
The '34th Buil Film Awards' spotlighted the power of independent cinema this year, with 'House of the Seasons' (directed by Oh Jung Min) taking home the coveted Best Picture award.
Other indie standouts such as 'The Land of Morning Calm' (directed by Park Yi Woong) and 'When This Summer is Over' (directed by Jang Byung Ki) were also recognized, signaling a turning point for the 'Buil Film Awards' in expanding diversity and championing fresh voices in Korean cinema.
The ceremony was held on September 18 at the Signiel Grand Ballroom in Haeundae, Busan, hosted by actors Kim Nam Gil and Chun Woo Hee. The awards honored Korean films released between August 11, 2024, and July 10, 2025, across 16 categories.
Director Oh Jung Min, who received Best Picture for his debut film 'House of the Seasons,' had previously won Best New Director at the '61st Baeksang Arts Awards.' In his acceptance speech, he said: “This is the most honorable award I’ve ever received. It is even more meaningful to be recognized alongside the actors and staff who made this film possible. I dedicate this award to them.”
The Best Director award went to Hwang Byung Kook for 'Yadang: The Snitch,' the year’s biggest box office hit in Korea and the highest-grossing R-rated film since the pandemic. Hwang tearfully thanked his cast, crew, and family for their support.
Acting Honors

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Best Actor: Lee Byung Hun (The Match), praised for his meticulous portrayal of legendary Go master Cho Hun Hyun. Accepting his fourth Best Actor award from Buil, Lee reflected: “I hope this award continues to feel like an old friend I can grow alongside.”
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Best Actress: Kim Go Eun (Love in the Big City), who shared her thanks via video message due to scheduling conflicts.
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Best Supporting Actor: Park Jung Min (Uprising), who delivered a nuanced performance capturing betrayal and forgiveness.
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Best Supporting Actress: Yang Hee Kyung (The Land of Morning Calm), marking her screen return after 16 years. She movingly dedicated her award to all supporting actors.
Special Awards and Rising Stars

The Yoo Hyun Mok Film Arts Award, named after the pioneering director, was presented to Jang Dong Gun for his continued contributions to Korean cinema.

In the newcomer categories, Choi Hyun Jin (When This Summer is Over) and Hyeri (Victory) claimed Best New Actor and Best New Actress respectively, with Hyeri also winning Star of the Year. Actor Lee Jun Hyuk secured the male counterpart of the award for the second consecutive year.
Full List of Winners – 34th Buil Film Awards
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Best Picture: House of the Seasons
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Best Director: Hwang Byung Kook (Yadang: The Snitch)
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Best Actor: Lee Byung Hun (The Match)
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Best Actress: Kim Go Eun (Love in the Big City)
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Best Supporting Actress: Yang Hee Kyung (The Land of Morning Calm)
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Best Supporting Actor: Park Jung Min (Uprising)
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Yoo Hyun-mok Film Arts Award: Jang Dong Gun (A Normal Family)
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Star of the Year (Female): Hyeri (Victory)
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Star of the Year (Male): Lee Jun Hyuk (The Firefighters)
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Best New Director: Jang Byung Ki (When This Summer is Over)
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Best New Actress: Hyeri (Victory)
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Best New Actor: Choi Hyun Jin (When This Summer is Over)
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Best Screenplay: Park Yi Woong (The Land of Morning Calm)
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Best Cinematography: Hong Kyung Pyo (Harbin)
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Best Music: Kim Joon Seok (Hi-Five)
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Best Art/Technical Direction: Park Jung Woo (Harbin)
Founded in 1958 as Korea’s first film awards, the 'Buil Film Awards' were revived in 2008 and continue to shape the nation’s cinematic landscape. This year, their emphasis on independent storytelling underscored the evolving future of Korean cinema.
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