“I Don’t Know Who They Are”: Foreign Reporter Sparks Controversy After Ignoring Hwang Jung-min and Jo In-sung at Cannes

Director Na Hong-jin’s new film ‘Hope’ has made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, but a rude question from a foreign reporter is stirring up controversy.

On May 17 (local time), Director Na Hong-jin’s new work ‘Hope,’ invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, was premiered for the first time at the Lumiere Grand Theatre in Cannes, France.

The following day’s press conference was attended by Director Na Hong-jin, along with Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Michael Fassbender, and Alicia Vikander.

The problem started with a question from a foreign reporter. After greeting only Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, the reporter chilled the atmosphere by stating, “I don’t know who the others are.”

The reporter then added a joke, asking, “Why did you cast Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander? Is it a married couple package?” Director Na Hong-jin immediately set the record straight.

Showing his displeasure, Director Na Hong-jin repeatedly emphasized, “No. I worked hard to bring each person on board. I did my absolute best with the casting. It’s not like that. I put in my best effort for each individual,” adding, “They play very important roles in a very crucial part of this movie’s narrative.”

Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander also looked bewildered upon hearing the question.

Meanwhile, major international media and critics have given impressive reviews to ‘Hope.’ France’s Libération described it as “an unpredictable, crazy chase. The intense pace and cinematic energy that completely daze the audience dominate the screen throughout the runtime.” The US outlet Screen Rant noted, “The charming characters unique to Korean cinema and large-scale action sequences rush in relentlessly, maximizing the pleasure of the genre.” The UK’s The Guardian praised it, saying, “‘Hope’ provides a top-level enjoyment that will further heat up the global K-wave.”

The film is set to be released in Korea this summer.