Celebrated director Park Chan-wook's star-studded murder comedy "No Other Choice" opened Asia's biggest film festival Wednesday, which is launching its first fully-fledged competition lineup as South Korea projects its soft power worldwide.

The 30th edition of Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) arrives after the global success of critical works exploring Korean culture and experiences, such as "Squid Game", "Parasite" and this year's megahit "KPop Demon Hunters".

Stars and filmmakers -- including K-pop megastar Lisa of BLACKPINK and director Park -- walked the red carpet under dazzling lights for the opening ceremony, as excited Busan citizens cheered.

The festival, which has long focused on emerging talents in the region, is undergoing a revamp this year, launching its first major competition section featuring 14 titles -- including four South Korean pictures.

Seasoned Chinese director Zhang Lu's "Gloaming In Luomu" and Taiwan's megastar Shu Qi's directorial debut "Girl" are in also competition and will be judged by juries headed by South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin.

The latest edition "sought not only to further expand its long-standing........

© International Business Times