Day 2 at the BICF: Korean Coffee and Comedy Shows
If the day before, all the shows we had booked were located around the Busan Cinema Center, that was not the case today. We had 2 shows in the center of Busan, precisely at Busan Bank Headquarter Ocean Hall and only in the early afternoon. So even if you’re not close to the festival headquarters, at the time you’ll be able to start exploring the cafes here since the area of the broadcasting site is suitable for you.
After a little research, we decided to discover the Butter Vill. This cafe is directly inspired by a K-drama W–Two Worlds Appart, itself inspired by a webtoon Two Worlds. The entire cafe is a drawing board in which the customer breaks in and finds himself immersed in a 2D, black and white adventure. Every detail is thought of so as to fit you into the drawing. The chairs, the tables, the decor, everything is shown in 2D. It’s surprising, aesthetically pleasing and with a disconcerting sweetness. The colour will only be the drinks and food you order. In our case, we opted for a chocolate cake and an ice drink, a Tiramisu Latte. The chocolate cake comes in the form of a sleeping bear on its plate. Finally, it’s just a simple chocolate mousse, but aesthetically, the presentation is working.
Adress : 33 Jeonpo-daero 176beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
It’s time to go to the Busan Bank Headquarter Ocean Hall, after a detour by Power Station to find the Jack in the Box album, chase natural…. On this afternoon’s program we only watch Korean comedies.
Two Mom Show, contrary to what its name indicates, not just 2 mothers of families but 3 mothers of families who humorously and self-deprecate their lives as mothers, wives and working women lives with all these caps at once. It is also the first performance in South Korea where women can enjoy a show while pumping and breastfeeding. This show is a succession of relatively short sketches, maximum 15 minutes, with a permanent red wire. The 3 artists are not always on the set, one is often MC when the other 2 are playing. They dance, they sing. And when they need some time between changing costumes and settings, two handsome young men show up. A relatively simple and unoriginal transition, but the public appreciates it. It is also a participatory show with games where spectators are invited to the stage. They must perform dances or have words guessed only by articulating and the last person must find the original word ( a kind o CHinese whispers). Gifts (sponsorships) are then given as a thank-you. Often enthusiastic to participate, they are usually embarrassed when they perform what they are asked to do, but do not hesitate to do so. This show is really a succession of skits and dancing/singing numbers and although I don’t understand a word of Korean, I really appreciate this show. The subtleties, of course, are beyond me. But I’m laughing anyway. The gesture allows you to override the language barrier.
After the show is over, the artists rush without even changing to thank the audience by taking pictures with them and giving them gifts from their partners, beauty products and young children’s food supplement. Very quickly a line forms. We join her so we can talk to the artists for a few moments. They are extremely thoughtful, accessible and very nice. They are surprised to see that I attended the show, but glad to see that I enjoyed it even though I don’t speak Korean. They’re hit and so am I. We finally take pictures together and they also offer me the sponsored products. Really a great team.
After an hour’s break and a tour of the surrounding Busan Bank Headquarter Ocean Hall, it’s time to attend the Mandam Assembly. This show is more like a talk show than a more physical performance. Which makes it so much more difficult for us to follow and understand the ins and outs of this show. Nevertheless, we are much more interested in public reaction. Turns out the room is more crowded for this one than the previous show. The six actors seem to be quite well known on YouTube. They come in teams of two to tell their stories. We’re really about subtlety of language, situations and quid pro quo, not a gesture comic. I don’t know much about this performance other than the very intense interactions between artists and performances that interact with each other. It’s a standing ovation at the end. The audience goes out to wait for the performers in the lobby. We prefer not to stay any longer, we have Busan to cross on a Sunday night to return to our accommodation.
