Busan festival screens the best of Asian cinema

Aaron Kwok is a man who knows when to pull out all the stops, which is no doubt why the multi-award winning star arrived at the 18th Busan International Film Festival a day before any of the other main guests turned up.

The red-eye from Hong Kong to South Korea's second city can leave the most seasoned traveler feeling less than 100 percent, even 24 hours on from the flight. But Kwok took to the stage looking immaculate and handled the festival's opening ceremony like a seasoned pro.

It was a surprise to learn that it was Kwok's first time as an MC - anywhere. But the actor says there was never any chance he might decline the invitation when it came. The two most important factors in agreeing to the role, says Kwok, was the fact that it was the first time it had been offered to a Chinese man - Tang Wei was the first Chinese woman last year - and then there's the important role the Busan event plays in Asian cinema.