'Host 3D' bows at Busan fest

BUSAN -- Korean helmer Bong Joon-ho bowed "The Host 3D" at the Busan film festival Monday, the first local film to be entirely converted into 3D from its original 2D version. Shingle Chungeoram collaborated with 3D conversion company Studio Raon, investing $1.2 million. Chungeoram did the 3D conversion of the pic, while preparing its sequel "The Host 2" in 3D, which is in pre-production helmed by Min Byung-chun ("Natural City"). The 3D version of the pic will be theatrically released by 2013. "I was worried about the 3D conversion in the beginning, because 'The Host' was not planned as a 3D movie," helmer Bong Joon-ho, told a news conference in Busan. "But I'm satisfied with the converted version now in that it makes space perception more lively," Bong added. Bong denied rumors that his next project "Le Transperceneige" might be a 3D film. The $34 million sci-fi film, which is based on a French comicbook, will begin shooting next March in Prague. "The Host" (2006) still holds the No. 1 position at the all-time local film B.O. chart. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com