Korean Directors Guild unveils nominations for 23rd Directors Cut Awards, spotlighting Bong Joon-ho and Kim Go-eun

Korean Directors Guild unveils nominations for 23rd Directors Cut Awards, spotlighting Bong Joon-ho and Kim Go-eun

The Korean Directors Guild (DGK) has announced its full list of nominees for the 23rd Directors Cut Awards, covering both films and series released between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The annual ceremony, scheduled for May 20, is recognized for its distinctive peer-voting format and its informal yet respected status within the South Korean film and television industry.

Founded in 1998 by a collective of young filmmakers, the Directors Cut Awards have evolved into a major event for recognizing creative excellence, free from commercial influence. Since 2022, the awards have included a separate series category, acknowledging achievements in the rapidly growing OTT content market. This year’s film director nominees include Bong Joon-ho for “Mickey 17,” Jang Jae-hyun for “Exhuma,” and Woo Min-ho for “Harbin.” In the series category, Park Chan-wook (“The Sympathizer”) and Hwang Dong-hyuk (“Squid Game Season 2”) are among the top contenders.

Actress Kim Go-eun secured nominations for her roles in both “Exhuma” and “Love in the Big City,” while Shin Hae-sun (“She Died”) and Yang Hee-kyung (“The Seagulls of the Morning Sea”) also feature in the female acting category. Robert Pattinson, nominated for his performance in “Mickey 17,” joins Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik in the race for Best Actor, underlining the international scope of this year’s selections.

Newcomer categories also reflect a shift toward experimental and independent projects. Films such as “The Seagulls of the Morning Sea” and “Jangson” received multiple nominations, including Best Screenplay and Vision Award, underlining the industry’s focus on fresh voices and bold narratives. Meanwhile, emerging directors like Kim Dong-cheol (“Toemarok”) and Kim Se-hwi (“She Died”) are seen as rising talents.

The series division features nominees from Netflix and Coupang Play originals. Notably, the mystery thriller “A Killer Paradox” earned several nods, with performances from Choi Woo-shik, Lee Hee-jun, and Hyun Bong-sik receiving praise. Hyun Bong-sik’s inclusion in the Rising Actor category underscores his recent surge in popularity across drama, comedy, and cinema.

Experts note that the Directors Cut Awards continue to serve as a bellwether for the creative direction of Korea’s entertainment industry. “This peer-based recognition system helps bridge commercial appeal and artistic integrity, especially supporting emerging creators,” one critic observed.

As Korean content gains international visibility, the 23rd edition of the awards arrives at a moment of heightened global interest. With high-profile entries like “Mickey 17” and “Squid Game Season 2” in contention, the ceremony will likely highlight not only individual accomplishments but the sustained global momentum of K-content.

 

Source: DGK (Directors Guild of Korea)