The official press conference for director Na Hong Jin’s new film “HOPE”, which was invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, has become the center of controversy after a foreign reporter made rude remarks toward the Korean cast members during the event.

The press conference took place on May 18 local time in Cannes, France. Director Na Hong Jin attended alongside cast members Hwang Jung Min, Jo In Sung, Jung Ho Yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell.

However, the atmosphere reportedly turned uncomfortable after one foreign journalist began asking questions. After first mentioning Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, the reporter pointed toward the remaining actors on stage and stated, “I’m not really sure who the rest of you are.”

The unexpected remark immediately created an awkward atmosphere at the international film festival event, with many viewers criticizing the comment as openly dismissive toward the Korean actors participating in the film.

According to attendees, Jung Ho Yeon and Taylor Russell exchanged uneasy smiles following the comment, while Jo In Sung and Hwang Jung Min also appeared visibly uncomfortable.

The reporter further fueled controversy by making comments directed at real-life married couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. The journalist reportedly asked whether the production cast them together because they could be hired “for the price of one,” jokingly referring to them as some kind of “married couple package.”

Director Na Hong Jin immediately shut down the remarks, firmly responding, “Not at all.” He continued by explaining that each actor had been invited individually and that the production team worked hard to persuade every cast member to join the project.

Despite the press conference controversy, reactions toward the film itself have been overwhelmingly positive. Following its official screening, “HOPE” reportedly received around seven minutes of standing ovation from the audience. The movie has also ranked among the highest-rated competition films in Cannes Film Festival’s official daily bulletin, leading many to consider it a strong contender for the Palme d’Or.

Meanwhile, “HOPE” tells the story of Bum Seok, the head of a local outpost near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, who is thrown into chaos after hearing reports from village youths that a tiger has appeared in the area.

Hwang Jung Min plays outpost chief Bum Seok, while Jo In Sung portrays village youth Sung Ki. Jung Ho Yeon stars as police officer Sung Ae. Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton reportedly take on alien roles in the film.

Sources: Nate