Zo In-sung lands Cannes and Venice with a historic festival double

Actor Zo In-sung has placed his name in the competition sections of two of the world's most prestigious film festivals within the year 2025. This marks the first time a Korean actor has been invited consecutively to the competition sections of the world's top three film festivals with two different works in the same year.

Following director Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope,' which entered the competition section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival this past May, Zo In-sung's film 'Possible Love' has been invited to the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which opens on September 2. 'Possible Love,' director Lee Chang-dong's first Netflix film, is heading to Venice.

Contrasting Characters in 'Hope' and 'Possible Love'

This year, Zo In-sung took on leading roles in three works, including director Ryoo Seung Wan's 'Humint.' While he showcased action acting in 'Humint' and 'Hope,' he will deliver a performance exploring the human interior in 'Possible Love,' which is being submitted to Venice. During a recent Guest Visit (GV) for 'Hope,' director Na Hong-jin explained, "Zo In-sung in 'Possible Love' is a character almost opposite to his character in 'Hope,' as he barely moves."

While there have been cases in the past where Yoo Ji Tae or the late Lee Sun-kyun visited Cannes with two works in a single year, it is unprecedented for someone like Zo In-sung to step into the competition sections of both Cannes and Venice simultaneously.

"A Happiness So Burdensome I Want to Run Away"

Behind this successful trajectory lies the weight he feels as an actor. During an interview during the release of 'Humint' this past February, Zo In-sung revealed his inner feelings, stating that while working with great directors makes him happy, it is also burdensome on one hand. In an interview for 'Hope,' he also shared his honest emotions, saying, "I want to run away."

He mentioned that despite the changes in the film industry, he is striving to create works that can bring audiences back to theaters. Regarding his roles in his works, he added, "I believe the audience will judge whether I was useful." He continued, "Like trumpet creepers blooming amidst the rainy season and typhoons, I hope my works will bloom in the arms of the audience despite the ups and downs inside and outside the film industry."