"'Made Its Worth'... First Korean Drama to Win Cannes International Series Trophy"

by Lee Jonggil

Published 20 Apr.2023 10:02(KST)

Updated 21 Apr.2023 08:42(KST)

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

The TVING original series "Bodyguard" became the first Korean drama to win a trophy at the Cannes International Series Festival. On the 19th (local time), at the closing ceremony held at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre in Cannes, France, it won the Best Screenplay Award, beating out "Good Morning Chuck," "Carthage," "Childhood Dreams," and others.

"'Made Its Worth'... First Korean Drama to Win Cannes International Series Trophy"

This is the first time a Korean drama has won at the Cannes International Series Festival. "Bodyguard" was the second Korean drama to compete in the competition category, following "Mother" in 2018. Competing against nine other nominees for five trophies including Best Series, Music, Screenplay, and two Actor awards, it ultimately took home the Screenplay Award.

Director Jeon Woo-sung said, "It is an honor that such a uniquely conceptual work was recognized and invited. I am very grateful to receive an award here as well." He also expressed joy by mentioning the names of co-writers Choi Byung-yoon and Kwak Jae-min.

"Bodyguard" is based on the short film of the same name by director Lee Chung-hyun. It depicts a desperate struggle of three people who were negotiating their ransom but become trapped in a building collapsed by an earthquake. The series stars actors Jin Seon-kyu, Jeon Jong-seo, and Jang Ryul. It attracted much attention after its release due to its bold subject matter, development, and cinematography. At the official screening held on the 16th at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre in Cannes, 2,300 audience members gave a standing ovation.

TVING stated, "We are pleased to continue the K-content syndrome," and added, "We will do our best to discover content that delivers both fun and emotion in the future." The production company Climax Studio also said, "It seems to have become an opportunity to showcase the power of Korean content," and "We will strive to captivate more global fans with K-content."