Actor Yoo Hae-jin, nominated for best actor at the 62nd Baeksang Awards, poses on the red carpet at the ceremony in Gangnam, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
The historical drama film "The King's Warden" scored major wins at the 62nd Baeksang Awards on Friday, with its main cast clinching both the grand prize and best new actor in the film category.
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the film portrays the unlikely friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) and the dethroned King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) during the latter's exile in the village.
Praised for its ensemble performance, which depicts the young king's struggles and his friendship with the villagers, it has become the second-most watched film in Korean cinema history following its release in February.
Yoo won the grand prize, while Park won best new actor and the most popular artist award for a male artist. The film also received the Gucci impact award.
"On this occasion, I would like to truly thank the some 17 million audience (members) who watched 'The King's Warden,'" Yoo said after accepting the award. "It's fortunate and good to know that people are realizing the taste of the forgotten cinema."
"No Other Choice," a black comedy thriller by renowned director Park Chan-wook of "Decision to Leave," won best movie and best supporting actor, while Mun Ka-young and Park Jeong-min received the best actress and best actor awards for their performances in "Once We Were Us" and "The Ugly," respectively.
Park stressed the importance of humor in life, saying "No Other Choice" was a film full of jokes.
"At times we are angry or sad, I think we need to have an attitude of always cracking jokes and making others laugh ... that is how we can relieve the energy of anger and sorrow and find a way out," he said.
"The World of Love," an independent drama film that portrays a teen's courageous journey to confront her past pain, clinched best director and best new actress.
Source: Korea Times News
