KIM Dong-ho Honored with the Korean Cinema Award at the 31st BIFF

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced the former BIFF chairman Kim Dong-ho as the recipient of the Korean Cinema Award. The annual award is presented to film figures who have made exceptional contributions to Korean cinema and its global recognition.

Recognizing his relentless dedication to Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and his pioneering role in bringing Korean cinema to the global stage, BIFF has named former chairman Kim Dong-ho as this year’s Korean Cinema Award recipient.

Beginning his career at the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), Kim Dong-ho served as president of the Korean Motion Picture Promotion Corporation (now the Korean Film Council), founding president of the Seoul Arts Center, and vice minister of the Ministry of Culture. In 1996, Kim became BIFF’s founding festival director and played a pivotal role in its successful launch. During his tenure, his decision to uphold freedom of expression and the festival’s independence in the face of the prevailing practice of pre-screening films for censorship played a decisive role in earning the trust of filmmakers around the world and establishing BIFF as a hub of the Asian film network.

Even after stepping down as festival director, Kim remained actively engaged with the film community. As the dean of Dankook Graduate School of Cinematic Content, chairman of the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment, and chairman of BIFF, he focused on cultivating young film talents and shaping cultural policies. Kim has also served as jury president and jury member at major international film festivals, including the Un Certain Regard Jury at Cannes, as well as Rotterdam, and Fukuoka—serving as a bridge between Korean and Asian cinema and the international film community.

Kim’s journey as a filmmaker did not end with his retirement. Following Walking in the Movies (2024), a documentary reflecting on his life in cinema that was selected for Cannes Classics—Kim made his feature directorial debut with Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema (2025). Working with renowned filmmakers including Lee Chang-dong, Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho, and Kore-eda Hirokazu, the film was presented as a Special Screening at the 30th BIFF. Now in his late eighties, Kim continues his artistic journey with a camera in hand—a testament to his enduring passion for cinema.

Kim stated, “It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I feel deeply moved and humbled to be recognized by the very festival I helped establish and served for over 15 years.” He added, “Even today, I attend more than ten film festivals each year to promote Korean cinema, and I hope to continue this journey for as long as I can.”

The 2026 Korean Cinema Award will be presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 31st BIFF on October 6. The festival will be held from October 6 (Tue) to 15 (Thu), at the Busan Cinema Center and throughout Busan.