Kim Do Yeon has wrapped a milestone week at the 31st Busan International Film Festival — her first-ever BIFF appearance, with the film “Dora.”
She attended from October 6 to 9, completing the full schedule: the opening red carpet, outdoor stage greetings, the press conference, and audience talks.
In “Dora,” Kim plays the title character, a girl suffering from an unknown illness whose family leaves Seoul for a summer seaside villa, where she experiences love for the first time and everything slowly begins to shift. The film was selected for the 79th Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight and was invited to BIFF’s Gala Presentation section. It targets a domestic release in 2027.
At an October 8 outdoor stage greeting, Kim said the passion of film-loving audiences lifted her, though presenting to Korean viewers for the first time left her nervous but thrilled. At the “BIFF’s Discovery, Shining Newcomer” stage, she recalled “staying in between” herself and Dora as the two figures blended together. At the October 9 press conference, she said ongoing talks with the director brought her closer to the character, calling the deep immersion “a precious experience.”
During the festival, Kim also won the Face of Asia Award at the Marie Claire Asia Star Awards 2026, following her Best New Actress win at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards last year. This year marks the 10th anniversary of her debut, built across film, drama, and theater.
With “Dora” aiming for a 2027 release, Kim’s next moves are worth watching.
