[Photo&] Gong Yoo Enchants Italy… A Full House in 3 Minutes at the “Florence Korea Film Festival” Invitation Event

The power of K-content that took over Florence, Italy — Actor Gong Yoo’s masterclass

Actor "Gong Yoo" set Florence, Italy, on fire. Attending the 24th "Florence Korea Film Festival", he looked at the packed seats and said, "I didn’t know I’d receive this kind of overwhelming love in Italy," clearly stunned by the reception. Co-chairman Jang Eun-young also confirmed the buzz on-site, saying "In the 24-year history of the festival, this kind of explosive response is unprecedented." He again proved the unstoppable presence of 'K-content' across Europe by setting a rare record with all seats sold out within 'three minutes' of ticket sales.

A massive crowd from 6:00 a.m., global fandom aiming for a "front-row, up-close view"

On the 21st (local time), in front of the La Compagnia Theater, a line formed starting in the early hours of 6:30 a.m. Devoted fans gathered to secure a 'front-row, up-close view' at the 'masterclass'. The movie 'Train to Busan', which spread by word of mouth across the area, also sold out early. Fans who had written their single-digit waiting numbers on their hands couldn’t hide their excitement, and many middle-aged female fans—spanning borders and generations—were also spotted, underlining that 'Hallyu' has expanded its base.

The Korean-language craze sparked by 'Goblin,' with impact reaching beyond Europe

A local Italian fan, Immanuardaudoani, said, "Over the past one or two years, the status of 'Korean culture' has been rising fast." She added that after watching mega-hit 'Goblin', the number of middle-aged people studying Korean directly surged. People who couldn’t get tickets gathered around the theater, and fans who flew in from abroad—just to meet 'Gong Yoo', including from the U.S. and France—joined as well, showing his 'global reach' without any filters.

Fanship that transcends borders, with waves of heartfelt Korean-language signs and placards

Aza Kawalska, who flew from New Jersey in the U.S. all the way to Florence, shared how deeply she felt as a fan despite the disappointment of not getting a ticket—saying she fully immersed herself in Gong Yoo’s filmography, including 'Coffee Prince' and 'The Yellow Sea'. Many fans who arrived on-site cheered while holding large placards they made themselves, or raised 'I love you' Korean-language signs they carefully wrote in imperfect handwriting. It’s more than just consuming culture—it clearly shows the strong, lasting 'affection' Korean actor Gong Yoo inspires.

Discussing the depth of the work — Florence City responds with an 'Award of Merit'

The conversations with the audience went far beyond a typical fan meet. In works that reflect realities of Korean society, such as 'Kim Ji-young, Born 1982' and 'Squid Game', Gong Yoo shared candid behind-the-scenes stories and the challenges behind them. For more than an hour, Italian viewers listened with full attention and sent wave after wave of warm applause. In recognition, Florence City presented Gong Yoo with an 'Award of Merit' for his significant contribution to regional cultural exchange and development, offering the highest respect for the achievements of Korean filmmakers.

The epicenter of the Korean film boom in Europe — the Florence Korea Film Festival marks its 24th anniversary

Now in its 24th year, the 'Florence Korea Film Festival' is recognized as a pioneering global festival that helped spread the 'Korean film boom' to major cities worldwide, including Paris and London. Launched through private leadership, it has introduced more than 2,000 Korean films to date and invites over 100 filmmakers, establishing itself as a distinctive 'hub for cultural exchange'. The 'three-minute sellout' legend of this Gong Yoo masterclass is the inevitable result of the trust built by this festival and the explosive synergy of K-content.