Hong Sang-soo at Cannes

[Anchor Lead]

In entertainment, can Korean director Hong Sang-soo win the top honor of the Palme d'Or for best film at Cannes? Two of his films have been invited to the international film festival in France.

[Pkg]

The Cannes Film Festival opened in the French resort city early Thursday Korea time for a 12-day run. Global stars attended the opening ceremony and the red carpet event including Hollywood actor Will Smith, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing and Korean director Park Chan-wook who is on the judging panel this year. A total of 19 films are vying for the top prize or the Palme d'Or in the competition section for best film. Two films by director Hong Sang-soo have been invited this year, one for competition and another for Special Screening. His muse, actress Kim Min-hee, appears in both films. Foreign media have been paying attention to the unusual fact that two films by the same director have been invited to Cannes. The New York Times published an email interview with director Hong on Thursday timed with the festival's opening. The Times highlighted his artistic world of filmmaking as well as his relationship with actress Kim Min-hee.

[Soundbite] Hong Sang-soo : "We are in love."

[Soundbite] Kim Min-hee : "We are in love and in a sincere relationship."

Both his films are expected to be unveiled one after another. Following the feat of a dual invitation, it remains to be seen whether Hong can become the first Korean director to win the top honor at the event, the Palme d'Or.