Son Ye-jin, renowned for her iconic roles in Korean cinema, graced the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) with a mesmerizing presence, on July 4. Clad in an elegant white gown, she captivated the red carpet at the Bucheon Art Center, marking the beginning of the event at 6 PM KST. The evening unfolded with a grand opening ceremony at 7 PM, where Son Ye-jin was honored as the central figure of the 2024 BIFAN Actor Special Exhibition, making her the youngest recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Joining the ranks of esteemed predecessors like Kim Hye-soo, Sol Kyung-gu, and Choi Min-sik, Son Ye-jin's exhibition, titled ‘One and Only, Son Ye-jin', cast a spotlight on her remarkable 23-year career in the industry. Highlighting her journey through a montage of memorable scenes, the exhibition underscored her ability to evoke emotions and leave a lasting mark in the world of melodrama.
"With her unforgettable glances and profound emotions neatly sealed in a single scene, she created a distinctive melodrama brand bearing her name", as stated in a particular line from the video tribute. The emotional clip concluded with a message, "To the world that she created, she continues the brilliant journey".
Taking the stage amidst the applause, the 42-year-old actress shared her gratitude, reflecting on her career aspirations, "It was very simple. I wanted to be an actor that didn’t have to audition. Due to personality I can’t read a script in front of an unknown audience and sell myself. I hoped my name would get out there and would just get casted. It came true".
BIFAN had earlier unveiled the retrospective honoring Son Ye-jin on May 20, describing it as a "Retrospective dedicated to outstanding actors and actresses in Korean cinema today". The exhibition featured a curated selection of her iconic films, complemented by a commemorative booklet, an extensive talk session, and a photo exhibition, providing a thorough celebration of her impactful career in Korean cinema.
The star-studded red carpet event drew attention with approximately 150 celebrities and famous figures gracing the occasion, each pausing at the photo wall to strike poses for the flashing cameras. The event was also broadcast live on YouTube, ensuring that fans and enthusiasts alike could partake in celebrating the career of Son Ye-jin at BIFAN 2024.