Lee Byung-hun Wins Best Actor at Bu-il Film Awards... 'Concrete Utopia' Takes 4 Crowns

Director Award Jeong Juri, Best Actress Award Kim Seo-hyung

Actor Lee Byung-hun received the Best Actor Award at the 32nd Buil Film Awards ceremony held on the 5th at a hotel in Haeundae-gu, Busan. The film Concrete Utopia won four awards, including Best Actor, Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Female Star of the Year.

When Lee Byung-hun was called to the stage to receive the Best Actor Award, he began by saying, "We filmed winter scenes in the middle of summer. We struggled with the weather more than in any other film." He continued, "Above all, I am grateful to the audience," adding, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences have enjoyed and adapted to OTT (online streaming services) films a lot. I was worried about how many people would come to theaters when the film was released, but many came."

Lee Byung-hun attending the 2023 Bu-il Film Awards red carpet event
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He said, "I love theaters as much as I love movies," and urged, "I hope as many people visit theaters as before." He then shared his thoughts, saying, "I will work hard on the next story and the emotions of the role," and added, "I hope to receive another award next time."

Lee Byung-hun received praise for his role as Yeongtak, the resident representative with an innocent yet charismatic gaze, in Concrete Utopia (directed by Um Tae-hwa), which was released last August. He was recognized for leading the story powerfully with another intense performance. The film depicts the story of survivors in Seoul, which has become a ruin due to a massive earthquake, focusing on the only remaining Hwanggung Apartment.

Byun Seung-min, CEO of Climax Studio, who accepted the Best Film trophy on behalf of the team, said, "The year 2003, 20 years ago, was when films like Memories of Murder and Oldboy were released, which inspired us to pursue film as a profession. I hope Concrete Utopia will be remembered as a meaningful work marking a new beginning for someone."

Son Seok-woo, CEO of BH Entertainment, said, "This film conveyed its planning intention to the audience better than any other work. I want to thank everyone, from the supporting actors who became the final layer to the lead actors, for their hard work."

'Concrete Utopia' stills
[Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

Director Um, who accepted the Best Cinematography trophy on behalf of cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae, said, "Since the film is set in a dark environment without light, we had to shoot it darkly, but not losing the film’s aesthetics and mood during the dark process is thanks to cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae."

On the same day, the Best Actress Award went to Kim Seo-hyung for the film Vinyl House, and the Best Director Award was awarded to director Jung Joo-ri for Next Sohee.

The Yu Hyun-mok Film Art Award, a special prize created to carry on the spirit of young filmmakers of the late director Yu Hyun-mok, was awarded to actress Bae Doo-na.

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