Fans Flood Hotel, But Kentaro Sakaguchi’s Calm Smile Steals Every Heart in Busan

Reported to have become gaunt

“Kyaah! Sakaguchi-kun!”

In the hotel lobby, actor Kentaro Sakaguchi (34) was surrounded by a crowd of female fans cheering and pointing their smartphones at him.

Sakaguchi, who stars in the film “The Sunflower on the Board,” officially selected for the Open Cinema section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (held from September 17 to 26), appeared on the opening ceremony’s red carpet. Dressed coolly in a black suit and black tie, he captivated his fans.

“The film is based on the novel of the same name by author Yuzuki Yuko and portrays the light and darkness of a genius shogi player living from the Showa to Heisei eras — a human mystery,” explained a film magazine writer.

“Sakaguchi plays the enigmatic genius player, Keisuke Kamijo. Until now, he has often been cast as fresh, clean-cut young men, but this time his character displays raw hatred and darkness. His intense performance — with shadowed expressions and violent brawls — has become a major topic.”

After the ceremony, Sakaguchi returned to his hotel, where the waiting female fans surrounded him, camera flashes bursting. Though he looked surprised at first, he quickly smiled, and despite staff trying to hold fans back, he showed kindness by shaking hands with those who reached out.

On September 10, Shukan Bunshun had reported a love triangle rumor involving Sakaguchi, Mei Nagano (26), and an older woman. The red carpet that day was his first public appearance since the report, drawing additional attention. On social media, some commented things like “He looks so thin” and “There’s no energy in his face.”

A Shukan Josei PRIME article (September 18) suggested that because “Korea’s Confucian-influenced culture is strict toward infidelity, his Korean fans may be drifting away,” but a member of the film’s production team denied this:

“He’s perfectly fine. Even if the reports about Nagano-san were true, it’s all in the past. He doesn’t seem bothered at all.”

Actors Kazunari Ninomiya (42), Junichi Okada (44), and Go Ayano (43) — all popular in Korea — also walked the red carpet, but according to a local cameraman, Sakaguchi received by far the loudest cheers from female fans.

On the 18th, during the stage greeting and world premiere alongside Ken Watanabe (65) and director Naoto Kumazawa, Sakaguchi greeted the audience in fluent Korean:

“Thank you so much for all the love. I’m truly happy!”

After the screening, the 4,500-seat venue erupted in thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Smiling broadly, Sakaguchi waved both hands in gratitude. The film’s Japanese release on October 31 is now eagerly anticipated.