The 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards delivered a sparkling evening of celebration, emotion and cinematic excellence, bringing South Korea’s top filmmakers and stars under one roof at the KBS Hall in Seoul. This year’s ceremony belonged to both veterans who reaffirmed their legacy and emerging talent poised to shape the future of Korean cinema.
The biggest triumph of the night was No Other Choice, which swept major categories. The film won Best Picture, reaffirming its status as one of the year’s strongest productions. Director Park Chan-wook, known for his globally acclaimed storytelling style, claimed Best Director for skilfully weaving intensity and emotion into the film’s narrative. The movie’s success extended to performances as well, with Son Ye-jin winning Best Actress for her powerful portrayal in the film. Her win was widely expected, as critics had praised her role as one of the most compelling performances of the year.
On the other hand, Best Actor went to Hyun Bin for Harbin, a historical drama set against the backdrop of Korean resistance. His heartfelt acceptance speech, where he thanked his wife Son Ye-jin and their son, became one of the night’s most talked-about moments. Fans celebrated not only the couple’s individual achievements but also their shared success at one of Korea’s most prestigious award ceremonies.
New talent also shone brightly. Ahn Bo-hyun won Best New Actor for Pretty Crazy, a film that showcased his versatility and growing command as a leading actor. Kim Do-yeon earned Best New Actress for her roles in Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary, marking a promising rise in her young career.
The event was anchored with elegance by hosts Han Ji-min and Lee Je-hoon. Energetic performances by Lee Chan-hyuk and the K-pop group ‘Boy Next Door’ added vibrancy to the ceremony, keeping the audience engaged throughout the night.
Fan-voted Popular Star Awards went to Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, YoonA and GOT7’s Jinyoung, reflecting their strong global and domestic fanbases.
