2024 Seoul International Film Awards Honors Late Actors, Blue Dragon Awards Criticized for Focus on Jung Woo-sung’s Controversies
Held on December 4 at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, the Seoul International Film Awards was hosted by broadcasters Jo Woo-jong and Jeong Da-eun, with a celebratory performance by singer Insooni. The ceremony honored works from films, dramas, and OTT platforms released between April 2023 and October 2024. The awards were introduced in 2012 as the Star of the Night – Korea’s Top Star Awards, and have since been renamed to the Seoul International Film Awards, with support from the Seoul city budget.
The late Kim Soo-mi, who passed away on October 25, 2024, was posthumously awarded the Special Achievement Award. Her daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim, accepted the award on her behalf, delivering an emotional tribute. Seo Hyo-rim recalled how Kim Soo-mi, known for her iconic roles in dramas like “Country Diaries” and “Chief Inspector,” as well as the “Marrying the Mafia” film series, always held her work as an actress in high regard.
Kim Soo-mi was deeply cherished by the public, and Seo Hyo-rim expressed gratitude for the lasting love and admiration her late mother-in-law received throughout her career.
Tributes also flowed for the late Song Jae-rim, who passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2024, at the age of 39. Actress Jung Yoo-mi, who won the Special Acting Award for her role in the OTT series “Queen Woo,” dedicated her award to the staff and actors involved in the production. In her speech, Jung Yoo-mi offered heartfelt condolences for Song Jae-rim’s sudden passing, wishing him peaceful rest.
While the Seoul International Film Awards received praise for honoring Kim Soo-mi and Song Jae-rim, the Blue Dragon Film Awards held on November 30, 2024, faced backlash for failing to pay tribute to the two beloved stars. Instead, the Blue Dragon Film Awards became a focal point for debates about the attention given to actor Jung Woo-sung, who received applause despite his personal controversies.
After winning the Most Popular Actor award for “12.12: The Day,” Jung Woo-sung publicly acknowledged his responsibilities as a father and promised to bear the weight of his actions. The event later posted his speech on social media, sparking further discussion about whether the ceremony had shifted its focus to address personal matters.
The contrast between the two awards ceremonies highlighted a difference in tone: the Seoul International Film Awards was lauded for its emotional tributes to the late actors, while the Blue Dragon Film Awards was criticized for its emphasis on current issues, particularly regarding Jung Woo-sung. As the year’s major award shows draw to a close, there are hopes that the remaining ceremonies will offer a more balanced and thoughtful presentation.
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
