Actor Lee Byung Hun has been announced as the host for the opening ceremony of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. 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.
With a career spanning 35 years, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility across a wide range of genres in both television and film. His recent performance in the Netflix original series Squid Game (2021-2025) established him as one of the leading figures in the global rise of K-content. As the opening ceremony marks a pivotal moment to honor BIFF’s legacy and chart a new direction for the years ahead, his presence is expected to serve as a meaningful bridge between audiences and filmmakers.
Lee Byung Hun has showcased his remarkable range and talent through a series of acclaimed works, including Inside Men (2015), The Fortress (2017), The Man Standing Next (2020), Emergency Declaration (2022), Concrete Utopia (2023), and The Match (2025), earning numerous accolades and solidifying his position as one of Korea’s leading actors. He is also expected to carry this momentum forward in the upcoming film, No Other Choice. Marking his Hollywood debut with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), he continued to land prominent roles in major Hollywood productions, such as Red 2 (2013), Terminator Genisys (2015), and The Magnificent Seven (2016), building global prestige and resonating with audiences worldwide. Most recently, through KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and The King of Kings (2025), he delivered a refined yet powerful voice act, reaffirming his reputation not only as a versatile actor but also as a cultural icon who continues to broaden the scope of his acting career.
Lee Byung Hun’s presence is set to bring a unique blend of charisma, elegance, and authenticity to this year's BIFF’s most celebrated evening.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival is set to begin with the opening ceremony on Sept 17 (Wed) and proceed for ten days until Sept 26 (Fri) at Busan Cinema Center and throughout Busan.
