On September 17, Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi walked the red carpet at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2025). The 33-year-old star appeared at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, smiling and greeting fans despite being in the middle of a tabloid scandal back home.
This marks his first major public appearance outside Japan since his private life made headlines.
Sakaguchi recently became the center of controversy following a report by Japanese magazine Weekly Bunshun. The outlet claimed he had been living with a senior hair and makeup staff member for over four years while simultaneously dating actress Mei Nagano.
Nagano’s side later admitted she had dated Sakaguchi in the past but insisted she “was unaware of his live-in partner.” The revelations fueled heated debate in Japan, branding the actor as the face of a “two-timing scandal.”
Despite the negative press, Sakaguchi chose to face the cameras. He appeared on the BIFF red carpet with the cast of his new film Final Piece, part of the festival’s Open Cinema lineup.
Wearing a classic suit and flashing his signature warm smile, he looked composed and cheerful. However, he reportedly canceled an official press conference to avoid direct questions about his personal life. His participation in other festival events remains unconfirmed.
Sakaguchi rose to fame through films such as The 100th Love with You, Tonight, at the Movies, and The Last 10 Years. Beyond Japan, he also gained recognition in Korea after starring in Coupang Play’s K-drama What Comes After Love in 2024.
For Korean fans, his BIFF appearance offered a rare chance to see him up close, though Japanese fans noted the irony that his first public outing since the scandal took place abroad.
Sources: Daum
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