Prominent figures from South Korea are set to engage with audiences at the Busan International Film Festival by sharing films they personally recommend.

The Busan International Film Festival announced a special program, 'Carte Blanche,' celebrating its 30th edition. The term, meaning "blank check" in French, reflects the freedom given to participants to select films without limitation, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience.

This new section features curated films from leading figures in the Korean film and cultural industries, allowing audiences to discuss and rediscover each work.

Among the five participants are director Bong Joon-ho, director Maggie Kang, actor Kang Dong-won, novelist Eun Hee-kyung, and former JTBC president Sohn Suk-hee.

Bong Joon-ho selected Shinji Aoyama's Eureka (2000), a story about people finding healing after tragedy, which was previously invited to the Cannes Film Festival's competition section. Bong described it as "a masterpiece that quietly reaches deep into the heart, leaving a lasting emotional impact."

Maggie Kang recommended Bong's own The Host (2006), noting, "Before watching The Host, I didn't realize a single film could navigate so many atmospheres." She added that the film influenced her understanding of balancing multiple tones within one movie.

Kang Dong-won chose Jeon Woo-chi (2009), based on the classic Korean novel Jeon Woo-chi-jeon, recognized as a K-hero movie. He expressed excitement, saying it is "considered the original K-hero film, and I look forward to enjoying it again on the big screen."

Other selections include Eun Hee-kyung's pick of Sho Miyake's When I Look Into Your Eyes (2022) and Sohn Suk-hee's choice of Sydney Lumet's Dog Day Afternoon (1975).

The 30th Busan International Film Festival will take place from September 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae.