Award Winners
The 31th Busan International Film FestivalKorean Cinema Award
The Korean Cinema Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Korean cinema and its recognition worldwide. This year's honoree is Kim Dong-ho, former chairperson of the Busan International Film Festival, who laid the groundwork for BIFF and guided its growth as its founding festival director. Through his work, he has served as a bridge connecting Korean and Asian cinema with the international film community.
KIM Dong-ho
Korea Former Chairperson of the Busan International Film Festival
Kim Dong-ho began his career in the 1980s at the Korean Motion Picture Promotion Corporation (now the Korean Film Council). He served as president of the Seoul Arts Center and worked as vice minister of the Ministry of Culture from 1992 to 1993. He was the founding festival director of the Busan International Film Festival from 1996 until 2010. His directorial work includes the short film Jury (2013) and the feature-length documentary Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema (2025).
