Kim Minha, known for playing young Sunja in Apple TV+ drama Pachinko, will host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Busan International Film Festival. Her solo appointment departs from the festival’s usual practice of having two Korean stars lead the event, and reflects her growing prominence in South Korean screen acting.

The festival’s 31st edition will run from 6 to 15 October across Busan, including the Busan Cinema Center. Organisers are also seeking to build on the main competition section introduced for the festival’s 30th edition, with the Busan Awards Grand Prize intended to become a leading Asian cinema accolade; Kim’s recent credits include Light Shop, Way Back Love, Typhoon Family and Hana Korea.