Director Huh Beom-wook of 'The Pig Who Returned from Foot-and-Mouth Disease' Dies at 43

Director Huh Beom-wook, the visionary behind the upcoming animated film 'The Pig Who Returned from Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' has died at the age of 43. His sudden passing was announced by Baek Jae-ho, director of the Korean Independent Film Association, on social media.

While the precise cause of death has not been officially disclosed, it is suspected to be related to a fire accident. The film's press preview, scheduled for October 24, was canceled on the morning of the event.

'The Pig Who Returned from Foot-and-Mouth Disease' is Huh's second feature-length animation. It had previously garnered international acclaim, being invited to 35 film festivals worldwide, including Annecy, Sitges, and Bucheon. The film also won the Grand Prix at the 50th Seoul Independent Film Festival, recognizing its artistic merit and originality.

Huh, born in Seoul, studied animation after graduating high school. His debut feature, 'Pale Face,' won the Grand Prize for Feature Film at the Holland Animation Film Festival in 2015. He also directed acclaimed short films such as 'A Ordinary Meal' (2009), 'The City of Kind People' (2011), and 'Galapagos' (2019).

The funeral is being held at St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul, with the procession scheduled for October 30 at 8 a.m.

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Director Huh Beom-wook, who was preparing for the release of 'The Pig Who Returned from Foot-and-Mouth Disease,' passed away this morning.