The myth of mono-ethnicity, forged in the ruins of colonization and war, has long justified South Korea's violence against the Other. Conservative Protestantism and right-wing parties led this charge. Their extreme division culminated in the anti-democratic violence of the "December 3 Yoon Suk-yeol Insurrection." Desperate to keep their power, they spread hate and attacked the marginalized. This is the true face of the "K-Culture" era—harboring hate and discrimination.

This year's "Diaspora Shorts” section exposes the arrogance and hypocrisy of Korean natives. It is painful, but you must face it. A society without self-reflection loses its right to exist. We fiercely applaud the filmmakers brave enough to dig into this ugly reality.

Our lineup also features transnational works from the frontlines of global conflict. This year, we proudly partner with the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, sharing their mission to amplify Asian diaspora voices worldwide. Unlike its southern neighbor, the U.S., which is regressing into hate and exclusion, these Canadian films champion the coexistence of natives and immigrants. Through them, we hope you look deep within yourselves. (Ksan)