[Cheongryong Malmalmal] "Hoping My Daughters Can Laugh Beyond Violence" A Meaningful Reflection

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Actors lit up this year's Blue Dragon Film Awards with witty remarks.

The 42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on the 26th at 8:30 PM at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, hosted by Kim Hye-soo and Yoo Yeon-seok.

On this day, director Ryu Seung-wan's Mogadishu won five awards including Best Film and Best Director, while actors Sol Kyung-gu and Moon So-ri took home Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. Additionally, Heo Jun-ho, Kim Sun-young, Jung Jae-kwang, and Gong Seung-yeon became this year's trophy recipients.

Furthermore, Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung, who recently gained popularity through Squid Game, appeared on stage as presenters for the Best Director award, and Youn Yuh-jung made her first official appearance since the Oscars. Song Kang-ho, who served as a jury member at this year's Cannes Film Festival, drew attention by presenting the Best Film award.

"I will be an actor who doesn't cause accidents."

Heo Jun-ho, who won Best Supporting Actor for the film Mogadishu, said, "I feel like I have lived a bit. Happy moments become precious. In 2019, I met a happy project. I ran with trust in director Ryu Seung-wan. Everyone was happy, and during Mogadishu, no one got hurt during filming. I will show you good acting and become an actor who never causes accidents again."

"If you endure, good days will come someday."

Ryu Seung-wan, who won Best Director for Mogadishu, said, "There are things you can do alone in the world and things you cannot, and making a film is something you cannot do alone. Mogadishu was especially like that. To the filmmakers who are struggling somewhere, please endure a little longer. If you endure, good days will come."

He added, "We really worried a lot about releasing the film during the level 4 social distancing due to COVID-19. After the release, I am grateful to the audience who still watch films in theaters and appreciate the images and sounds crafted by the hands of the creators. Everyone who has been with me is a comrade," he shared his thoughts.

"I am veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung."

Youn Yuh-jung, who appeared on the opening stage of the second part of the Blue Dragon Film Awards, greeted the audience by saying, "I am veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung," receiving applause.

She continued, "Recently, during an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, a reporter asked me why K-content is loved worldwide. I answered, 'We have always had good dramas. It's just that the world is now paying attention to us.' You should hold me accountable for my words," she said wittily.

"Thanks to my comrade Song Yoon-ah."

Sol Kyung-gu, who won Best Actor for Josanjeob, said, "If I were to give an actor award, I hoped it would go to Byun Yo-han. I am grateful and sorry," and expressed thanks to director Lee Joon-ik for creating a healing set.

He added, "Many actors sacrificed themselves and contributed their hearts to make this precious film. Lastly, I also thank my comrade, Song Yoon-ah (my wife)."

"I hope my daughters live smiling beyond an era of violence..."

Moon So-ri, who won Best Actress for the film Three Sisters, which depicts women's solidarity, said, "Kim Sun-young, Jang Yoon-ju, and I all have daughters. This film carries the hope that our daughters live confidently and comfortably, smiling beyond an era of violence, and I hoped that feeling would be conveyed. The HollyBang sisters who showed a great stage earlier?because of such sisters, the world seems to be getting better. I will come back with films telling stories of even more wonderful women," she said, leaving a special meaning.

"Why fans worldwide are enthusiastic about Korean content..."

Song Kang-ho, who presented the Best Film award, said, "Everyone is going through difficult and hard times, and I sincerely hope that everyone returns to their daily lives as soon as possible. Recently, Korean content has been exciting fans all over the world. This was possible thanks to your efforts and passion, and above all, the film fans who have continuously supported and encouraged Korean films. Looking back at the past year, despite difficult circumstances, there were many excellent and remarkable works. I thank the fans who love Korean films," he said.

Photo provided by Blue Dragon Film Awards Secretariat