Busan market reveals Doc Square lineup and names Yim Siwan as closing ceremony host

The short version

• The Asian Contents & Film Market unveiled plans for Doc Square 2026, which will run Oct. 10–13 during the 31st Busan International Film Festival.
• Sixteen in-progress documentaries will pitch to industry professionals, competing for newly created honors including the Impact Asia Award and Newstapa Award.
• Actor Yim Siwan has been selected to serve as the sole host for the festival's closing ceremony on Oct. 15.

Key facts

• The 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place Oct. 6–15 at the Busan Cinema Center, alongside the Asian Contents & Film Market scheduled for Oct. 10–13.[Variety]
• Doc Square 2026 will feature 16 works-in-progress documentary pitches on Oct. 10 and 11, backed by eight partner organizations across five countries.[Variety]
• The newly established Impact Asia Award will grant $5,000 to three projects, while the Newstapa Award offers 10 million South Korean won ($7,400) and streaming distribution to one project.[Variety]
• The market will introduce Asia's first Impact Day, presenting an 80-page study analyzing social outcomes of documentary releases in South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.[Variety]
• Actor Yim Siwan has been designated as the sole host of the festival's closing ceremony.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Busan Market Unveils Doc Square, Launches Impact Asia as Yim Siwan Named Festival Closing Ceremony HostVariety metered