(From left: Na Hong Jin, Kim Yoon Suk and Ha Jung Woo)

The biggest stars from all over the world have converged in France to attend the 61st Cannes Film Festival. It is the biggest event in cinema, inviting stars, directors, producers, and critics to view the latest collection of stellar films.

Korea proudly participated in this event with 2 films invited for a full screening in the “Out of Competition” category, joining the ranks of Indiana Jones 4 and Kung Fu Panda. The Korean movie industry has matured over the years to produce films, actors, and directors worthy enough to mingle among international film luminaries. Last year, Korean actress Jeon Do Yeon recieved the honor of winning the “best actress” award for her role in “Secret Sunsine.”

The first Korean film to open was “The Chaser,” a crime film featuring actors Kim Yoon Suk and Ha Jung Woo, and director Na Hong Jin. The 3,000 seater Grand Théâtre Lumière filled up to the maximum for its midnight screening on May 18. Supposedly, midnight screenings don’t recieve a lot of viewers but this impressive turnout surprised  even organizers.

The Chaser” recieved praises, such “the hottest movie.” Even Variety, a highly-acclaimed film magazine, cited the movie as the “arrival of a dangerous and daring film and actors alike.” Many critics were surprised that this was director Na Hong Jin’s debut film.

After the end of the screening, the audience rose up from their seats and gave a standing ovation, saying “Wonderful!” and “Amazing!”. As they stepped out onto the red carpet, the actors and director were surprised at the number of people who had gathered as more people from nearby were attracted to the crowd.

Read the synopsis of “The Chaser” Here >>>

Look out for Part 2 of Korean Films at 61st Cannes Film Festival – The movie “The Good, the Bad and the Weird” (a Korean version of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” by Clint Eastwood in 1966) will be shown on the last day of Cannes, May 24. It features three of Korea’s top, well-established actors – Jung Woo Sung, Lee Byung Hun, and Song Kang Ho – and their adventures in Manchuria. This film will open in Korea this summer.


Korea’s hottest male actor, Jang Dong Gun, seems to also have made it to Cannes; however, not in a Korean movie, but through his Hollywood debut film “The Laundry Warrior,” which had a preview screening.

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