The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially appointed Jung Hanseok, the current Korean Cinema Programmer at BIFF, as the new Festival Director. His appointment was finalized through the second General Meeting, held on March 20 (Thu) at the Busan Cinema Center.
The Executive Recommendation Committee of the Busan International Film Festival (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) conducted two rounds of open recruitment for the Festival Director in January and March 2025, carefully reviewing candidates to find the most suitable individual to ensure the festival’s stable operation and present a vision for its future. Among the two candidates endorsed by the Committee, Chairperson Park Kwang-su officially recommended Jung Hanseok to the Board of Directors. Following the Board of Directors meeting on March 20, his appointment was finalized through the General Meeting.
In its statement of endorsement, the Committee noted: “Jung Hanseok is a highly qualified candidate with a deep understanding of the festival’s internal and external landscape. He possesses the capabilities necessary to take the festival to the next level.”
Jung Hanseok entered the film industry after winning the Cine21 Film Criticism Award in 2002. As a journalist and film critic for Cine21, he gained recognition for his insightful film analyses and in-depth understanding of the industry. Since 2019, he has served as the Korean Cinema Programmer at BIFF, successfully bridging the domestic film industry with the festival. He has also played a key role in discovering and supporting emerging Korean filmmakers, contributing to the foundation of the future Korean film industry.
In addition, Jung Hanseok has built an extensive network through various domestic and international roles, including serving as a jury member for the Buil Film Awards, Jeonju International Film Festival, and Seoul Independent Film Festival, as well as an advisor for the Florence Korea Film Fest and the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.
Jung Hanseok will officially assume his role as Festival Director on March 21, 2025. Over his four-year term, he will be responsible for leading the Busan International Film Festival towards further development while ensuring its stable operation.
