[Exclusive] Conversation with Lee Jung-jae Met at the Airport "It Doesn't Feel Real" [Here is Cannes]

Lee Jung-jae Met at Nice Airport Arrival Hall
Humble Director Visiting Cannes Alone
Airport Staff Also 'Buzzing'
Cannes Film Festival Schedule Starts on 19th

[Asia Economy Cannes (France) = Reporter Lee Isul] Perhaps because East Asian women rarely visit the small southern French city of Nice, I was often asked many questions at the Nice C?te d'Azur Airport immigration checkpoint. Even when I said I was going to the 'Cannes Film Festival,' suspicion rarely left their faces. It was like a gateway I had to pass through every time I covered the Cannes Film Festival.

This year was different. When I arrived at the airport immigration checkpoint to go to the Cannes Film Festival, a burly man who looked stern raised his hand and called out "Next." Grumbling "Why here of all places..." I greeted him with as bright a face as possible. When I said I came for this year's Cannes Film Festival, he handed back my passport and said, "Ah, Korea? Are you from Seoul?"

Another striking scene caught my eye. As I went down to collect my luggage, I saw a familiar name. Written in English was "Lee Jung-jae." Several Cannes Film Festival staff were holding signs with his name, waiting for "Director Lee Jung-jae." There was a different atmosphere among the staff?somewhat excited, you might say. Cannes, which Hollywood's major studios barely acknowledge, was clearly different this time. The sound of "Squid Game" was heard everywhere. Before being a rookie director, Lee Jung-jae is a 'world star' inseparable from 'Squid Game.'

While marveling at this, I heard a familiar voice as I retrieved my luggage. A soft, gentle voice. Turning around, it was Lee Jung-jae. He was just arriving at Nice Airport to attend the Cannes Film Festival. He said he had finished his schedule in the U.S. and boarded a flight to Nice. Wearing a pink shirt and white pants neatly, he appeared alone, pulling a small carry-on and completed immigration. Afterwards, he personally lifted a large suitcase that came out as checked luggage. It was impressive how he declined Cannes' generous hospitality and took care of his luggage himself.

On the morning of the 18th (local time) at the baggage claim area of Nice Airport, Lee Jung-jae met with Asia Economy and warmly smiled upon recognizing the reporter who had come from Korea. When asked about his first impression attending the Cannes Film Festival as a director, he smiled brightly and said, "I still can't believe I'm actually here in Cannes." He was cautious yet kind in responding to the sudden interview request.

On the same day, Lee Jung-jae arrived from the U.S., and Jung Woo-sung arrived from Korea. Traveling on different flights, the two met in Cannes and will walk the red carpet at the 'Hunt' premiere screening on the 19th. When mentioned, he said, "I really don't know how it will be," adding, "I think I'll only truly feel it once I step onto the red carpet tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."

During the brief conversation with Lee Jung-jae, all eyes were on him. Even airport staff wearing security vests looked at him with curiosity, and people from various countries nearby retrieving their luggage murmured upon hearing his voice. The popularity of a 'world-class' star was palpable.

Lee Jung-jae pulled his own luggage and exited the immigration hall. As the doors opened, a crowd of fans awaited him. Some fans had prepared autograph boards printed with 'Squid Game' and requested his signature. Though momentarily taken aback, he responded to all autograph requests with a smiling face. While he left the airport, fans chanted his name and busily moved to catch another glimpse of him.

Lee Jung-jae checked into a hotel near the Cannes Film Festival and will attend the premiere screening of his directorial debut 'Hunt' at midnight on the night of the 19th to 20th at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre. 'Hunt' depicts the story of National Intelligence Service agents Park Pyung-ho (played by Lee Jung-jae) and Kim Jung-do (played by Jung Woo-sung), who suspect each other while trying to root out a spy within the organization and face a huge incident. The film has attracted attention as Lee Jung-jae participates in both acting and directing, with Jung Woo-sung co-starring.

Meanwhile, the Cannes Film Festival is reaping great benefits this year from the surprise invitations extended to Tom Cruise and Lee Jung-jae. From the airport onward, Lee Jung-jae received immense popularity, and Tom Cruise, whose premiere screening and press screening were both sold out, has drawn attention as to how he will delight fans again this year at Cannes.