The 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 24. As one of the most important award shows in South Korea, the event acknowledges actors and films of great performance and high artistic value over the last year. The ceremony was hosted by actress Kim Hye Soo and actor Yoo Yeon Seok, with performances by NewJeans, and JYP.
The crime film, set in the 70s, “The Smugglers” was a clear favorite with 12 nominations. At the end of the night, the movie and its cast took home 4 awards. Then, “The Night Owl” and “Concrete Utopia” followed with three awards and two awards, respectively. Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Film: Smugglers.
Best Director: Um Taehwa – Concrete Utopia.
Best Actor: Lee Byung-hun –Concrete Utopia.
Best Actress: Jung Yu-mi – Sleep.
Best Supporting Actor: Zo In-sung – Smugglers.
Best Supporting Actress: Jeon Yeo-been – Cobweb.
Best New Actor: Hong Xa-bin – Hopeless.
Best New Actress: Go Min-si – Smugglers.
Best New Director: Ahn Tae-jin – The Night Owl.
Best Screenplay: Jung Ju-ri – Next Sohee.
Best Editing: Kim Sun-min – The Night Owl.
Best Cinematography and Lightning: Kim Tae-kyeong, Hong Seung-chul — The Night Owl.
Best Music: Chang Kiha – Smugglers.
Go Minsi's reaction to winning the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Actress. pic.twitter.com/IMMsdYdE61
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 24, 2023
The event had performances from NewJeans, who got the energy up performing “ETA” and their smash hit “Super Shy.” Attendees quickly reacted with hype and went along with the energy and vibe of the performance.
JYP, who is also the CEO of JYP Entertainment, performed a medley of his own songs and some tunes in English. While some of the celebrities at the event were enjoying it, he for sure shocked and surprised some others, who were not loving his performance all that much.