[At the Busan International Film Festival] Michelle Yeoh returns to Busan after 15 years, a proud symbol of Asian cinema after breaking through the “minority” barrier

A 40-year acting journey that broke Hollywood’s glass ceiling becomes a milestone for Asian cinema

"Like the Busan International Film Festival, I have walked this path for a long time. We all started in Asia with the goal of taking our films and culture to the world, and I believe we ultimately achieved that goal."

Actress Michelle Yeoh (Yang Zi-qiong) compared the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) with a companion that had pioneered the cinematic journey alongside her for years at a press conference held July 7 at the Busan Cinema Center. Fifteen years after her last visit to Busan, following The Lady (2011), she received the Asian Film Person of the Year Award at the opening ceremony the previous day. The award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of Asia’s film industry and culture, underscoring her enduring stature.

Born in Malaysia and established in Hong Kong’s film industry, Michelle Yeoh became a global star through films including Yes, Madam! (1985) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). In 2023, she made cinematic history as the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, taking home the honor for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

But behind the glittering achievements was a painful reality. Michelle Yeoh recalled, "When I first entered Hollywood, the reality that struck me most was that I was thoroughly a minority." She added, "Despite the millions of Asians around the world, the West defined me, simply because I came from Asia, as a minority."

"The roles available to me early on were extremely limited, and most were disposable parts trapped in stereotypes about Asians," she said. "Through major films such as Tomorrow Never Dies and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I fought to broaden my range so I would not be reduced to a one-dimensional image." Regarding her Academy Award, she added, "There are still times when it feels like a dream. That award inspired me to achieve more and gave me the drive to push beyond my limits."

She attributed her ability to keep taking on new challenges while remaining at the top of the global stage for decades to her unwavering love of film. "The only reason I continue down this difficult path is my love and passion for my work," she said. "For me, acting is life itself. I cannot even imagine a life without movies."

A new challenge beyond age, and a passionate connection with South Korean cinema

Michelle Yeoh took on dual roles as lead actress and executive producer in My Grandma Is the Cube King, an official selection for this year’s festival’s Gala Presentation. Directed by Bai Xue, the film follows Zhao, played by Yeoh, who loses everything to a fraud scheme and enters a nursing home before meeting a young man who was once a world champion in solving Rubik’s Cubes. Their encounter gives her a new opening in life.

Discussing the film’s central message, Michelle Yeoh said, "Just as the cube holds infinite possibilities, our lives are made up of countless choices and opportunities." She added, "I wanted to send the world a weighty message: No matter how old you are, opportunities in life can come at any time, so never give up." She described the film as "a chance to reflect on the unconditional love and support of family and the value of new relationships," adding, "I hope the truth that I alone hold the reins of my life reaches audiences’ hearts as well."

She also made no secret of her strong desire to work with South Korean filmmakers. "I am eagerly looking forward to working with director Lee Chang-dong," she said, drawing attention by directly mentioning his upcoming film Possible Love. She further raised expectations by saying, "I absolutely want to work with directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho as well."

Recalling her previous collaboration with actor Jung Woo-sung in Reign of Assassins (2010), she warmed the room by expressing her particular affection for South Korea. "I love Korean culture as a whole, including K-pop, Korean dramas and K-food, but more than anything, I genuinely love the warmth and energy that are unique to Korean people," she said.

“Michelle Yeoh in Every Time and Every Place”: Busan’s special tribute

This year, the Busan International Film Festival has ambitiously prepared a special program, “Michelle Yeoh in Every Time and Every Place,” spotlighting the actress’s sweeping body of work. The retrospective will screen four major films, including the works she personally selected: Reign of Assassins (2010), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, director Sean Baker’s short film Sandhiwara (2026), and her new film My Grandma Is the Cube King. The program is expected to offer audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience.