A press conference for director Na Hong-jin’s highly anticipated film Hope at the Cannes Film Festival has sparked criticism online after a reporter made comments perceived as dismissive toward the movie’s Korean actors.
The incident took place on May 18 (local time) at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes during the official press conference for Hope, which was invited to the festival’s main competition section.
The event was attended by director Na Hong-jin alongside cast members including:
- Hwang Jung-min
- Jo In-sung
- Jung Ho-yeon
- Michael Fassbender
- Alicia Vikander
- Taylor Russell
However, the atmosphere reportedly became tense when one reporter singled out Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander before saying: “Hello, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. I don’t know who the other people are.”
The remark was widely interpreted as dismissive toward the Korean actors and Taylor Russell, drawing criticism online shortly after clips from the press conference circulated.
According to attendees, the moderator appeared visibly confused by the comment, while Jung Ho-yeon and Taylor Russell exchanged glances and laughed awkwardly at the situation.
The same reporter then continued with another controversial question directed at Fassbender and Vikander, who are married in real life.
The reporter asked whether the production cast the couple together because they could be hired “as a package deal” or “for the price of one.”
Director Na Hong-jin quickly responded to the question, clarifying: “No, we worked hard to cast each actor individually. It definitely wasn’t like that.”
The moderator reportedly reacted with visible confusion once again, while some cast members appeared amused by the awkwardness of the moment.
Despite the press conference controversy, Hope has been receiving positive reactions from international critics during the festival.
According to reports, Cannes trade publication Screen Daily ranked the film among the top-rated competition entries screened so far.
The publication reportedly praised the movie as a “breathtaking surge of violent intensity,” while also complimenting the film’s immersive atmosphere and world-building.
The incident has reignited conversations online about how Asian actors and international casts are treated at major global film events.
Many viewers criticized the reporter’s remarks as culturally insensitive and unnecessarily disrespectful, especially given the global recognition of the Korean actors attending the event.
As clips from the press conference continue spreading online, the controversy has become one of the most talked-about Cannes moments among Korean entertainment fans.
Sources: Daum | 스포티비뉴스
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