30th Anniversary of the Busan International Film Festival
President Lee and First Lady Make Surprise Visit, Watch "The Hours of the Theater"
President Lee Asks Directors About Production Budgets
"Government Will Support the Film Industry's Growth from the Ground Up"
President Lee Jaemyung stated, "The film industry is leading the global spread of K-Culture, and we will establish a solid foundation so that it can be firmly positioned as a national strategic industry."
On September 21, through X (formerly Twitter), President Lee said, "By distributing movie discount vouchers twice in July and September this year, we have brought many audiences back to theaters, revitalizing the industry. I believe this positive trend is a hopeful sign that not only indicates a full recovery of the theater industry, but also its potential for further growth in the future."
He continued, "We will actively support the film industry so that it can develop into a future core growth engine by revitalizing the entire process, from production to distribution and overseas expansion."
On the previous day (September 20), President Lee and First Lady Kim Hyekyung attended the Busan International Film Festival, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, and watched the film "The Hours of the Theater." After the screening, they also participated in a "Guest Visit" (GV) session with the director and actors. "The Hours of the Theater," which the presidential couple watched, is an anthology film combining Director Lee Jongpil's "Chimpanzee" and Director Yoon Gaeun's "Naturally."
During the Guest Visit, President Lee showed keen interest by asking the directors involved about the production budget. He emphasized that "film is a comprehensive art form as well as an industry," and added, "There are concerns that the film production ecosystem is deteriorating, so the government will pay close attention to ensure that the film industry can grow sufficiently from the ground up."
First Lady Kim Hyekyung shared her impressions, saying, "Watching a film filled with sweat and passion together with the directors and actors made my heart flutter," and expressed her gratitude. One audience member who participated in the Guest Visit commented, "It was an honor to watch films by my two favorite directors, and to do so together with the President was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Park Kwangsoo, Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, said, "On the occasion of our 30th anniversary, having the President and First Lady join us has given great strength to both filmmakers and audiences. The Busan International Film Festival will continue to serve as a festival for filmmakers worldwide and as a platform for the advancement of the Korean film industry."
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