88-Year-Old Active Director to Receive Korean Cinema Award

Kim Dongho Named as Recipient of the Korean Cinema Award

The Busan International Film Festival announced on August 14 that it has selected Dongho Kim, former Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, as this year's recipient of the Korean Cinema Award. He was highly recognized for laying the groundwork for the festival in a country with little presence in the international film scene and for leading the globalization of Korean cinema. The Korean Cinema Award is presented annually to individuals who have contributed to the development and globalization of Korean film.

Dongho Kim, former Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival / Busan International Film Festival.

Dongho Kim, who previously served as President of the Ministry of Culture and Information, President of the Korean Film Council, the first President of the Seoul Arts Center, and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, was appointed the inaugural Executive Director of the Busan International Film Festival in 1996. With strong leadership, he played a key role in the successful launch of the festival. In particular, his decision to resist the practice of pre-screening films and to uphold freedom of expression and independence was pivotal to establishing the festival as a central hub within the Asian film network.

Even after stepping down as Executive Director, he continued to contribute to talent development and cultural policy by serving as Dean of the Graduate School of Cinematic Content at Dankook University, Chair of the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment, and Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival. He also served as jury president and judge at international film festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam, and Fukuoka, playing a key role in introducing Korean and Asian films to the global stage.

Last year, at age 88, he made his directorial debut, picking up the camera himself. His film "Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema (2025)," in which he worked alongside filmmakers such as Lee Changdong, Park Chanwook, Bong Joonho, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, was invited to a special screening at last year's Busan International Film Festival.

Kim stated, "I still attend nearly ten overseas film festivals every year to promote Korean cinema," adding, "As long as I am able, I intend to keep doing so."

The awards ceremony will take place during the opening event of the Busan International Film Festival at the Busan Cinema Center on October 6.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.