Overview
- Busan International Film Festival confirmed Kim Minha as the sole host for the gala opening on Oct. 6 at the start of the festival running Oct. 6–15 in Busan.
- The single-host choice departs from BIFF’s usual two-host tradition and is being presented as a deliberate spotlight on a new-generation Korean actor.
- BIFF praised Kim for the “depth and emotional precision” of her work and said she will bring warmth and confidence to the opening ceremony.
- Kim Minha rose to international notice for playing young Sunja in Apple TV+’s Pachinko and won acting awards at the 2025 Seoul International Drama Awards and Blue Dragon Series Awards.
- Festival organizers say the appointment ties into a wider strategy to build momentum for the main competition launched in 2025 and to establish the Busan Awards Grand Prize as a leading Asian cinema honor.