200 Gather for Shin Young-kyun’s 99th-Birthday Celebration; Late Ahn Sung-ki’s Son Shares Moving Tribute

A celebration marking the 99th birthday of veteran actor Shin Young-kyun, a living legend of Korean cinema, was held in grand style on the 15th at Stage28 in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.

The event was held alongside the 16th Beautiful Artist Awards, drawing about 200 figures from the arts and culture world who represent the past, present and future of Korean cinema. Shin, honorary chairman of the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, brought a lighthearted note to the gathering with the joke, "Can it be true that I'm already 100?" He added, "I've done everything I wanted to do, without holding back, so I have no regrets," and offered a heartfelt wish: "I hope the next generation will lead Korean cinema into another golden age."

Among those attending was singer EJAE, Shin's granddaughter and the voice behind "Golden," the theme song for Netflix's animated film KPop Demon Hunters. She came with her fiancé, music producer Sam Kim. "My grandfather's passion for life and art burns brighter than anyone's," she said. "I hold close his lesson never to give up, no matter the circumstances."

Living witness to Korean cinema, Shin Young-kyun, celebrates 99th birthday with artistic passion

The most moving moment of the ceremony came with the presentation of the Good People Artist Award. This year's award went to the late Ahn Sung-ki, who devoted his life to the growth of Korean cinema. From his debut as a child actor to becoming a beloved national star, the late actor's remarkable legacy on and off screen was remembered once again.

The Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation said it recognized not only the late actor's outstanding performances across numerous works, but also the spirit of giving he demonstrated through sustained charitable work and mentoring younger artists. His second son, Ahn Philip, accepted the award on his father's behalf, sharing his longing for and gratitude to him.

Deep longing for late Ahn Sung-ki at Beautiful Artist Awards spanning generations

Choi Hwi-young, the minister of culture, sports and tourism, who attended the event, shared his reflections on social media. "Seeing the award accepted on his behalf by his son, I was reminded once more of the noble dignity of a man who was always a steadfast pillar for our filmmakers," he wrote, highlighting the hard work of veteran artists behind K-culture's global standing.

The Film Artist Award went to actor Kim Mu-yeol for his powerful performance in the Netflix series Dirty Lesson. He earned praise from audiences and critics alike for his nuanced portrayal of an inspector who takes the side of victims confronting abuses in the education system. The Performing Arts Award went to veteran actor Park Geun-hyung, who demonstrated commanding stage presence in the play The Merchant of Venice.

From Dirty Lesson's Kim Mu-yeol to director Kim Do-young, the forces behind K-content

Cinematographer Lee Seok-ki, who helped lead the resurgence of Korean cinema from the 1960s through the 1980s, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was recognized for his work on more than 180 films, including cinematography for director Lee Man-hee's Myth of Ssarigol (1967) and directing The Tale of Saint Lee Su-il (1987). The New Artist Award went to director Kim Do-young, who has demonstrated a deft directorial touch in works including Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (2019), If We Were (2025) and The Intern (2026).

Now in its 16th year, the Beautiful Artist Awards annually recognize artists who have made a significant mark in the cultural and arts fields. This year, each of the five recipients received 20 million won and a plaque. A handprinting ceremony was also held to preserve their artistic achievements for posterity, adding to the occasion's significance.