2024 Seoul International Film Awards Pays Tribute to Late Actors, Blue Dragon Awards Under Fire for Highlighting Jung Woo-sung’s Controversies

Celebrating Cinema: The 2024 Seoul International Film Awards

The prestigious Seoul International Film Awards took place on December 4, 2024, at the elegant Lotte Hotel in Seoul. Hosted by television personalities Jo Woo-jong and Jeong Da-eun, the ceremony featured a memorable performance by acclaimed singer Insooni. This year’s awards recognized exceptional work from films, dramas, and OTT platforms that debuted between April 2023 and October 2024.

A Tribute to Beloved Stars

The event became a poignant occasion as it honored the late Kim Soo-mi, who passed away on October 25, 2024. She was posthumously awarded the Special Achievement Award, accepted by her daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim. Hyo-rim delivered an emotional speech reflecting on Kim Soo-mi’s illustrious career, including her cherished roles in popular dramas such as “Country Diaries” and the “Marrying the Mafia” series.

Seo Hyo-rim expressed her gratitude for the profound love and respect the public showed towards Kim throughout her career.

This year’s ceremony also honored Song Jae-rim, who sadly passed away at the age of 39 on November 12, 2024. Actress Jung Yoo-mi, recipient of the Special Acting Award for her role in the OTT series “Queen Woo,” dedicated her award to the entire cast and crew of the show. In her heartfelt remarks, Yoo-mi shared her condolences for Song’s untimely loss, wishing him eternal peace.

Contrasting Celebrations: The Blue Dragon Film Awards

In stark contrast, the recent Blue Dragon Film Awards, held on November 30, faced criticism for not honoring Kim Soo-mi and Song Jae-rim. The event drew particular scrutiny for the focus on actor Jung Woo-sung, who garnered significant attention despite his past controversies. Jung received the Most Popular Actor award for his work in “12.12: The Day,” and during his acceptance speech, he acknowledged his responsibilities as a father and committed to introspection regarding his actions.

The contrasting responses to the two awards highlight differing priorities: the Seoul International Film Awards gained praise for their emotional tributes, while the Blue Dragon Film Awards became a discussion point for the attention and treatment of personal controversies within the industry. As the year’s awards season comes to a close, audiences are hopeful for a more nuanced and considerate approach in the remaining ceremonies.

2024 Seoul International Film Awards Winners

Best Picture: The Roundup: Punishment
Best Director: Lee Jong-pil (Escape)
Most Popular Film: 12.12: The Day
Best Actor: Byun Yo-han (Following)
Best Actress: Kim Young-ok, Na Moon-hee (Picnic)
Best Supporting Actor: Kim Jae-chul (Exhuma)
Best Supporting Actress: Lee Yoon-ji (Dream Palace)
Best Actor (Voted by Film Actors): Cho Jin-woong (Dead Man)
Special Jury Award: Uhm Tae-goo (My Sweet Mobster)
Special Achievement Award: The Late Kim Soo-mi
Contribution Award: Lee Hae-ryong
Entertainer Award: Lim Won-hee
Best Drama Acting Award: Gong Min-jeung (Daily Dose of Sunshine)
Special OTT Acting Award: Jung Yoo-mi (Queen Woo)
Best OTT Work: Pyramid Game
Most Popular Actor: Byun Woo-seok (Lovely Runner)
Most Popular Actress: Go Min-si (The Frog)
Best New Director: Heo Myeong-haeng (The Roundup: Punishment)
Best New Actor: Park Ji-hoon (Audrey)
Best New Actress: Lee Joo-myung (Pilot)
Asian Newcomer Award: Regina Lei (Taiwan)
Asian Popular Actor Award: Luo Mingjie (China)
Best Documentary Director Award: Jang I-rae, Choi Dong-ho (Chuncheon Battle 72 Hours)
Film Development Corporate Award: Lee Jae-hwa