A press conference for director Na Hong-jin’s highly anticipated film Hope at the Cannes Film Festival has sparked criticism online after a journalist made comments perceived as derogatory towards the film’s Korean actors.
The accident occurred on May 18 (local time) at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes during Hope’s official press conference, invited to the main competition section of the festival.
The event was attended by director Na Hong-jin along with 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 a reporter singled out Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander before saying: “Hi, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. I don’t know who the other people are.”
The remark was widely interpreted as disparaging of Korean actors and Taylor Russell, drawing criticism online shortly after clips of the press conference were released.
According to participants, the moderator appeared visibly confused by the comment, while Jung Ho-yeon and Taylor Russell exchanged glances and awkwardly laughed at the situation.
The same journalist then continued with another controversial question addressed to Fassbender and Vikander, who are married in real life.
The reporter asked if the production had cast the couple together so they could be hired “as a package” 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. That was definitely not the case.”
The moderator reportedly once again reacted with obvious confusion, while some cast members appeared amused by the awkwardness of the moment.
Despite the controversy of the press conference, Hope received positive reactions from international critics during the festival.
According to reports, the Cannes trade magazine Screen Daily classified the film among the highest-rated competition films screened so far.
The publication reportedly praised the film as “a breathtaking rush of violent intensity”, while also complimenting the film’s immersive atmosphere and world-building.
The incident has reignited online conversations 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 considering the global recognition of Korean actors present at the event.
As clips of the press conference continue to spread online, the controversy has become one of the most talked about Cannes moments among Korean entertainment fans.
Sources: Daum | SPOTV News
