From Felix’s Ambassadorship to Nationwide Screenings—Everything You Need to Know
As the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea reaches its peak this April, the spotlight has shifted from the fashion runways of Paris to the cinema screens of Seoul. Following the viral success of Stray Kids’ Felix and his recent diplomatic engagements, the French Cinema Week 2026 has officially launched its most ambitious program to date.
Whether you are a K-pop fan following your favorite idols or a cinephile looking for the next masterpiece, this guide covers the full schedule, the star-studded ambassador lineup, and the exclusive events you can’t miss.
The Ambassadors: Felix, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Shin-rok
This year’s celebrations are led by three icons who represent the “Cultural Bridge” between the two nations.
- Felix (Stray Kids): As the Honorary Ambassador for the 140th Anniversary, Felix has been the face of the “prestige” side of the alliance, bringing global attention to the deep ties between French luxury and Korean talent.
- Jun Ji-hyun: Joining Felix as a fellow Honorary Representative, the legendary actress brings a touch of classic Hallyu cinematic history to the diplomatic milestone.
- Kim Shin-rok (Official Cinema Ambassador): The Hellbound star has been named the official face of French Cinema Week 2026. Known for her gritty, powerful performances, Kim will be leading talk sessions and “Guest Visit” events throughout the festival.
French Cinema Week 2026: Schedule & Locations
For the first time, the festival is expanding to a nationwide scale. From April 24 to May 10, 2026, ten critically acclaimed French films will be screened across South Korea.
📍 Festival Locations
If you are planning to attend, screenings are held at these prestigious independent cinemas:
- Seoul: Seoul Art Cinema & Artnine
- Busan: Busan Cinema Center (Home of BIFF)
- Gwangju: Gwangju Independent Film Theater
- Incheon: Cinespace Juan
📅 The Film Lineup (Must-Watch Picks)
| Movie Title | Director | Genre / Note |
| The Little Sister | Hafsia Herzi | Contemporary Drama |
| The Great Arch | Stephane Demoustier | Legal/Political Thriller |
| Animale | Emma Benestan | Sci-Fi / Thriller |
| Meteors | Hubert Charuel | Social Realism |
| That Summer in Paris | Valentine Cadic | Romantic Drama |
Exclusive Content Inside
The “Felix Effect” and the 140th Anniversary Gala
While the Cinema Week runs through May, the ultimate highlight of the year is scheduled for June 4, 2026. This date marks the exact day the two nations signed their first treaty 140 years ago.
The Gala at Deoksu Palace: A massive celebration will take place at Deoksu Palace in central Seoul. Honorary ambassadors Felix and Jun Ji-hyun are expected to attend alongside world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo, who will perform a special set to commemorate the “Solidarity and Creativity” of the two nations.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for French Cinema Week are available through the individual websites of the participating theaters (Seoul Art Cinema, Busan Cinema Center, etc.). Because of the “Felix Effect” and the high demand for cultural events this year, tickets for the Guest Visit (GV) sessions—where Kim Shin-rok and French directors will speak—are expected to sell out within minutes.
💡 Pro-Tip for Attendees
Follow the official Embassy of France in Korea social media accounts for “surprise” appearance announcements. In previous years, ambassadors have made unannounced visits to opening night screenings!
Conclusion: A New Era of Cultural Diplomacy
The 140th anniversary isn’t just a look back at history; it’s a launchpad for the next century of collaboration. Whether it’s Felix leading the charge in fashion or Kim Shin-rok bridging the gap in cinema, the bond between France and Korea has never been stronger.
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