The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a special tribute programme honouring the late Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, who died earlier this year, while its market arm, the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), has named Thailand as the inaugural recipient of a new top-tier "Country of Honor" partnership. The dual announcements form part of the 31st edition of the festival, underlining Busan's dual role as both a showcase for Korean cinematic heritage and a hub for regional industry collaboration.

The Ahn Sung-ki tribute, titled "Those Beautiful Years, Ahn Sung-ki," features six films from his 1980s and 1990s peak, personally selected by the actor before his death, including "A Fine, Windy Day" and "White Badge," with screenings accompanied by guest appearances from longtime collaborators and an accompanying essay collection produced with the Korean Film Archive. Meanwhile, Thailand's new status recognises decades of ties between the two markets and comes as more than 540 foreign productions filmed there last year, aided by rebates of up to 30%; the 31st BIFF runs 6–15 October, with the ACFM market held 10–13 October.