'Hope', Five-Time Winner at Buil Film Awards… 'Master of the World', Film and Actor Awards

[Dispatch | Busan=Correspondent Yuha] 'Hope' became the biggest winner at the Busan International Film Awards. 'Master of the World' secured the Best Picture Award and Best Actress Award, demonstrating the strength of independent cinema.

The 35th Busan International Film Awards took place on the 7th in the afternoon at the Signiel Busan Grand Ballroom in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Actors Kim Nam-gil and Cheon Woo-hee served as hosts. They paired up for the second consecutive year following last year.

Kim Nam-gil said, "It seems like a more hopeful year thanks to interest and diversity in films," and added, "As a symbol of the Busan International Film Awards, I want to continue as MC next year and the year after. I'll proceed with joy today as well."

This awards ceremony covered Korean films and OTT content released over the past year (July 11, 2025 to August 10, 2026). Winners were selected across a total of 16 categories.

'Hope' took home the most trophies on the day. It achieved a five-award sweep with Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Newcomer, Cinematography, and Art and Technical Awards.

Director Na Hong-jin received the Best Director trophy at the Busan International Film Awards. It has been 19 years since 'The Chaser.' He said, "I am grateful to the actors and staff who accompanied me on this long journey. I will return with better works."

Eum Moon-suk won the Best Supporting Actor Award. This is his first time receiving an award for a film role. He said, "It was a time of learning much. The director and staff wonderfully created the world of 'Hope.'"

Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo recalled his colleagues who shared the difficult filming locations. "I am grateful to Director Na Hong-jin for trusting me again after 'Ghosts,''" he said. "I will share the joy of this award with the actors and staff who endured harsh conditions across numerous filming locations including Romania, Haenam, Hapcheon, and Jeju Island."

Jongho was unable to attend the ceremony due to personal schedules. He delivered his acceptance speech for the Best Newcomer Award in a video. He said, "I learned what the posture of an actor is," and pledged, "I will grow steadily as an actor, using that learning as nourishment."

The presence of independent cinema also shone. 'Master of the World' swept the Best Picture Award and Best Actress Award.

Soobin became the winner of the Best Actress Award. She achieved exceptional results with her first film. She confessed, "When I heard the news that I was nominated alongside such luminaries, I wanted to hide."

She expressed her gratitude to Director Yun Ga-eun. "You created an environment where a rookie actress could play freely in front of the camera. I will not forget the time and devotion you put in to create that environment," she emphasized.

Soobin said, "I believe this great award is praise for the film rather than for me personally," and added, "Going forward, I will become an actress who throws herself wholeheartedly into work that makes my heart race."

The Best Picture Award also went to 'Master of the World.' Producer Koo Jung-a said, "We have been called an independent film and a low-budget film. At this moment, it feels moving to receive an award as just 'a film,'" she shared.

She continued, "I want to share this joy with Director Yun Ga-eun, who has constantly pondered and worked," and added, "The audience members who visit theaters going forward are the masters of film."

The Best Actor Award went to Yu Hae-jin from 'The Man Living with the King.' Yu Hae-jin did not attend the ceremony due to aftermath of the 'Assassin(s)' controversy. Ondaworks CEO Lim Eun-jung accepted the award on his behalf.

Yeom Hye-ran took home the Best Supporting Actress Award for 'I Have No Choice.' She said, "Ara was the most difficult role I have played so far," and added, "I believe the award has multiple meanings. This award feels like encouragement for my efforts thus far, and I am grateful."

The Uhm Hyun-mok Film Art Award went to the late film critic Lim Jae-chul. It is a special award presented to challenging and forward-thinking filmmakers, continuing the spirit of the late master director Uhm Hyun-mok.

The late critic's sibling Lim Jae-ran took the stage. She said, "Thank you for remembering my brother, for whom film and music were his entire life, and for being part of his life. Brother, I love you."

The Best Newcomer Actor Award went to Juyeon from '3670.' Juyeon said emotionally, "Thanks to you, audience members, I now understand why I wanted to act and how I should move forward," and pledged, "I will not stay in this happiness. I will become an actor who is not afraid of change."

The Star of the Year Award was jointly given to Jihoon and Jeon Mi-do from 'The Man Living with the King.' Jihoon said, "I am grateful to May (the fandom name) who love me," and added, "I will work harder and show you good performances."

Jeon Mi-do did not attend due to personal schedules. She delivered her remarks in a video. "It is more meaningful because it is an award from the audience," she said, and added, "It feels particularly meaningful to close out all schedules of 'The Man Living with the King' with this award."

Meanwhile, the Busan International Film Awards is the first film award in Korea, which began in 1958. After being revived in 2008, it has continued its legacy. This year marks its 35th edition.

<The following are the 35th Busan International Film Awards winners>

▶ Best Picture Award: 'Master of the World'

▶ Best Director Award: Na Hong-jin ('Hope')

▶ Best Actor Award: Yu Hae-jin ('The Man Living with the King')

▶ Best Actress Award: Soobin ('Master of the World')

▶ Best Supporting Actress Award: Yeom Hye-ran ('I Have No Choice')

▶ Best Supporting Actor Award: Eum Moon-suk ('Hope')

▶ Uhm Hyun-mok Film Art Award: Late Lim Jae-chul

▶ Female Star of the Year Award: Jeon Mi-do ('The Man Living with the King')

▶ Male Star of the Year Award: Jihoon ('The Man Living with the King')

▶ Best Newcomer Director Award: Kim Yu-min ('Bayam Island')

▶ Best Newcomer Actress Award: Jongho ('Hope')

▶ Best Newcomer Actor Award: Juyeon ('3670')

▶ Best Screenplay Award: Byun Sung-hyun·Lee Jin-sung ('Good News')

▶ Cinematography Award: Hong Kyung-pyo ('Hope')

▶ Music Award: Lee Min-hui ('Pavane')

▶ Art and Technical Award: Lee Hu-kyung ('Hope')

by. Hanuel Yoo