Hello everyone 😎

How have you been holding up this week?

With the sweltering heat and never-ending routine, isn’t it easy to feel a little worn down?

But even in the middle of ordinary days, some stories leave a quiet mark.

In this issue, we’ve gathered a few of those moments for you:
📌 The Host Announced for the 2025 BIFF Opening Ceremony
📌 The Busan Story Market (BSM) Unveils Korean·Taiwanese·Japanese IP Selections

Let me bring a small spark of excitement to your day.
Shall we dive in together? 🏃‍♀️💨

Photo credit: BH Entertainment

We’re excited to share that actor Lee Byung Hun will host the opening ceremony of the 30th BIFF! As the first-ever male solo host in the festival’s history, he is expected to bring his charm and captivating on-screen presence to the stage, lending depth and gravitas to this year’s event. 🎉👏

What makes this year’s host announcement even more special? It’s not just about star power, but his long-standing connection with BIFF and  lasting impact on Korean cinema. Since his first appearance at the 8th Busan International Film Festival in 2003, he has returned to Busan again with various films and programs, remaining a consistent presence in Busan’s cinematic journey.

We can’t wait to see how he’ll bring his charisma and engaging presence to the opening ceremony—expect a memorable start to this year’s festival! 🔥

The 30th Busan International Film Festival is set to begin with the opening ceremony on September 17 (Wed). We’d love for you to be part of the moment when the festival begins.

This year, a total of 31 IPs from Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have been selected! From books and webtoons to TV dramas, a wide variety of storytelling formats are on display — and while their formats may differ, they all share one thing in common: captivating narratives that cross genre boundaries and defy convention. 😆

In particular, the BSM lineup is gaining attention as a compelling barometer of one key question:

“What kinds of stories are resonating with global audiences right now?”

Which of these stories will make it to the screen next?

Here at BIFF, we believe you’ll find some of the most exciting answers.

Some titles may already be familiar, while others feel like hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

At this year’s Busan Story Market, we’re excited to see which creators these stories will connect with, and how they’ll transform into something unforgettable on screen.

But the journey doesn’t end here.

Stories are endless — and always beginning, somewhere.

Maybe the story in your mind right now would be part of next year’s BSM lineup.

So stay tuned!

There are so many more stories to be told, and even more moments waiting to be made.

Familiar, yet refreshingly new—
your next “story of a lifetime” might begin right here. 🌿

🗓️ September 20 (Sat) to 23 (Tues)

📍 the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) Exhibition Hall 2

Join us in Busan—the hub of global IP business. 👋

May these stories spark big inspiration.

We’ll be back next week with more exciting updates.

Until then, take care and see you soon! 😉

🌊 Now in BIFF 🌊

📌 Registration for the 30th Busan International Film Festival Badges

• ※ Schedule varies by category / Please refer to the official BIFF website for details.

📌 Asian Cinema Fund(ACF) Launched Co-Production Support Fund Open for Submissions

• July 1 (Tues) to August 14 (Thurs)

📌 Rolling Recruitment — Contract-Based Staff Positions

• From July 16 (Wed) ~ Ongoing