The 27th JEONJU IFF Kicks Off: Global Cinema Icons Converge in Jeonju
2026-04-30 16:00:00Hits 168
Press Release 21
The 27th JEONJU IFF Kicks Off: Global Cinema Icons Converge in Jeonju
- Greta LEE, Kent JONES, TSAI Ming-Liang, BAE Jong-ok, BYUN Young-joo, KWON Hae-hyo, KIM Hyunjoo and Other Notable Guests Gather in Jeonju
- Special Achievement Award Presented to the Late AHN Sung-ki, Accepted on His Behalf by His Son, AHN Philip
- Red Carpet Event, Opening Performance by OH Jieun, and Screening of Opening Film Late Fame
The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival (JEONJU IFF, Festival Co-Directors MIN Sungwook and JUNG Junho) officially commenced its 10-day journey with a grand Opening Ceremony.
△The 27th JEONJU IFF Red Carpet
The Opening Ceremony of the 27th JEONJU International Film Festival was held on April 29 (Wed) at Moak Hall, Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do.
The event was attended by a wide range of distinguished guests from Korea and abroad, including director Kent JONES and actor Greta LEE of the Opening Film Late Fame; directors TSAI Ming-Liang and BYUN Young-joo (Programmer of the Year); Executive Committee Member BAE Jong-ok; jurors SHIM Jaemyung, LEE Hae-young, and KO Asung, along with the jury members; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism CHAE Hwi-young; WITHBOM (Barrier-free) Ambassador, Actor YOON Jong-hoon; and actors KIM Hyunjoo and CHAE Jungan.
Approximately 2,000 attendees joined the Opening Ceremony, celebrating the beginning of the festival and adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
△The 27th JEONJU IFF Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony commenced with a lively hosting by actors SHIN Hyun Joon and GO Won Hee. The JEONJU IFF then introduced a diverse lineup of films, heightening anticipation among the audience. Festival Co-Directors MIN Sungwook and JUNG Junho shared their remarks, stating, “We extend our sincere thanks to filmmakers and audiences from Korea and around the world. Having been reappointed for another three-year term, we will build on the foundation we have laid and continue to grow the festival further.”
Festival Co-Directors MIN Sungwook and JUNG Junho shared their remarks, expressing their expectations for this year’s festival. They stated, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to filmmakers and film enthusiasts who have joined us from Korea and around the world. Having been reappointed, we are honored to continue serving as Co-Directors for the next three years. While we have focused on laying a strong foundation thus far, we will now strive to further strengthen and expand the festival moving forward.”
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Special Achievement Award to the late actor AHN Sung-ki. His son, AHN Philip, attended the ceremony and accepted the award on his behalf, in a heartfelt tribute to the beloved actor who played a pivotal role in the development of Korean cinema.
During the festival, Special Focus: Ahn Sung-Ki’s Memorable Films Yet Rarely Seen offers an in-depth look at his body of work, allowing audiences to rediscover the breadth and depth of his remarkable acting career across different periods.
Following the award presentation, key guests were introduced, including jurors for the International Competition, Korean Competition, Korean Competition for Shorts, the FUJIFILM KOREA Award, and the NETPAC Award, as well as director BYUN Young-joo, who was selected as this year’s J Special: Programmer of the Year.
△The 27th JEONJU IFF Opening Ceremony
Author and singer OH Jieun delivered the opening performance, setting the tone for the evening. This was followed by an introduction to the Opening Film Late Fame by Programmer Sung MOON, along with its official screening.
Late Fame presents an allegorical narrative centered on the rediscovery of a once-forgotten artist, reflecting both a contemporary New York unable to let go of its past and the realities of the contemporary art world.
The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival will take place over 10 days from April 29 (Wed) to May 8 (Fri), 2026, across Jeonju City.
