BIFF cites actor's 'solid craft and deep resonance'
Actor Im Si-wan will serve as the sole host of the closing ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival.
The Busan International Film Festival announced Friday that it had selected Im as the ceremony's sole host, describing him as "an actor with a bright presence and deep performance craft worthy of closing out the festival."
The festival runs from Oct. 6 to 15. The closing ceremony will also feature the Busan Awards — a competitive section introduced last year — at which winners will be announced.
Im made his acting debut in the 2012 drama series "Moon Embracing the Sun" before delivering a striking performance in his big-screen debut, "The Attorney" (2013), shattering the stereotype of the idol-turned-actor. He has since built a solid filmography spanning film, television and OTT platforms, with credits including "Misaeng" (2014), "Noir in Festival" (2017), "Run On" (2020), "Boyhood" (2023) and "I Lost My Body" (2023).
Im also cemented his status as a global star through back-to-back appearances in seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix's "Squid Game," and demonstrated a wider genre range with the film "Mantis" (2025).
"This selection reflects our close attention to Im Si-wan's journey as an actor who has moved audiences deeply through his solid craft and his ability to cut to the essence of every character," the festival said. "We expect his reliable and assured hosting to heighten the honor and emotion of the Busan Awards and bring the festival to a memorable close."
balme@heraldcorp.com
