South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook has confirmed that he will attend the fourth Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), which will take place from June 28 to July 4.

The festival's organizers announced that the popular actor will travel to Vietnam to participate in this year's event.

As one of the most familiar faces among Asian audiences and an actor with a large fan base in Vietnam, Ji Chang Wook's presence is expected to add significant star power to the festival's opening ceremony and red carpet events.

From Empress Ki to international stardom

Over more than a decade in the entertainment industry, Ji Chang Wook has become one of the most recognizable actors in Asia. Known for his striking appearance, versatile acting skills and consistent work ethic, the 1987-born star has maintained a strong screen presence and widespread popularity throughout his career.

His first major breakthrough came with the television drama Smile Again, which earned him the Best Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards.

However, it was his portrayal of Emperor Ta Hwan in the hit historical drama Empress Ki (2013) that propelled him to regional stardom.

Following the success of Empress Ki, Ji Chang Wook further cemented his status through a string of popular productions including Healer (2014), The K2 (2016), Suspicious Partner (2017), Lovestruck in the City (2020) and The Sound of Magic (2022).

In 2023, he received strong reviews for his role as undercover police officer Park Jun Mo in Disney+'s crime series The Worst of Evil, alongside Wi Ha Joon and Lim Se Mi. He later returned to a softer romantic role in Welcome to Samdal-ri, set on Jeju Island, opposite Shin Hye Sun.

In 2024, the actor took on a dramatically different image in Disney+'s crime series Gangnam B-Side, portraying Yoon Gil Ho, a mysterious fixer operating in Seoul's underground world. The performance was widely regarded as a departure from his previous screen persona. The series was also invited to the On Screen section of the Busan International Film Festival before its official release.

Most recently, Ji Chang Wook attracted attention with The Manipulated, a Disney+ action-revenge series co-starring D.O. of EXO, marking a return to the action genre that helped define much of his career.

Beyond television, Ji Chang Wook has also appeared in films such as Fabricated City, Hard Hit, Revolver and, most recently, Colony, demonstrating his ability to move seamlessly between cinema and television.

A highlight of DANAFF IV

The actor's willingness to explore diverse roles over the years has helped him maintain a prominent position within the Hallyu wave.

His achievements have been recognized at numerous international award ceremonies, including the China TV Drama Awards, Asia Artist Awards and Asian Film Awards. In 2024, he also received the Best Actor award in the short-form/web drama category at the APAN Star Awards for Welcome to Samdal-ri.

Festival organizers expect Ji Chang Wook's participation to become one of the major highlights of DANAFF IV, particularly during the opening ceremony and red carpet event on June 28 at the Ariyana International Convention Centre in Da Nang.

The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on VTV1 and several digital platforms.

Ji Chang Wook has also confirmed his attendance at Korean Film Night on June 29.

The event will feature Kim Dong Ho, founder of the Busan International Film Festival, alongside notable guests including Park Sung Woong, Han Dong Hee and Idol Nation.

Organized as a special guest event, Korean Film Night is one of DANAFF IV's key international exchange activities, aimed at strengthening cultural and cinematic ties between Vietnam and South Korea.

DANAFF IV will be held from June 28 to July 4, 2026, and is jointly organized by the Da Nang People's Committee and the Vietnam Film Development Association.

This year's festival carries the slogan "Bridging Asia to the World," reinforcing its ambition to serve as a meeting point connecting filmmakers, artists and audiences across the region.

My Anh