Pachinko star Kim Minha will host the gala opening ceremony of this year’s Busan International Film Festival. Asia‘s leading cinema event customarily features two Korean stars at its kick-off event, but organizers revealed Friday that Kim will hold down the duties solo when BIFF raises its curtain on Oct. 6.
Busan launched its first-ever main competition section last year for its landmark 30th edition. This year’s event will continue to try to build momentum for the section, establishing the Busan Awards Grand Prize as Asia’s premier cinema honor.
Kim is best known worldwide as young Sunja in Pachinko, Apple TV’s sweeping adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel, in which she shared the saga’s central role across timelines with Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung. The part, spanning the series’ two seasons in 2022 and 2024, turned the actress — who debuted in 2016 — into one of the most closely watched young talents in Korean film and television. She has stayed busy since, with credits including the Dinsney+ series Light Shop, TVING’s Way Back Love and Typhoon Family on Netflix, along with this year’s film Hana Korea. She won best actress in the international competition at the 2025 Seoul International Drama Awards and best new actress at the 2025 Blue Dragon Series Awards.
In announcing the appointment, BIFF credited the “depth and emotional precision she brings to every role” and her growing stature as a star of Korea’s new generation.
“Known for her poised yet spirited presence, she is expected to bring warmth and confidence to the opening ceremony and set the tone for this year’s festival,” organizers said in a statement.
BIFF’s 31st edition runs Oct. 6-15 at the Busan Cinema Center and other venues across the South Korean port city.