'Pachinko' Star Kim Minha to Host Busan Film Festival Opening Ceremony

South Korean actor Kim Minha, who won global acclaim for her breakout role in Apple TV+'s "Pachinko," has been named the sole host of the opening ceremony for the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The announcement marks another milestone in the actor's rapidly rising international career as she continues to emerge as one of the leading faces of a new generation of Korean talent.

The 31st edition of BIFF will be held from October 6 to October 15 at the Busan Cinema Center and other venues across the South Korean port city. Festival organisers said Minha was selected for the honour because of the depth, emotional precision and sincerity she brings to every performance, as well as her growing stature in both Korean and global entertainment. They added that her poised yet spirited personality is expected to bring warmth and confidence to the opening ceremony while setting the tone for this year's festival.

Kim Minha made her acting debut in 2016 and has steadily built an impressive body of work across films and television. Her international breakthrough came with her portrayal of young Sunja in "Pachinko," the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee's bestselling novel. The multilingual drama earned worldwide praise for its storytelling and performances, with Minha's emotionally nuanced role drawing widespread appreciation from critics and audiences alike.

Building on the success of Pachinko, Minha has continued to expand her repertoire through popular Korean dramas such as "Light Shop," "Way Back Love," and "Typhoon Family," showcasing her versatility across genres. Her appointment as BIFF's opening ceremony host reflects her growing international recognition and the expanding global influence of Korean film and television.

Founded in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is regarded as Asia's premier film festival and a major platform for promoting Asian cinema. Through its renowned New Currents competition, BIFF has introduced numerous emerging filmmakers to the international stage while serving as a key meeting point for filmmakers, producers, distributors, streaming platforms and industry professionals from around the world.

With cinema enthusiasts and industry leaders set to gather in Busan this October, Kim Minha's selection underscores both her remarkable artistic journey and the continued global momentum of Korean entertainment, which has gained unprecedented international popularity in recent years.