A reporter at the Cannes Film Festival is facing criticism after making rude comments during the press conference for director Na Hong Jin’s new film “Hope.”
The official press conference for “Hope” was held on May 18 local time at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Na Hong Jin attended the event with cast members Hwang Jung Min, Jo In Sung, Jung Ho Yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell.
During the Q&A session, a foreign reporter received the microphone but did not introduce his name or media outlet. He began by saying, “Hi, Michael. Hi, Alicia. I do not really know who the rest are.”
The comment quickly created an awkward mood. Jung Ho Yeon and Taylor Russell looked at each other with uncomfortable smiles, while Hwang Jung Min and Jo In Sung also appeared visibly stiff.
Many viewers later criticized the comment as rude and possibly discriminatory. Some pointed out that the reporter only named Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, who are white, while referring to the Korean actors and Taylor Russell as “the rest.”
The reporter’s following question also drew backlash. He asked why Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, who are married in real life, were cast together, saying, “Was it because you could cast two people for the price of one?” He then referred to Na Hong Jin only as “the director,” without saying his name. Na Hong Jin appeared confused and asked, “Me, me, me?” before answering.
After the video spread online, netizens strongly criticized the reporter’s attitude. Some commented, “This is open racism on an international stage,” while others said, “He does not even have basic manners.”
“Hope” is already gaining attention for its strong cast, led by Hwang Jung Min and Jo In Sung, along with Jung Ho Yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell.
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