The Korea Film Actor’s Association held a year-end event on December 28th. At this event, director KIM Ki-duk received a lifetime achievement award. During his acceptance speech, KIM praised, CHO Min-soo and LEE Jung-jin, two actors who worked with him in Pieta, saying they’re like good water colors with which he was able to paint a good picture. He also said, “I’ve made 18 films in the past 15 years. It’s important for films to be screened at theaters but I kept on thinking hard about what I could do in this world with my films.” He went on to say, “Actors are the most important aspects of one’s film and I’m so happy to be given an award along with my actors, CHO and LEE.”

 

CHO Min-soo who also received the achievement award said “I’m so moved. I think children might say that acting is the most respected job in the world after this year. This is all thanks to my senior actors who worked so hard before me.” LEE Jung-jin said, “It’s an honor to be on this very meaningful stage and I think our win at Venice happened thanks to all of my senior actors. I hope that many Korean actors and actresses will continue to do well at Berlin and Cannes.”

 

Actor LEE Byung-hun was given the achievement award as he was the first Korean actor to have his hands printed in Hollywood. He was given the award along with actor AHN Sung-ki. LEE took part in the hand printing ceremony at the Chinese Mann’s Theater in Hollywood in June of last year. The first Asian film professional to do the handprinting there was director John Woo and LEE and AHN were the first Asian actors to do so. LEE said, “I believe I was invited to have my hands printed in Hollywood as I was lucky enough to be born in the right era. My seniors did much better things than I but I was just lucky. I don’t know how I will influence actors who will come after me, but I hope to provide a stage where they’ll be able to exude their talent with no limits.