Director Na Hong-jin, who has established himself as one of Korean cinema's defining filmmakers with "The Chaser," "The Yellow Sea," "The Wailing," and "HOPE," shared the driving force behind how he developed his unique cinematic style.
Attending the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Master Class titled "Na Hong-jin: He Is the Genre," held on the morning of October 8 at the Cultural Hall of Shinsegae Department Store in Haeundae-gu, Busan, Director Na was asked by an audience member: "You seem to have an exceptional ability to express stories in your own way and style depending on the film you want to make. Having once dreamed of becoming a manhwa artist, I wonder whether you try to bring in the strengths of other media alongside cinema, or if you focus on bringing out film's intrinsic sensibilities."
To this, he began, "I make sure to embody and internalize it unconditionally."
He then elaborated on his personal filmmaking philosophy: "I try not to let myself be defined or boxed into anything. My principle is that if it happens naturally, it happens, and if not, I don't force it. I don't try hard to remember things, nor do I try hard to take notes. If something is truly good, my subconscious will have picked up on it. I believe that only what has been internalized without me even realizing it truly belongs to me; otherwise, it belongs to someone else."
He also pushed back against being labeled a "perfectionist director," saying, "I'm just the type of person who gets bothered if there's a stray grain of rice stuck somewhere and wants to pick it off; I'm definitely not someone who strives for perfection. However, I do dislike decisions that are too predictable."
During the session, Director Na spent about 60 minutes sharing earnest reflections on his upbringing that shaped who he is today, his screenwriting approach, film production, and directing philosophy.
Unlike standard press interviews or audience Q&A sessions, the event heightened immersion by having him candidly share his prepared thoughts on cinema first before taking questions from attendees. Some of the stories drew close attention as intimate confessions never before shared in a public setting.
Concluding the roughly 90-minute Master Class, Director Na offered warm parting words: "Knowing that many students attend the Busan International Film Festival, I gave an overall overview of the way I make films, though I think even this might bring varied opinions. It was truly an honor to be with everyone today. Have a wonderful day and enjoy your time at the film festival."
Director Na drew 4.59 million moviegoers nationwide this year with his screen comeback "HOPE," his first film in 10 years. At the 35th Buil Film Awards held on October 7, the film took home a total of five trophies, including Best Director, Best New Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)