Director Award: Park Chan-wook (Film) and Kang Yoon-sung (Series), The 24th Directors Cut Awards Conclude in Grand Style!

‘The 24th Directors Cut Awards,’ which Korean film directors select and present themselves, was held in grand style at Edeuls on May 19 at 6:00 p.m., hosted by directors Jang Hang-jun, Bong Man-dae, and Kim Cho-hee. Highlighting its unique charm—where both nominees and winners are chosen solely through votes by Korean film directors, and the ceremony itself is carried out in a relaxed, fun manner—this year’s event again unfolded as a festive occasion without end to laughter and congratulations.

Director Award - Film 〈It Can’t Be Helped〉 Park Chan-wook, Series Division  〈Fine: The Country Bumpkins〉 Kang Yoon-sung

Male Actor Award - 〈The Man Who Lives with the King〉 Yoo Hae-jin, 〈Made in Korea〉 Hyun Bin

Female Actor Award - 〈The Owner of the World〉 Seo Soo-bin, 〈Fine: The Country Bumpkins〉 Im Soo-jung

The Directors Cut Awards began with remarks from Choi Dong-hoon, the executive chairman of the Directors Cut Awards, and director Lee Gyu-man, followed by the opening from directors Jang Hang-jun, Bong Man-dae, and Kim Cho-hee. Among a total of 13 categories, the first awards ceremony was for the ‘New Actor Award’ in the series and film divisions. 

The Series Division New Male Actor Award went to Jeong Yoon-ho, who introduced himself as the new face in the role of Jang Beol-gu in 〈Fine: The Country Bumpkins〉. Due to a scheduling conflict, he was unable to attend in person. In a video, he said, “I learned a lot through 〈Fine〉. Thanks to Director Kang Yoon-sung and everyone who worked hard.” He expressed his gratitude.

The New Female Actor Award went to Bang Hyo-rin, who was in the spotlight for her portrayal of Shin Joo-ae in 〈Aema〉. She said, “I was genuinely happy filming day by day,” and expressed her determination to continue acting with all her sincerity.

In the Film Division, the New Male Actor Award went to Park Ji-hoon for his role as Lee Hong-wi in 〈The Man Who Lives with the King〉. Unable to attend due to his schedule, he said in a video, “It’s a great honor to receive such a meaningful award,” and delivered heartfelt thanks to those who made the film together. 

For the New Female Actor Award, Yeom Hye-ran—who left a strong impression as Ara in 〈It Can’t Be Helped〉—took the honor. Yeom revealed a behind-the-scenes detail that her attendance at the 22nd Directors Cut Awards ultimately became the reason for director Park Chan-wook’s casting. She shared, “It feels overwhelming in a way that it’s an award filled with wishes and support for a new face among mid-career actresses,” and offered her remarks.

Next came the awards for Screenplay and Vision (Independent Film Award), followed by the award for Best New Director in the film division.

For the Screenplay Award, it was won by director Yoon Ga-eun, who wrote 〈The Owner of the World〉. She said, “I will work hard, think deeply, and follow in the footsteps of other directors to create a great work.” The Vision Award, presented next, was also claimed by director Yoon Ga-eun, earning her the prestigious title of a two-win winner. She said, “It’s an honor just to have been listed among the nominees alongside the works I usually love. I’m grateful to receive an award like this,” and offered her thanks.

The Best New Director Award went to director Jang Seong-ho of 〈King of Kings〉. Director Jang mentioned the process of successfully carrying out the project despite concerns from those around him that it was not feasible. He expressed his hopes, saying, “For my next work, I want to make something even more excellent and contribute to raising national prestige.”

After that, along with remarks from Min Gyu-dong, the co-representative of DGK, thanks were extended to the sponsors, including Kyobo Life and Paradise City, which supported the event so the Directors Cut Awards could take place. 

The awards for actor in the series and film divisions followed. 

The Male Actor Award in the Series Division was presented to Hyun Bin, who played the role of Baek Ki-tae in 〈Made in Korea〉. Hyun Bin shared a lighthearted wish, crediting his colleagues, saying, “Through Season 2, I want to receive this award again next year.” 

For the Female Actor Award, it was announced for Im Soo-jung, who played the role of Yang Jeong-sook in 〈Fine: The Country Bumpkins〉. Expressing her excitement at finally being recognized directly by directors after her debut award at the 2003 Directors Cut Awards, she said, “I worked hard to show a new side through the character of Yang Jeong-sook, and I’m really glad I was able to enjoy the process and pull it off. I’ll continue acting intensely without being afraid of unexpected proposals.” 

In the Film Division, the Male Actor Award went to Yoo Hae-jin, who portrayed Um Heung-do in 〈The Man Who Lives with the King〉. Making his first appearance at the Directors Cut Awards, he said, “Since it’s an awards ceremony I really wanted to attend, I think it will become the most cherished award among the ones I’ve received so far,” giving it special meaning. 

The Female Actor Award went to Seo Soo-bin, who played the role of Lee Joo-in in 〈The Owner of the World〉. The Female Actor Award went to Seo Soo-bin, who played the role of Lee Joo-in in 〈The Owner of the World〉. Seo Soo-bin said, “Most of the works I was nominated for earlier were ones where I auditioned.” She added, “It’s an honor that I can greet the directors right here like this,” and expressed deep gratitude.

The Director Award in the Series Division went to director Kang Yoon-sung of 〈Fine: The Country Bumpkins〉. He said, “This was a work we truly enjoyed filming—with actors and the staff alike. It’s an award that my fellow directors selected themselves, so I really wanted to receive it. Getting it like this gave me the power to keep running,” sharing his thoughts.

The Director Award in the Film Division went to director Park Chan-wook of 〈It Can’t Be Helped〉. Unable to attend due to his schedule as the chair of the Cannes Film Festival jury, he said in a video, “It’s a film that really benefited from the lead and supporting actors, so I’ll think of this as an award for everyone,” and delivered thanks to his fellow directors.

Since the 24th Directors Cut Awards is a special ceremony where Korean film directors directly select nominees and winners through voting, around 150 DGK directors—including directors Lee Joon-ik, Kim Seong-soo, Bong Joon-ho, Yeon Sang-ho, and Jang Jae-hyun—attended. They sincerely congratulated the winners, and the event concluded in grand style.