It has been a busy film festival month with PIFF, the Pusan International Film Festival, which got under way Oct. 8, and HIFF, the Hawaii International Film Festival, a week later. I was fortunate to have attended both festivals although HIFF was just at the tail end.

The big story at PIFF was the opening-night film, "Good Morning President," starring Chang Dong Gun and directed by Jang Jin. The director is also a screenwriter and also produced "Welcome to Dongmakgol," which was screened at HIFF a few years ago. In addition, Jang Jin is a foodie. Coincidentally, while at Busan's most famous Korean-style barbecue restaurant for some un nyang bool gogi, I sat at a table next to his.

Lee Byung-hun, now an international star, took the stage in PIFF town Haeundae with Josh Hartnett and Kimura Takuya for their recent film "I Come With the Rain." Fans were camped out overnight in front of the stage on the beach to get front-row seats to see the three celebrities.

Jeanette Paulson Hereniko was given an award at PIFF for her contribution to the promotion of Korean cinema. Also, cosmetic giant L'Oreal, the event sponsor, presented the new Korean model for the company: Hawaii's "Lost" star Yunjin Kim.

At HIFF, the Korean films sold out and proved to be one of the most popular sections in the festival. Congratulations to Brent Anbe, who wrote and directed a local short "Ajumma! Are You Krazy?" It won the Oceanic Time Warner's Video on Demand Viewer's Choice Award. The short is about three local ladies who share their love for Korean drama and pursue Korean superstar Michael Park.

Anbe reportedly has said: "The film pays tribute to my mom, aunties and co-workers, celebrating that essence of innocence they share in their wonderful stop-at-nothing obsession of everything K-drama."

As part of his research for the film, over the past few years Anbe shot videos of Korean celebrities arriving at Honolulu International Airport — and fans screaming in a mad rush to get a photo opportunity or at least an autograph.

Lastly, the star of "Family of Honor" and "Dear Heaven" actress Yoon Jung Hee will be in Hawaii this week for a photo shoot for Bella Wedding and Korea's largest wedding magazine Wedding 21. Unfortunately, there is no scheduled public appearance during her short stay.