[31st BIFF] Schedule Fully Canceled, But 'Assassins' Still Hot

Hwang Jung-min appears at an official event for the first time in 3 months after a personal life controversyKim Hye-ja, rumors of health issues arise... Kim Da-hyun attends as an actor, not a singerThe cast of "Assassination(s)," led by actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho (from left in the top photo), made their presence felt despite the full cancellation of official events for the 31st Busan International Film Festival due to various controversies surrounding the film. Meanwhile, actress Kim Hye-ja (from left in the bottom photo) caused concern among many with rumors of health issues, and Hwang Jung-min and Kim Da-hyun drew attention by appearing at official events after their respective controversies. /Reporter Seo Ye-won, Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol[THE FACT|Busan=Reporter Park Ji-yoon] As the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia's largest film festival, opened on a Tuesday for the first time in its history and is meeting audiences, the aftermath of "Assassination(s)," which canceled its official schedule, is not subsiding.This year, the Busan International Film Festival became a major global film festival, ranking alongside Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, by being selected as an 'A-list film festival' by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). While it is sailing smoothly by showcasing diverse films and building a star-studded lineup of guests, the controversy surrounding "Assassination(s)" continues to affect the film festival. Along with this, we also revisited various issues that have arisen surrounding several actors.◆ Questioning stopped, opinions expressed... Starkly different temperatures surrounding 'Assassination(s)'The film "Assassination(s)" (directed by Hur Jin-ho) canceled a series of official events for the 31st Busan International Film Festival due to ongoing controversies surrounding the film. Nevertheless, the film festival could not completely erase the related issues.Released on the 23rd of last month, "Assassination(s)" is a film that traces the suspicions and masterminds behind the assassination of the First Lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974. It is based on the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, which occurred during the National Liberation Day ceremony in 1974, a topic that has never been covered in the Korean film industry.The film seemed to be on a box office spree, dominating the Chuseok holiday movie scene, but it encountered an unexpected issue. Some raised suspicions of historical distortion regarding scenes that suggested the possibility of former President Park Chung-hee's side or the Korean Central Intelligence Agency's involvement in the incident, and it became the center of various controversies, including allegations of Chinese capital investment.In response, the production company issued an official statement to distance itself from the allegations, but the controversy surrounding the film spilled beyond the screen, with protests taking place in front of the homes of actors involved in the film. Ultimately, "Assassination(s)" and the 31st Busan International Film Festival Secretariat canceled scheduled official events, including the opening ceremony, open talk, and Lee Min-ho's Actors House, citing "the protection of cast, audience, and staff."In this situation, related questions arose at the press conference and premiere of the opening film "Day and Night for Each Other" (directed by Kim Jong-kwan) held on the 6th. Of course, this was a natural progression. It was the first official appearance of Shim Eun-kyung, who made a special appearance in "Assassination(s)," after the various controversies.Questions related to "Assassination(s)" arose at the press conference for the opening film "Day and Night for Each Other." However, programmer Jung Ji-hye immediately took the microphone, preventing us from hearing Shim Eun-kyung's thoughts on the matter. The photo shows Shim Eun-kyung answering reporters' questions at the press conference for the opening film "Day and Night for Each Other" held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 6th. /Busan=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolHowever, reporters could not hear her thoughts. Programmer Jung Ji-hye, who moderated the event, immediately took the microphone and replied, "I will speak on her behalf. As this is a press conference for the opening film, we would like to focus our discussion on that work. Regarding 'Assassination(s),' the Busan International Film Festival has issued an announcement, so please refer to that."The next day, a press conference was held for the 7-member competition jury, led by jury president Zhang Yimou, and a question was asked about filmmakers' thoughts on the "Assassination(s)" situation.In response, Director Zhang Yimou stated, "It is difficult to find an answer in a short time regarding the relationship between historical truth and creation, but I believe that creation is creation, and sometimes it is not based on truth or facts." He added, "Perhaps we should think from the audience's perspective. Is historical truth really the truth? In a way, this is the most interesting and attractive part of cinema."Director Jung Ju-ri, who has solidified her unique directorial style with films like "A Girl at My Door" and "Next Sohee," said, "I feel intimidated even though it's not a film I made. While I know that people are hurt by films, I wonder what we should do when such reactions occur." She emphasized, "Nevertheless, filmmakers must take full responsibility. Since we make films expecting criticism and empathy from the audience, I think it would be good to continue this work."Furthermore, Yoo Hae-jin became the recipient of the Best Actor award for the film "King and the Clown" at the 35th Buil Film Awards held on the 7th. However, he could not personally enjoy the joy of winning. He was scheduled to attend, but he decided not to attend due to concerns for his safety stemming from the controversy surrounding "Assassination(s)."While "Assassination(s)" canceled its official schedule due to various controversies, it continued to make its presence felt at the film festival, being mentioned whenever it seemed to be forgotten, and attention is focused on how long this impact will last.Actor Hwang Jung-min (right) graced the red carpet at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 6th, along with actors Jo In-sung, Eum Moon-seok, and director Na Hong-jin (from left). /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo◆ Hwang Jung-min, first official appearance after personal life controversy... Bright smile catches the eyeMeanwhile, actor Hwang Jung-min, who is embroiled in a legal dispute over his personal life, garnered attention by walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony, making his first official appearance in about 3 months.He visited Busan for the film "Hope" (directed by Na Hong-jin), which was released in July. Although he appeared somewhat thinner than before, he showed a relaxed demeanor, smiling at the cameras and waving to the audience. Hwang Jung-min, dressed in a black suit, was also seen laughing heartily while talking with Director Na.Currently, Hwang Jung-min is engaged in a legal battle with a Ms. A, who claims to be his former girlfriend.Ms. A claimed that Hwang Jung-min had been continuously contacting her, releasing messenger conversations and call records, and added that he had called her or proposed meetings even while filming. In response, Hwang Jung-min's agency fully denied these claims, stating that Ms. A is a suspect in stalking who has continuously harassed Hwang Jung-min.Ms. A was indicted on charges including violation of the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes, and was sentenced to a fine of 6 million won and ordered to complete 40 hours of stalking treatment program in the first trial. Subsequently, both the prosecution and Ms. A appealed, and the legal battle continues.Actress Kim Hye-ja (third from left), who was rumored to have health issues, attended the outdoor stage greeting event for "Still Shining" held on the 8th. The photo shows Director Song Il-gon and actors Park Seo-kyung, Kim Hye-ja, Choi Ju-eun, Moon Sung-hyun, and Lee Se-young (from left) posing at the event. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo◆ Supported and even coughed... Kim Hye-ja, health issues raised but "just a cold"An incident also occurred where rumors of health issues arose for Kim Hye-ja, who is returning to the screen after 9 years with "Still Shining."She walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony on the 6th with director Song Il-gon of "Still Shining." However, during this process, Kim Hye-ja was seen being supported by Director Song as she moved, and she was captured coughing with her hand covering her mouth, leading to concerns about her health.In response, a representative from "Still Shining" stated, "It is just a simple cold, and there are no health issues." They added, "The schedule for the Busan International Film Festival was adjusted considering her age and condition, and she is scheduled to proceed with the planned events as is."Later, Kim Hye-ja attended the outdoor stage greeting for "Still Shining" as scheduled on the 8th, meeting with the audience and easing their concerns.Singer Kim Da-hyun, who hosted the prelude event, also attended the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 6th, and walked the red carpet. /Busan=Reporter Park Heon-woo◆ Kim Da-hyun, enters BIFF as an actor after 'public criticism controversy with Shim Soo-bong'Singer Kim Da-hyun, who recently faced public criticism from singer Shim Soo-bong, also graced the 31st Busan International Film Festival as an actor.She hosted the prelude event and also attended the opening ceremony red carpet. As Kim Da-hyun has been steadily building her filmography with appearances in films such as "Florence," "Funggi," "Forbidden Love," and "The Accidental Detective," expectations are high that she will continue her career as a singer and actress through her participation in this film festival.Previously, Shim Soo-bong attended the "2026 Jinan Red Ginseng Festival" program "Jinan Plateau Trot Festival" held in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, last month on the 20th, and publicly criticized Kim Da-hyun, who performed just before her, saying, "The woman who sang before me made my head spin."She specifically pointed out, "It seems like a young lady doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Listening to her songs is very difficult." She added, "Please don't send the performer before me. I'm so dizzy right now that I feel like I'm going to collapse. Singing is not something to be done so carelessly."Afterward, a video containing these remarks spread through various online communities and social media, leading Shim Soo-bong to post a lengthy apology on her fan cafe and bow her head.In response, Kim Da-hyun stated, "I spoke directly with Shim Soo-bong. She personally apologized, encouraged me, and offered warm comfort." She added, "To my fans who must have been upset and worried about this incident, I will take care of my emotions, so please don't worry and let's meet with bright faces. Thank you."[Entertainment Department | THE FACT]jiyoon-1031@tf.co.krssent@tf.co.kr