[Busan = E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “I wanted to introduce Asian cinema and culture to the world, and it is a tremendous honor to receive this award.”

At the press conference for the “Asian Filmmaker of the Year” award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), held on the 7th at BIFF Hill in the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, Yang Zi-jing expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your warm welcome. Receiving this award is truly a great honor for me.”

Yang Ziqing also expressed her anticipation for collaborating with Korean film directors. “I’m looking forward to working with Director Lee Chang-dong,” she said, adding, “I’d also like to work with Directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.”

She made no secret of her affection for Korean culture. “I love K-pop, K-dramas, and K-food,” Yang Jia-jing said with a smile, adding, “Above all, I really love the Korean people.”

Along with sharing her thoughts on returning to Busan for the first time in 15 years, she reflected on her career as an actress who has served as a bridge between Asia and the West.

Yang Ziqing said, “I’ve worked on many foreign films and dramas over the years,” adding, “I’ve finally returned to the Asian market after a long time. I’ve always wanted to come back to the Asian market.”

She continued, “I wanted to build a bridge between the East and the West,” adding, “I hoped that bridge would remain intact so I could continue to move back and forth.”

Regarding her recent project, she expressed her anticipation, saying, “It’s a story based on real events, and I hope many people will enjoy it,” and added, “I’ve been waiting for projects like this.”

She also mentioned Korean actress Yoon Yeo-jeong’s Academy Award win. Referring to Yoon Yeo-jeong’s win for Best Supporting Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021 for the film *Minari*, Yang Zi-jing said, “I was grateful that we were able to compete at the Oscars.”

She continued, “Sometimes it feels like a dream, and I think it inspires me to do so much more,” adding, “I don’t see it as something that ends after just one project; I believe it serves as a driving force to keep moving forward.”

Regarding Asian actors expanding their reach on the global stage, she emphasized the importance of “challenge.” Yang Ziqing said, “It seems that not just me, but many actors have taken on such challenges,” adding, “We are slowly broadening our path.”

She further emphasized, “Challenge is important because there are so many stories and narratives not only in front of the camera but also behind it,” adding, “I believe we must continue to seek out the roles we can play.”

Yang Ziqing is this year’s recipient of the “2026 Asian Filmmaker of the Year” award selected by the Busan International Film Festival. The “Asian Filmmaker of the Year” award is presented annually to an Asian filmmaker who has made a significant contribution to the development of the Asian film industry and culture.

Yang Ziqing swept Best Actress awards at major North American film ceremonies—including the Academy Awards, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, and the Golden Globes—for her role in the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022). At the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, she became the first Asian woman to receive the Honorary Golden Bear Award, recognizing her contributions to the global film industry.

This marks Yang Ziqing’s first visit to Busan in 15 years, since she walked the red carpet at the Busan International Film Festival for the film *The Lady* (2011).

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held throughout Busan until the 15th at venues including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, Lotte Cinema Centum City, the Korean Film Council’s Standard Screening Room, the Sohyang Theater Woori Bank Hall, and the Busan Viewers Media Center Public Hall.