The 29th Busan International Film Festival kicked off on October 2. The event began with a heartfelt tribute to the late ‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun Kyun. As the memorial video honouring the South Korean star played, the audience fell silent in respect. The seasoned actor tragically passed away in December 2023 at the age of 48, reportedly by suicide, during an ongoing drug investigation.
TTribute to Lee Sun Kyun at BIFF 2024
Prominent stars in the Korean cinema industry, who have played a vital role in the Hallyu Wave, were visibly emotional during the tribute. Notably, ‘Vincenzo’ star Song Joong Ki and Ha Yoon Kyung were among the high-profile attendees deeply affected by the commemoration.
According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, Park Bo Young said in the tribute, “It was truly a poignant goodbye. Just as in the final words of My Mister, we sincerely hope he has found the peace he sought."
Busan International Film Festival 2024
More than a month prior to the start of the 2024 Busan International Film Festival on October 2, officials announced a Special Program in Focus titled "In Memory of Lee Sun Kyun." This tribute will feature screenings of the late global star’s films, including 'Parasite' and an episode of 'My Mister', among others.
Renowned Korean celebrities, including Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae and K-pop artists Dahyun (of TWICE) and Jinyoung (of B1A4), graced the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. Production designer Ryu Seong Hie, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on Korean films such as Bong Joon Ho’s Memories of Murder and The Host, as well as Park Chan Wook’s Oldboy and Decision to Leave, was awarded the inaugural Camellia Award.
Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa was honored with the prestigious Asian Filmmaker of the Year award this year.
