Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook's latest film It Can't Be Helped has been chosen as the opening title for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

🎬 It Can't Be Helped Chosen as BIFF 2025 Opening Film

On August 4, the BIFF organizing committee announced that It Can't Be Helped (directed by Park Chan-wook) will serve as the official opening film of this year's festival, which runs from October 17 to 26.

The film is a crime thriller centering on an office worker, Man-su (played by Lee Byung-hun), who is abruptly laid off and thrown into a high-stakes battle to get rehired for reasons yet unknown.

🎥 "A Film Audiences Most Want to See"

Festival organizers praised the selection, stating, "It Can't Be Helped is a film perfectly suited for the milestone opening of BIFF and one that audiences are eager to experience."

They added, "By choosing a masterpiece from a legendary Korean director who has led the industry, we're showing deep respect and support for Korean cinema."

🌍 Heading to Venice Before Busan

In addition to its BIFF opening slot, It Can't Be Helped has also been officially invited to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, competing in the main competition category.

Starring Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran, the film is already generating buzz for its tightly constructed narrative, signature mise-en-scène, and powerhouse performances.

✨ Korean Cinema in the Spotlight

BIFF Executive Director Jung Han-seok shared his excitement: "It's an emotional and thrilling moment to present the story Park Chan-wook most wanted to tell, right at the start of this landmark edition."

He also expressed hope for a greater cultural impact: "We want this film to spark broader interest in both the work itself and Korean cinema as a whole."