Director Na Hong-jin addressed the controversy surrounding a rude question posed by a foreign journalist during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival.
On July 6, a media preview and press conference for the film 'Hope' took place at Megabox Coex in Gangnam, Seoul. Na was joined by actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon.
When asked how he felt about the foreign journalist's question at the official press conference for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Na replied, "Of course, I felt bad."
He added, "I don’t think that was the right place to express feeling bad about such comments," and stated, "I don’t want to talk about it any further."
During the official press conference held in May at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, a foreign journalist sparked controversy by addressing actors Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander while saying, "I don’t know who the rest of you are," in reference to the Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon.
The journalist also remarked on the casting of Fassbender and Vikander, suggesting it was like getting two actors for the price of one and likening it to a "couple package." This led to online criticism that the question was disrespectful to the Korean actors and racially insensitive.
At the time, Na responded, "It’s difficult to bring each of them together," emphasizing that it was a process of effort and persuasion. He further clarified, "It’s not a package deal. Michael is one of my favorite actors, and I had to ask him very earnestly to join us."
'Hope' tells the story of Bumsuk (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of a branch office in the Demilitarized Zone, who faces an unbelievable reality when he hears reports of a tiger sighting from local youths, causing panic in the village. This film marks Na Hong-jin's return after ten years since 'The Wailing' and is invited to compete at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. It is set to be released in theaters on July 15.
On July 6, a media preview and press conference for the film 'Hope' took place at Megabox Coex in Gangnam, Seoul. Na was joined by actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon.
When asked how he felt about the foreign journalist's question at the official press conference for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Na replied, "Of course, I felt bad."
He added, "I don’t think that was the right place to express feeling bad about such comments," and stated, "I don’t want to talk about it any further."
During the official press conference held in May at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, a foreign journalist sparked controversy by addressing actors Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander while saying, "I don’t know who the rest of you are," in reference to the Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon.
The journalist also remarked on the casting of Fassbender and Vikander, suggesting it was like getting two actors for the price of one and likening it to a "couple package." This led to online criticism that the question was disrespectful to the Korean actors and racially insensitive.
At the time, Na responded, "It’s difficult to bring each of them together," emphasizing that it was a process of effort and persuasion. He further clarified, "It’s not a package deal. Michael is one of my favorite actors, and I had to ask him very earnestly to join us."
'Hope' tells the story of Bumsuk (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of a branch office in the Demilitarized Zone, who faces an unbelievable reality when he hears reports of a tiger sighting from local youths, causing panic in the village. This film marks Na Hong-jin's return after ten years since 'The Wailing' and is invited to compete at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. It is set to be released in theaters on July 15.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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