Actor Yim Si-wan will bring the 31st Busan International Film Festival to a grand close.
The Busan International Film Festival organizing committee announced on the morning of September 4 that actor Yim Si-wan has been selected as the sole host for the closing ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, which will run for ten days from October 6 (Tuesday) to October 15 (Thursday).
The closing ceremony will also feature the Busan Award ceremony, which selects winners in the competitive section newly established last year. Actor Yim Si-wan, known for his clear appearance combined with deep acting depth, was chosen as the sole host to grace the finale of the festival.
Yim Si-wan entered the acting path in 2012 with the drama "The Moon Embracing the Sun", making a strong impression on the public with his stable acting skills. He then completely shattered the limitations and prejudices of being an idol-turned-actor through his powerful performance in his screen debut film "The Attorney" (2013). In "Misaeng" (2014), he realistically portrayed the precarious youth generation through restrained emotional acting in the role of rookie office worker Jang Geu-rae, firmly establishing himself as a leading actor. Afterward, he built a limitless filmography spanning the screen, television, and OTT platforms with works such as "The Merciless" (2017), "Run On" (2020), "Boyhood" (2023), and "Unlocked" (2023).
In particular, he solidified his standing as a global star by appearing in succession in the global hit series "Squid Game" Seasons 2 and 3, and proved his acting spectrum encompassing both dramas and genre works through various projects such as the film "Mantis" (2025). Building on these achievements, he has received honors at major domestic awards ceremonies, including the Popular Star Award at the 2014 Blue Dragon Film Awards, Best New Actor in Television at the 2015 Baeksang Arts Awards, Best Supporting Actor at the 2022 Buil Film Awards, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation at the 2023 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, and Best Actor at the 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards.
The Busan International Film Festival stated, "This selection of the host is the result of keeping a close eye on the path of actor Yim Si-wan, who has delivered deep resonance to audiences with his solid depth and acting skills that pierce the essence of characters. We expect that his reliable and stable hosting will further enhance the honor and emotion of the competitive section 'Busan Award' winners, bringing a fitting close to the festival."
The 31st Busan International Film Festival, which will brilliantly decorate the festival's finale with Yim Si-wan, will be held for ten days around the Busan Cinema Center from October 6 (Tuesday) to October 15 (Thursday).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)