The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The 16th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan) has been over for almost two months but the memories linger on in my mind especially about the overwhelming effects of Korean wave or hallyu in the Filipino psyche.
Not only was BiFan the show window of K-pop culture but of quality international genre films as well.
One of the stalwarts at the festival was megahit producer Jonathan H. Kim who produced an all-time box-office hit in 2003, “Silmido” which earned 11 million box-office tickets representing one-quarter of the South Korean population.
In 2004, Mr. Kim was awarded the Grand Bell Award for Best Producer, the Korean equivalent of Oscar.
Currently, he is operating his own production company Hanmac Culture Group which specializes in international co-productions.
Kim is also an intellectual as he shares his knowledge in various symposium throughout the world more specifically in the Asian region.
Knowing too well about Korean wave, K-Factor and hallyu, Jonathan has spoken and moderated in many conventions and discussions like being a moderator of the Creative Content Agency of Korean cinema when a round-table talk was designated in the sustainability of hallyu.
Kim is very supportive of BiFan as he pivots and supports its honchos like Jongsuk Thomas Nam, festival programmer and Managing Director of Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF).
According to Jonathan, rigorous training is expected among musicians and group idols among Korean artists because of the fierce competition among young people who want to be a star.
As past Chairman of the Korean Film Producers Association (KFPA) for two consecutive years, he fought for the better working conditions of the lowly film workers.
It’s no wonder Korean cinema is flourishing and it lures not only the Filipino audience but filmmakers as well.
When I asked him if he also has a stable of Korean film stars or to some extent, TV stars, his quick answer was “Of course, ask any Filipino Korean wave fans.”
As in the Philippines and the world, Koreans, particularly the hallyu fans, are also diehards of its own stars.
Choi Min-Ho was a sensation when he appeared as a special guest star at the 2022 BiFan. The SHINee member brought the house down.