Michelle Yeoh: “Korean cinema is a model to follow; I want to work with Lee Chang-dong, Bong Joon-ho, and Park Chan-wook” [31st BIFF]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actress Michelle Yeoh received the “Asian Film Person of the Year” award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival and reflected on her journey as an Asian actress.

A press conference for Michelle Yeoh, the recipient of the “Asian Film Person of the Year” award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), was held on the 7th at the Cinema Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan.

Michelle Yeoh said, “It has been 15 years since I last came to Busan, and it is truly wonderful to be back. Thank you for your warm welcome.” She added, “Receiving the Asian Film Person of the Year award is deeply meaningful, and I am grateful.”

She continued, “Much like the Busan International Film Festival, I have also walked a long path. Starting in Asia and moving onto the global stage, my goal was to share culture through film.” She stated, “I believe that in some way, I have achieved that goal to a certain extent.”

She also expressed her affection for Korean cinema. Showing anticipation for working with director Lee Chang-dong, she said, “I am very interested in Korean films, including ‘Possible Love.’” She added, “I definitely want to work with director Park Chan-wook and director Bong Joon-ho as well. I have already acted alongside actor Jung Woo-sung.” She smiled and said, “I also really love K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food, but above all, I love the people of Korea.”

In particular, Michelle Yeoh set a new milestone in world cinema history by becoming the first Asian actress to win Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards for her role in the 2023 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Regarding the achievements of Asian actors, Michelle Yeoh said, “Actress Yoon Yeo-jeong showed the standing of Asian actors by becoming the first Asian to win Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards in 2021.” She added, “It was a great fortune for me to be able to compete for an Oscar as well.”

She continued, “At the time, it felt like a dream. I believe that such achievements can inspire many people by showing them that ‘I can do it too.’” She revealed, “I also gained the strength to keep moving forward.”

Praise for Korean cinema followed. Michelle Yeoh said, “Korean cinema is doing really well. I think it is a good model that we can learn from.” She added, “I hope Asian cinema continues to move in that direction with pride.”

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*This content was translated by AI.