(ANN/KOREA HERALD) — Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s “Smugglers” clinched the best picture award at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards, a prestigious South Korean film ceremony.
The 130-minute crime action film revolves around female divers from Jeju Island involved in illegal smuggling. The film also earned three additional accolades: best supporting actor for Zo In-sung, best new actress for Go Min-si, and best music for Chang Ki-ha.
During his acceptance speech, Zo In-sung expressed gratitude to the director and co-stars, including a desire to share a hug with Kim Hye-soo, who co-hosted the ceremony and starred in the movie.
Kim reciprocated praise, acknowledging Zo’s excellence and expressing anticipation for his future works.
Kim Hye-soo, a fixture as co-host for 30 years, bid farewell to her hosting role during the event.
The best director award went to Um Tae-hwa for “Concrete Utopia,” a dystopian thriller about survivors in a quake-hit Seoul apartment complex.
Lee Byung-hun, the lead in “Concrete Utopia,” secured the best actor award, his second Blue Dragon award after winning in 2016 for “Inside Men.” The film is Korea’s submission for the 2024 Oscars.
