This Reporter At Cannes Greeted Only The Two White Cast Members Of A South Korean Film And Said “I Don't Know The Rest Of You”
People online described the journalist's remarks as "rude" and "racially insensitive."
A reporter at the 79th Cannes Film Festival has caused huge backlash and accusations of racism after greeting only the two white Western cast members of the South Korean film “Hope” and saying, "I don't know the rest of you" to the rest of the cast and director.
“Hope” is a South Korean science fiction thriller directed by South Korean director Na Hong-jin, a world-renowned director and visionary behind films such as "The Wailing,” and his ability to push boundaries in cinema.
It is Na's first film with a mixed Korean and Hollywood cast, pairing Korean stars Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung and “Squid Game”'s Jung Ho-yeon with Hollywood stars and couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, as well as Canadian actress Taylor Russell.
During a press conference for the film at Cannes, a reporter, who did not share her name or media outlet, only greeted Fassbender and Vikander, calling them by their name and then told the other cast members, “I don't know the rest of you.”
The reporter then went on to ask Na if he cast the married Fassbender and Vikander if as a “package deal,” implying that they were paid together in a single fee.
Na had to step in and clarify that the production reached out to the actors and cast them entirely separately and that he wanted the story to exist on its own.
Jung and Russell were seen exchanging uncomfortable smiles during the question, while Hwang and Jo appeared noticeably composed but tense.
Clips from the press conference spread quickly on social media.
People online described the journalist's remarks as "rude" and "racially insensitive."
Many pointed out that the question was directed at Na, who she also did not address by name, making the greeting of Fassbender and Vikander unnecessary to begin with.
Name cards were visible in front of each panel member throughout the event.
Despite the reporter dismissing the cast, “Hope” is being hailed as a unique Cannes standout.
Critics called the three-hour sci-fi thriller an “earthquake-like work” that garnered a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes.
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Sofia Hou
Sofia Hou
