[Here is the Cannes] "The Power of World-Class" Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan's 'Emergency Declaration' Sparks Heat from First Reveal

The 74th Cannes Film Festival On Site

Photo by Yonhap News, Plum Actors

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The excitement has been palpable since the first reveal. Actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Im Si-wan are dazzlingly illuminating this year's 74th Cannes International Film Festival. The film "Emergency Declaration," which was first shown to reporters, has unveiled itself amid high interest from foreign media.

At 8:30 a.m. on the 15th (local time), the press screening of the non-competitive invited film "Emergency Declaration" was held at the Palais des Festivals 60th Anniversary Hall in the southern French resort city of Cannes.

Despite the early hour, reporters from various countries continued to arrive to see "Emergency Declaration." Especially this year, as the festival resumed after 2 years and 2 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and concerns about infection still persist, almost no Asian reporters were present on site. The film began with a gathering of reporters from nearby countries such as Europe and the United States.

At the 72nd Cannes International Film Festival, Song Kang-ho, who starred in "Parasite" (director Bong Joon-ho), the first Korean film to win the highest award, the Palme d'Or, received enthusiastic reactions from foreign reporters. They laughed heartily at his sly charm and sighed at his desperate expressions. Notably, Song Kang-ho is the first male actor to serve as a Cannes jury member this year and is busy with his schedule on site. It was also impressive to see the festival showing respect to him, who has become known as the "Man of Cannes" by appearing on the red carpet for many Cannes competition films.

The performance of Lee Byung-hun, the "original world-class" actor who led the authentic Hollywood entry, also drew attention. With overflowing energy, he grabs the audience of "Emergency Declaration" by the collar and runs. From his appearance, he captivates the eyes and heightens the film's focus. Having first received an invitation to Cannes 16 years ago with director Kim Ji-woon’s film "A Bittersweet Life" in 2005, he returns to Cannes and will be the first Korean actor to appear on stage as a presenter at the closing ceremony. Although no domestic works were invited to the competition section this year, seeing Lee Byung-hun confidently take the stage at the closing ceremony is expected to ease some disappointment.

After the film ended, the actor foreign reporters were most curious about was Im Si-wan. The "world-class" actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Jeon Do-yeon have all demonstrated outstanding performances on the global stage. As regular favorites loved by the Cannes Film Festival, there is no need for further explanation. Im Si-wan previously attended the 70th Cannes International Film Festival in 2017 with the non-competitive invited film "The Merciless," but due to domestic schedules, he only completed minimal activities such as the official photocall and premiere screening before immediately boarding a plane. "Emergency Declaration" is a film that reveals a new side of Im Si-wan. After the press screening, foreign reporters were seen discussing and showing interest in Im Si-wan.

Photo by Showbox

The day of "Emergency Declaration" has dawned. Actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Im Si-wan will walk the Cannes International Film Festival red carpet at 10:15 p.m. on the 16th at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre ahead of the premiere screening. It is expected to brilliantly adorn the last official night before the closing.

Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun are expected to captivate the eyes of the global press with their elegant and relaxed appearances. Im Si-wan will also step onto his second Cannes red carpet, shining brightly alongside his distinguished seniors.

Director Han Jae-rim, who helmed the film, will also stand side by side in front of the cameras. Having earned trust from domestic audiences through works such as "The King and the Clown" (2007) and "The Face Reader" (2013), attention is focused on how Director Han Jae-rim will be evaluated at Cannes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.