[Photo &] Berlin International Film Festival Kicks Off Today with Glamour... Four Korean Films Including Hong Sang-soo and Jeong Ji-young Set to Premiere

76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) will grandly open on February 12 (local time) in Berlin, Germany. This year, the festival is drawing attention from domestic and international film fans with the participation of world-renowned masters and a total of four Korean films invited.

The opening ceremony will kick off with a glamorous red carpet at Berlin Palast at 5 PM local time. Tricia Tuttle, the Executive Director, and Director Wim Wenders, who serves as the jury chair, will open the event. Notably, on this day, Michelle Yeoh, considered one of the most influential actors of our time, will be awarded the 'Honorary Golden Bear'. The tribute speech will be delivered by Sean Baker, director of the Oscar-winning film 〈The Florida Project〉, adding significance to the occasion.

This year's opening film is the new work of Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat, 〈No Good Men〉, which will be screened as a world premiere. The red carpet event will be graced by political figures including Wolfram Weimer, Minister of Culture and Media, and Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin, as well as global stars such as Bella Ramsey, Neil Patrick Harris, and Daniel Brühl.

The opening ceremony will take place from 7 PM (local time) and will be broadcast live worldwide through the official Berlinale website and YouTube channel.

The achievements of Korean cinema are also remarkable. A total of four Korean films have been officially invited to this Berlin International Film Festival.

First, Hong Sang-soo has been invited to the Panorama section with his new film 'The Day She Returned', marking his seventh consecutive entry into Berlin.

Jeong Ji-young's new film 'My Name Is' has been selected for the Forum section. Director Jeong Ji-young plans to attend the festival in person with lead actors Yeom Hye-ran and Shin Woo-bin, participating in official schedules such as red carpet events, stage greetings, and Q&A sessions to engage with global audiences.

The rise of emerging directors is also noteworthy. Yoo Jae-in's feature debut 'Going to Erase' has been invited to the Generation 14plus section, while Oh Jiin's short film 'Sspidi!' has achieved the remarkable feat of entering the competition section.