[Busan = E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Actress Yang Zi-kyung reflected on the limitations she faced as an Asian actress during her early days in Hollywood, stating, “I have worked hard to ensure that Asian actresses can take on more roles.”

Yang Ziqing made these remarks during a 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. “What shocked me when I first went to Hollywood was that I was a minority,” she said.

Yang Jia-jing recalled that time, saying, “I came from Asia and thought, ‘Oh, so here they see us as a minority,’ and there weren’t many roles offered to me.”

She also pointed out the limitations placed on Asian actors in Hollywood. “The ‘James Bond’ series is the most famous spy film franchise in the world, and I believe that film opened the door for me,” Yang Jia-jing said. “However, I thought there must have been a stereotype about what kind of roles Asian actors were expected to play.”

She continued, “Since then, I’ve picked up the pace and expanded the range of roles I take on,” emphasizing, “I’ve worked hard to ensure that Asian actresses can take on a wide variety of roles.”

She noted that the challenge of taking on new roles continues to this day. Yang Ziqing said, “Every morning when I wake up, I dream of new challenges,” adding, “I think that’s what life is all about.”

She continued, “I love things that get my heart racing; that’s what drives me forward,” adding, “I love things that teach me a lot. I’m very curious.”

For Yang Ziqing, film is her life itself. “Film is my life. I don’t know how I’d live without it,” she said, adding, “Working on a film is like starting every morning by watching TV.”

She also expressed her hope that movies will continue to exist even as streaming platforms have diversified. Yang Jae-kyung said, “There are many streaming platforms these days, but I hope movies will always be here,” adding, “I think there needs to be a movie that supports me.”

She remarked, “Movies have given me truly unexpected joy,” adding, “Haven’t I lived as different people in different places? Movies have given me the opportunity to experience so much and have taught me a great deal.” She went on to express her affection for film, saying, “It has had a profound impact on my life.”

She said she wanted to convey the message “Don’t give up” to audiences through this film. Yang Zi-jing explained, “One of the messages is that opportunities can come even when you’re older, and that it’s important to have friends who support you no matter what the situation.”

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 Zi-jing swept the 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, once again receiving recognition for her achievements in the global film industry.

This visit to Busan marks her first return to the Busan International Film Festival red carpet in 15 years, since she walked it 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.