggun, Kim Heeae, Soo Hyun, Song Joongki, Lee Heejun, Park Jihwan, Cho Jinwoong, Lee Junhyuk, Park Sungwoong, Cho Woojin, Ji Changwook, Kim Hyunjoo, Jung Woo, Kim Daemyung, Park Byungeun, Kim Sungcheol, Lee Donghwi, Yejewon, Gong Seungyeon, TWICE’s Dahyun, Jinyoung, Koo Hyesun, Epik High, and Kim Gyuri, celebrating the start of the festival.

During the opening, Park Bo Young and Ahn Jae Hong expressed their excitement and honor. Ahn Jae Hong, reflecting on his past, shared, “I attended the Busan International Film Festival 10 years ago with 'The King of Jokgu.' Back then, I was an unknown actor, but the audience’s warm support made me believe I could continue acting.”

This year’s festival will screen 279 films, including 224 official selections from 63 countries and 55 films for the Community BIFF program, shown across 28 screens in seven theaters, including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, and Lotte Cinema Centum City.

The opening film is Netflix’s 'Uprising' (directed by Kim Sangman), produced by Park Chanwook, starring Kang Dongwon, Park Jungmin, and Cha Seungwon. The film tells the story of Jongryeo (Park Jungmin), the son of a powerful military family, and his servant Cheonyeong (Kang Dongwon) as they reunite during the war as enemies after growing up together.

Kang Dongwon shared, “I was happy to walk the red carpet again after a long time,” while Park Jungmin joked, “I feel like this event is unfair. It made me resolve to work even harder as an actor. For those wondering why I am introduced as a nobleman, I want to clarify here—I am the nobleman, and Kang Dongwon is my servant, so keep that in mind when watching.” His remark drew laughter from the audience. Cha Seungwon added, “I’m curious to see how people will view my character, 'Seonjo'.”

This year’s Korea Cinema Contribution Award was given to the late Lee Sun Gyun, who passed away last year. BIFF organized a special program titled “The Gentle Person, Lee Sun Gyun” to honor him, screening six of his representative works, including 'My Mister' and 'Parasite', along with special talks.

During the ceremony, a video was shown featuring quotes from Lee Sun Gyun’s past interviews, including, “If someone asks why I act, I’d say it’s because it helps me reflect on myself,” and, “I want to continue acting the way I do now, step by step.” Watching the tribute, fellow actors, including Song Joongki, were moved to tears.

Park Bo Young closed the tribute by saying, *“I hope he has found peace, just as in the final farewell of *'My Mister.'” Ahn Jae Hong added, “We will screen six of Lee Sun Gyun’s representative works as a tribute. We hope this becomes a meaningful time to remember him, and we will ensure the Korea Cinema Contribution Award is delivered to his family.”

The Asia Filmmaker of the Year Award went to director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who will present two new works, 'Serpent's Path' and 'Cloud', at this year’s festival.

The 29th Busan International Film Festival runs from October 2nd to October 11th.

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