The Sudden Cancellation
Just days before the event, the Busan International Film Festival quietly announced the cancellation of a much-anticipated press conference for the Japanese film The Sunflower on the Board. The statement, released on September 15, cited the guest’s “personal reasons” for the change in schedule and asked for public understanding.
Sakaguchi at the Center
Kentaro Sakaguchi, who was scheduled to attend the event alongside legendary actor Ken Watanabe, has been generating major buzz lately—and not for his acting roles. The actor reportedly backed out of the appearance following fresh gossip back home in Japan.
Love Life in the Headlines
According to the tabloid Weekly Bunshun, Sakaguchi is currently living with a hair and makeup artist who is three years his senior. The story didn’t end there; the outlet also claimed he had a romantic history with popular actress Mei Nagano.
Adding more intrigue, Nagano’s agency confirmed that the two had previously dated but confessed they were unaware that Sakaguchi was involved with someone else during that time. Talk about real-life K-drama energy.
Kentaro Sakaguchi: From Runway to Reel
Before all this romantic drama, Sakaguchi rose to fame as a model-turned-actor. He’s starred in hit dramas like Juhan Shuttai!, Signal, and Only Just Married, as well as films such as Our Little Sister and We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.
Korean fans may remember him from the 2023 Coupang Play series What Comes After Love, where he starred opposite Lee Se-young. Thanks to roles like that, he’s part of the growing wave of Japanese stars gaining traction in the Hallyu landscape.
What’s Next for Sakaguchi?
Whether this PR hiccup will dent his growing popularity in Korea remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Kentaro Sakaguchi’s star power—and love life—are keeping fans talking both in Japan and abroad.
Will he return to the spotlight, or continue laying low post-festival? Either way, the Hallyu train doesn’t slow down for romantic speed bumps.
