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Korean actress Im Soo Jung is an internationally sought-after talent, with several international film directors vying for her. That makes her one very hot ticket on the global cinema front.
In 2011, she made her mark at the Berlin International Film Festival, where she attended the screening of director Lee Yoon-ki's film, I Love You, I Don't Love You. It was screened in the competition section, and Im's performance received accolades.
According to Film Movie, Im, being a writer with a unique character, attracted many big-name directors during that festival.
The festival's then-executive director Dieter Kosslick even warmly welcomed her.
Thx Dieter Kosslick and @berlinale - you invited @AhmedMater in 2014 to forum expanded and in 2019 we cherish the memory and strengthen the cultural cooperation between German and Saudi Arabia @GermanyinKSA @GI_weltweit pic.twitter.com/Km2CziRb1L
— #TeamAbteilung6 (@AA_Kultur) April 17, 2019
Acclaimed Japanese director Shunji Iwai, a longtime admirer, also called her in person after seeing her in the film. She made an impact on him with her performance, he said.
Shunji Iwai (#botd) in Hideaki Anno's RITUAL (2000). pic.twitter.com/PHeuPpCLyn
— Japan Society Film (@js_film_nyc) January 24, 2024
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Other Hollywood power players took note of the allure of Im.
Ralph Fiennes, who famously portrayed Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, reportedly would like to meet Im during the festival.
A photo of young Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort, taken in 1991. pic.twitter.com/0cxwS3vCBN
— Potterhead Posts (@PotterheadPosts) January 25, 2022
Although they were not able to meet due to a scheduling conflict, Fiennes said,
"I really wanted to meet Im Soo-jung in person before the film festival ended, but unfortunately our schedules didn't match up, so I couldn't meet her. She's an actress I definitely want to meet later."
And Fiennes was not the only one impressed with Im's talent. She was also contacted by Wim Wenders, the illustrious German director, but similar timing complications made it impossible for them to meet.
"Any film that supports the idea that things can be changed is a great film in my eyes."
— The Cinegogue (@TheCinegogue) February 15, 2018
- Wim Wenders pic.twitter.com/bqF5v7pMwl
Im's increasing popularity was also recognized by veteran film actor Armin Mueller-Stahl in Berlin as he received a lifetime achievement award at the festival.
Armin Mueller-Stahl plays Conrad Strughold, a character who strangely only appears in this movie throughout the entire run of The X-Files. It's implied that he's one of the leaders of the syndicate, but is based out of Tunisia.
— ALLLLRIGHT (@Allllright) July 14, 2024
Armin is also a painter too!#XFilesLive pic.twitter.com/vKlNFViczB
During his speech, he praised Im, saying, "It's not me who deserves the congratulations, but it's more congratulatory that such a young actor and director were invited to the competition section. It's also an honor to spend time with such a beautiful actress.""
Currently, Im Soo Jung is occupied with several projects. She has completed filming for the 2025 Disney+ series "Fine," which is based on a popular webtoon. Additionally, to advance her career behind the camera, she is both starring in and producing the film "Second Child."
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