Since her debut in The Tattooed Dragon (1973), Sylvia Chang has appeared in more than 100 films, establishing herself as an actress who has inspired generations of filmmakers. In the 1980s, she expanded her artistic scope to directing and has since helmed 15 feature films — including 20 30 40 (2004), Murmur of the Hearts (2015), and Love Education (2017) — celebrated for their emotional depth and keen insight. In 1988, she founded the Gosh Foundation to support emerging filmmakers and has remained active as a producer, dedicated to nurturing new talent. In recognition of multifaceted contributions, Chang has received numerous honors, including the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Chevalier), the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Film Awards, and the Golden Mulberry Lifetime Achievement Award at the Udine Far East Film Festival. She produced Measure in Love, directed by Kung Siu-Ping starring Hsu Kuang-Han and Angela Yuen, that is invited to Busan this year.

Ryu Seong-hie, the first recipient of the award, is a prominent Korean art director who majored in ceramics at Hongik and studied film at the American Film Institute (AFI). She has established a distinguished career through numerous works, including Memories of Murder (2003), Oldboy (2003), The Host (2006), Thirst (2009), The Front Line (2011), Ode to My Father (2014), Assassination (2015), Decision to Leave (2022) and more. Notably, she has frequently collaborated with director Park Chan-wook, and with The Handmaiden (2016), she became the first Korean to win the Vulcan Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating the world-class level of Korean film art.