[Focus] Cannes Film Festival Welcomes New Director Lee Jung-jae

First Directorial Work 'Hunt' Midnight Screening
'Cold Cannes' What Will Be the Verdict?
"Best Spectacle" Domestic and International Attention
'Cheongdamdong Couple' Spotlight on the Red Carpet
Lee Jung-jae's Fiery 'Day and Night'

Lee Jung-jae/Photo by Artist Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Director Lee Jung-jae's 'Hunt' is the must-see film of this year's Cannes Film Festival."

The French media outlet TF1 highlighted Lee Jung-jae while previewing the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The American media Variety also focused on the news, stating, "'Squid Game' star Lee Jung-jae's directorial debut will be unveiled through the Midnight Screening." This is an unusual level of attention.

Lee Jung-jae rose to global stardom after the Netflix series 'Squid Game,' released in September last year, became a hit. 'Squid Game,' which swept the 79th Golden Globe Awards, the 27th Critics' Choice Awards, and the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards, has increased its chances of winning at the 73rd Emmy Awards this coming September. As the lead actor driving the story, Lee Jung-jae has truly become a highly sought-after figure. Having debuted in 1993 with the drama 'Gongnyongseonsaeng,' he enjoyed popularity as a top star in Korea and is now experiencing a second heyday, moving between the U.S. and Cheongdam-dong amid worldwide enthusiastic calls.

Even the conservative Cannes Film Festival has taken notice of Lee Jung-jae. While the American Oscars have opened their doors to online streaming services (OTT), Cannes remains different. The festival maintains its policy of premiering films first at Cannes and does not invite OTT productions such as those from Netflix.

Luck was also on his side. Although Lee Jung-jae is a star born from OTT, he is also a first-time director, which allowed him to collaborate with Cannes. Not only did he fulfill his long-held dream of directing with 'Hunt,' but he also had the honor of premiering his directorial debut at the Lumi?re Theater, the dream stage for many filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival.

'Hunt,' which tells the story of National Intelligence Service agents Park Pyung-ho and Kim Jung-do, who suspect each other while trying to root out a spy within their organization and face South Korea's first assassination operation, has been invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 75th Cannes Film Festival opening on May 17. The Midnight section screens genre films such as action, thriller, noir, horror, and fantasy that combine artistic quality and popular appeal. Since it showcases genre films with mass appeal, the screening takes place late at night at the Lumi?re Theater.

'Hunt' still/photo by Megabox Joongang Corp. Plus M

Photo by Artist Company

Lee Jung-jae is expected to play a significant role in drawing public attention to the festival. As an event ambitiously prepared by Cannes, his work is also expected to attract domestic and international interest. Particularly meaningful is the fact that he will walk the red carpet not as the hot star of 'Squid Game' but as a 'director.' It will be interesting to see how his debut film 'Hunt' is received by the discerning Cannes audience.

The joint appearance of the 'Cheongdam-dong couple' is also a unique highlight. Actor Jung Woo-sung, who has built a close friendship with Lee Jung-jae to the point of being called a 'couple,' is expected to attend Cannes as the lead actor in 'Hunt.' Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung are likely to heat up the nights of Cannes more than the days.

Lee Jung-jae expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful to the Cannes Film Festival. It is a great honor to have the first screening of my debut work at Cannes." He added, "Today's result is thanks to the passionate dedication of the production team and the actors who gave their all in their performances. I hope for a good response at the Cannes Film Festival as well."

Cannes also serves as a business platform. Filmmakers from around the world gather to watch each other's films and exchange various opinions while getting acquainted. When night falls, receptions are held here and there. This year, many filmmakers are expected to be busy trying to meet Lee Jung-jae at Cannes.