Actor Jung Woo is at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) with "Audition 109," his first feature as both director and star―and he’s also been named the recipient of the “Busan’s Beloved Filmmaker” honor, adding extra significance to his homecoming.
At a pre-festival event on Sept. 16 at the BIFF Plaza outdoor stage in Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, District Mayor Choi Jin-bong presented Jung Woo with a commemorative plaque, further cementing the actor’s deep ties to the city.
Festival organizers quipped, “From 'Wish,' steeped in Busan’s spirit, to 'Audition 109'―just as Jung Woo loves Busan, we love Jung Woo right back.” He shared the honor with director Yoon Je-kyoon.
“I left Busan for Seoul at 19 to become an actor, so receiving such a meaningful award from Busan audiences is overwhelming,” Jung Woo said. “‘Audition 109’ continues the story of the boy introduced in ‘Wish,’ and I’m grateful for BIFF’s official invitation. With your support, I hope to repay audiences both as an actor and as a person. It’s especially meaningful to share this award with director Yoon Je-kyoon, with whom I worked on 'The Himalayas.'”
Set for a world premiere in BIFF’s Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere section, "Audition 109" marks Jung Woo’s first time behind the camera, and he also appears on screen. After steadily building a resume across TV and film, he brings his own eye and sensibility to the big screen. Two years ago, he also served as a juror for BIFF’s Actor of the Year award alongside Han Ye-ri.
Joining Jung Woo at the festival are cast members Krystal Jung, Shin Seung-ho, Hyun Bong-sik, Kwon So-hyun and Cho Beom-gyu. They’ll meet audiences up close through official events including Open Cinema screenings and post-screening Q&As.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs Sept. 17-26 across Busan.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)