[Here is Cannes] Filmmakers Gathered at Cannes to Commemorate the Late Kang Soo-yeon

75th Cannes Film Festival Scene
Korean Film Night Held After 3 Years
Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung, Jaejae Attend
Over 500 Film Professionals Gather Worldwide

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] More filmmakers gathered at the 'Korean Film Night' than in 2019 when 'Parasite' won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The venue could accommodate about 400 people. The organizers estimated that around 500 guests were invited, and the enthusiasm at the event was intense. The changed temperature toward K-movie was palpable.

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) held the 'Korean Film Night' at a location in Cannes, France, at 9:30 PM local time on the 21st. It was the first time in three years since the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

Before the event, a moment of remembrance was held for the late Kang Soo-yeon, who passed away on the 7th. The host said, "We will have a moment of silence for Kang Soo-yeon, the first world star and representative Korean actress." The video showed the late actress in the films 'The Surrogate Woman' (1987) and 'Come, Come, Come Upward' (1989). After the video ended, a moment of silence was observed for her. Filmmakers from around the world present bowed their heads in tribute to the late Kang Soo-yeon.

In 2019, when director Bong Joon-ho and actor Song Kang-ho's 'Parasite' was nominated in the competition section and interest in K-movie was rising, the event held at the same venue after three years gathered the largest number of filmmakers ever. What has happened in the past three years? This year, filmmakers from all over the world flocked, proving high interest.

Director Park Chan-wook and actors Tang Wei and Park Hae-il from 'Decision to Leave,' director Hirokazu Kore-eda and Song Kang-ho, Kang Dong-won, Bae Doona, IU, and Lee Joo-young from 'Broker,' and Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung from 'Hunt' sent congratulatory messages via video.

On this day, Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung visited the venue and heated up the atmosphere. Many overseas officials who recognized them flocked to request photos, showing high interest.

Jaejae (Lee Eun-jae), who came to the site to shoot web content, attended wearing a popcorn hat to support the film industry, which had been stagnant due to the pandemic. This seems to be a makeup choice considering the recent resumption of popcorn sales as eating inside theaters was allowed again, signaling that theaters are gradually coming back to life.

Additionally, when the song 'Next Level' by the group aespa played, Jaejae cleverly performed choreography to the music, attracting local attention.

A film industry official said, "It is the first time that the National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), France's equivalent of KOFIC, participated in the 'Korean Film Night' event during the Cannes Film Festival," adding, "This year, an unprecedented joint roundtable was held during the Cannes Film Festival period, and there are plans to engage in more active exchanges with Korea in the future."

Cannes (France) = Reporter Lee Isul