A Starry Start to Busan’s Biggest Night
The 30th Busan International Film Festival kicked off with a glamorous bang, and all eyes were on Han Hyo-joo as she graced the red carpet in a pink-gold gown. The crowd went wild when she appeared alongside Japanese director Sho Tsukikawa to promote their Netflix project ‘Lovers Anonymous’, premiering under the festival’s On Screen section.
Cross-Cultural Romance on Screen
In Lovers Anonymous, Han plays a genius chocolatier who falls for a mysterious man portrayed by Japanese actor Shun Oguri. The series is one of the most anticipated releases this fall, and debuting it at Asia’s biggest film fest only adds to the hype.
Han Hyo-joo: “A Night I’ll Never Forget”
With over 4.78 million Instagram followers and roles in internationally loved dramas, Han Hyo-joo is no stranger to the red carpet – but this moment felt special:
“Walking the red carpet at the Busan International Film Festival with a project so close to my heart made it a night I’ll never forget. I’m full of gratitude,” she shared.
Director Tsukikawa: “Truly an Honor”
Making his return to the Busan stage after eight years, Sho Tsukikawa was visibly moved by the warmth of the Korean audience:
“It was truly an honor to walk alongside one of Korea’s top actresses. This is a project made possible by the harmony of Korean and Japanese creatives. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Lovers Anonymous Hits Netflix Soon
The romantic drama will be released globally on October 16, but attendees at BIFF will get the first look during its world premiere. Shun Oguri, Han Hyo-joo, and the director will also appear for post-screening Q&As on September 19 and 20—cue more fan frenzy.
What’s BIFF’s ‘On Screen’ Section?
Not just a film fest anymore, BIFF introduced this section in 2021 to spotlight streaming-driven series. Think of it as the Cannes of binge-worthy dramas. A growing number of Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming titles now get the same red-carpet treatment as indie films.
What’s Next?
With Korea and Japan teaming up on an emotional drama, Lovers Anonymous represents something bigger than entertainment—it’s a cross-cultural love letter wrapped in Netflix gloss. Will global audiences fall just as hard for it as the Busan crowd did?
