I first interviewed Choi Dong-hoon, one of South Korea’s leading directors and screenwriters, in 2015 at the BFI London Film Festival, where he was promoting his espionage action film Assassination. Choi, renowned for his consistent box-office success, spent several years developing the script for Alienoid, a sci-fi fantasy action film. After premiering Alienoid at the…
Category: In Conversation with
James An Talks All About Hip-Hop and Breaks Down His Newest EP, “I Have No Friends and I Must Party” – Exclusive Interview
There are many talented artists in the music industry to discover, but if there’s one artist we believe everyone should listen to, it’s Korean-Canadian rapper James An. Even those who are perhaps unfamiliar with hip-hop will find themselves drawn to his incredible new EP, I Have No Friends and I Must Party. James is clearly…
82MAJOR Reveal the Magic Behind Their First Mini-Album, “BEAT by 82” – Exclusive Interview
The excitement surrounding the release of 82MAJOR’s first mini-album, BEAT by 82, was loud and clear, and it’s easy to see why. The album, which includes songs such as Choke, Birthday, Illegal, and 82, presents the group’s more mature side as well as their versatility and creative synergy. As we discussed the making of each…
Beyond Preservation: Curation and Programming of Korean Film Archive – In Conversation with Kim Hong-joon, Director of the KOFA
The theme of the Far East Film Festival’s retrospective program this year was “Saving the Past: 50/50: Celebrating 50 Years of Korean Film Preservation” and it was focused on a tumultuous yet pivotal decade for Korean cinema. The 1950s were a time of great upheaval and these films – restored under the direction of the…
Melodies Beyond Sound: A Spotlight on Big Ocean, K-Pop’s Inspirational Trio – Exclusive Interview
Hard-of-hearing artists have always faced challenges in the music industry, but their contributions are invaluable and deserve support. While traditionally music has been primarily auditory, advancements in technology and shifts in attitudes are enabling greater inclusivity. Supporting deaf musicians is not only about providing equal opportunities but also recognising the diversity of talent and perspectives…
VERIVERY on Making Their Long-Awaited Return With “GO ON” Fanmeeting Tour
With the cosy fits and bright-eyed smiles of a young boyband, and the grace of stars who’ve been around long enough to earn their own recognised brand, VERIVERY, who debuted five years ago, have still got the blazing fervour of artists who’ve not reached the end of their journey just yet. After announcing their “GO…
26th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Zhang Yudi, Director of “The Midsummer’s Voice” – Exclusive Interview
Peking Opera, a revered Chinese art form blending centuries-old traditions, faces challenges in modern times, struggling to engage the younger generation. Despite government support and international interest, efforts to modernise it and attract younger viewers have shown mixed results. However, Zhang Yudi’s film The Midsummer’s Voice offers a fresh perspective, focusing on the struggles of…
26th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Eugene Domingo and Jun Lana of “Becky and Badette” – Exclusive Interview
In Becky and Badette, director Jun Lana is facing the social media machine and what those who use it can be willing to do to gain fame. The comedy tackles this subject through Becky and Badette, played by Eugene Domingo and Pokwang. Best friends since their school days, they are in dead-end jobs, completely broke,…
26th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Yeon Je-gwang, Lee Ju-seung and Jeong Soo-gyo of “The Guest” – Exclusive Interview
The Guest, written and directed by Yeon Je-gwang, presents a dark and gritty portrayal of a secluded love motel, where hidden cameras capture the most intimate moments of its guests. As two employees, Min-cheol (Lee Ju-seung: Socialphobia, Broken) and Young-gyu (Han Min: Joseon Attorney: A Morality, You Are My Spring), find themselves embroiled in a…
26th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Hur Jin-ho, Director of “A Normal Family”
Hur Jin-ho, renowned as the “master of Korean melodrama”, is in his element in his latest production, A Normal Family. Drawn from the pages of the Dutch author Herman Koch’s gripping best-seller The Dinner, the film revolves around two married – and morally very different – brothers who are forced to confront a harrowing family…
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