Busan Film Festival Apologizes for Mishandling Executive Departure, Harassment Claims
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The Busan International Film Festival has apologized for its mishandling of the resignation of its executive director Huh Moon-young and related sexual harassment allegations. “We sincerely apologize over the sexual harassment case that occurred in the workplace,” BIFF said in a Korean-language statement on Thursday. (A festival spokesperson said that an English-language statement, along with an update, will be issued in the coming days.) Huh has publicly denied the allegations, though he has not replied to email and telephone requests for comment by Variety. “We will faithfully conduct an internal probe in line with the Center for Gender Equality in Korean Cinema’s recommendations and come up with a system to prevent recurrences,” the festival said.
Huh announced his resignation on May 11, just days after the festival announced that it would create a joint managerial position and appoint Cho Jong-kook, a close friend of festival chairman Lee Yong-kwan, as managing director.
Huh’s resignation was not immediately accepted and two industry guilds threatened to boycott the festival in support of him.
Festival chairman Lee said that he would resign to take responsibility for the mess caused by Cho’s appointment and the appearances of cronyism.
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