Korea–U.S. industry exchange event, running since 2023 — actress Han Ji-min receives Trailblazer Award at the reception

Actress Han Ji-min with guests at the MPA X THR X KOFIC 

American Film Night reception <Photo courtesy of the Korean Film Council> 

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) co-hosted the MPA X THR X KOFIC American Film Night on October 7 on the 33rd floor of Park Hyatt Busan, together with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and U.S. entertainment trade publication The Hollywood Reporter (THR). The event took place during the 31st Busan International Film Festival.

Earlier the same day at the same venue, the MPA Creative Conversation Forum opened at 4 p.m. The forum consisted of a moderated conversation followed by an audience Q&A, after which a networking reception for Korean and American film industry figures ran until 9:30 p.m. The event was organized to examine developments in the global content industry together and to broaden the network between film professionals in the two countries, with the aim of advancing both nations’ film industries. KOFIC has partnered on the event since 2023.

KOFIC and MPA Leaders Highlight Korea–U.S. Film Partnership

In his congratulatory address, Korean Film Council Chairperson Han Sang-jun said: “This event goes beyond cultural exchange to forge practical collaboration in investment, screenwriting, and production. Also, it will offer us a real opportunity to create more impactful Korean films for the global stage. To realize this potential, we must continue building an environment where creators and professionals from both nations can collaborate freely, honor each other’s cultures, and grow together.”

Urmila Venugopalan, President and Managing Director of the MPA for the Asia-Pacific region, delivered the welcome remarks. Reflecting on the evening, Venugopalan said: “It really does show how much all of our studios are doing and investing and prioritizing Korea — and this is a perfect venue to showcase that and to demonstrate our collective commitment to this important market.”

Attendees at the reception included executives from Disney headquarters and The Walt Disney Company Korea; executives from Korean content companies including CJ ENM, Barunson C&C, and KT StudioGenie; and Korea-based executives from Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures. A representative of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the director of the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market were also present.

The Hollywood Reporter presents its Trailblazer Award at the reception

At the reception, actress Han Ji-min received The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award. The award recognizes artists who have expanded representation in global entertainment by taking on complex stories that cross borders, and this marked the first time The Hollywood Reporter has presented the award in Korea. The presentation was made by Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter’s Asia Bureau Chief.

In her acceptance remarks, Han Ji-min expressed her delight at being able to work “beyond the borders of languages.” “I hope that Koreans and creators from all over the world will communicate and create more meaningful and diverse works,” she said. Han Ji-min stars alongside Lee Byung-hun in the Disney+ original series The Koreans, reported for release in 2027.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter, ‘The Hollywood Reporter Honors The Koreans Star Han Ji-min With Trailblazer Award at Busan Gala’, 2026.10.08

• Sports Kyunghyang, ‘Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min Play a Married Couple in The Koreans, One of Next Year’s Most Anticipated Titles’, 2026.03.25