Stars gathered at the opening of the annual Busan International Film Festival in the southern port city on Wednesday, looking glamorous on the red carpet.

Some 209 films from 69 countries will be screened during the festival. The curtain was raised on the festival with a screening of "Because I Hate Korea" starring actress Ko Ah-sung. The adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same title by Chang Kang-myoung revolves around a woman in her late 20s who suddenly departs for New Zealand in search of happiness, leaving behind her career, family and friends.

The festival, which runs until Oct. 13, will close with "The Movie Emperor" directed by Ning Hao. The film starring Andy Lau deals with the story of a former movie star who reunites with a major director to make a comeback.