On April 22, Star News Korea unveiled the nominations for the 23rd Director’s Cut Awards. This year’s lineup features a diverse array of talent, including noted Hollywood star Robert Pattinson, acclaimed actress Kim Go-eun from Exhuma, Choi Woo-shik of A Killer’s Paradox, and ESOM, the lead in LTNS. The ceremony is set to unfold on May 20 at 7 p.m. KST, promising an exciting evening of recognition for the film and television industry.
Full List of Nominations for the 23rd Director’s Cut Awards
The nominations showcase not only standout performances but also directorial talents from acclaimed filmmakers such as Bong Joon-ho for his work on Mickey 17, Woo Min-ho for Harbin, and Kim Hyung-joo for The Match. In particular, films like Mickey 17, Exhuma, The Match, The Land of the Morning Calm, and House of Seasons are leading the field in the film category.
Film Category Nominations
Best Director (Film)
- Kim Hyung-joo (“The Match”)
- Nam Dong-hyub (“Handsome Guys”)
- Bong Joon-ho (“Mickey 17”)
- Woo Min-ho (“Harbin”)
- Jang Jae-hyun (“Exhuma”)
- Hur Jin-ho (“A Normal Family”)
Best Vision (Film)
- Kim Da-min (“FAQ”)
- Kim Dong-chul (“Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning”)
- Park Ri-woong (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
- Park Hong-jun (“Work to Do”)
- Oh Jung-min (“House of the Seasons”)
- Lee Mi-rang (“Connecting My Daughter”)
Best New Director (Film)
- Kim Dong-chul (“Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning”)
- Kim Se-hwi (“Following”)
- Nam Dong-hyub (“Handsome Guys”)
- Park Hong-jun (“Work to Do”)
- Oh Jung-min (“House of the Seasons”)
Best Screenplay (Film)
- Kim Hyung-joo, Yoon Jong-bin (“The Match”)
- Park Ri-woong (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
- Bong Joon-ho (“Mickey 17”)
- Oh Jung-min (“House of the Seasons”)
- Jang Jae-hyun (“Exhuma”)
Best Actress (Film)
- Kim Go-eun (“Love in the Big City”)
- Kim Go-eun (“Exhuma”)
- Kim Jae-hwa (“Blesser”)
- Shin Hae-sun (“Following”)
- Yang Hee-kyung (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
Best Actor (Film)
- Robert Pattinson (“Mickey 17”)
- Yoo Ah-in (“The Match”)
- Yoon Joo-sang (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
- Lee Byung-hun (“The Match”)
- Choi Min-sik (“Exhuma”)
Best New Actress (Film)
- Kim Geum-soon (“Star of Ulsan”)
- Kim Shin-sok (“Uprising”)
- Kim Ji-ahn (“Exhuma”)
- Yang Hee-kyung (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
- Han Sun-hwa (“Pilot”)
Best New Actor (Film)
- Kang Seung-ho (“House of the Seasons”)
- Noh Sang-hyun (“Love in the Big City”)
- Yoon Joo-sang (“The Land of Morning Calm”)
- Lee Do-hyun (“Exhuma”)
- Hong Kyung (“Troll Factory”)
Drama Category Nominations
This year’s drama category is prominently marked by acclaimed 2024 series such as Squid Game 2 and A Killer’s Paradox, alongside LTNS and A Shop for Killers. Notably, A Shop for Killers is gearing up for its second season, which is set to start filming soon, while anticipation builds for the release of Squid Game 3 in June.
Best Director (Drama)
- Kim Gok, Kim Sun (“Family Matters”)
- Park Chan-wook (“The Sympathizer”)
- Yeon Sang-ho (“Parasyte: The Grey”)
- Lee Chang-hee (“A Killer Paradox”)
- Im Dae-hyung (“LTNS”)
- Hwang Dong-hyuk (“Squid Game 2”)
Best Actress (Drama)
- Kim Hye-joon (“A Shop for Killers”)
- Bae Doona (“Family Matters”)
- Esom (“LTNS”)
- Jeon So-nee (“Parasyte: The Grey”)
- Chun Woo-hee (“The 8 Show”)
Best Actor (Drama)
- Ryoo Seung-bum (“Family Matters”)
- Ahn Jae-hong (“LTNS”)
- Lee Byung-hun (“Squid Game 2”)
- Lee Hee-joon (“A Killer Paradox”)
- Choi Woo-shik (“A Killer Paradox”)
Best New Actress (Drama)
- Geum Hae-na (“A Shop for Killers”)
- Moon Geun-young (“Hellbound 2”)
- Lee Soo-kyung (“Love in the Big City”)
- Lee Su-hyun (“Family Matters”)
- Jung Yi-seo (“A Killer Paradox”)
Best New Actor (Drama)
- Kim Yo-han (“A Killer Paradox”)
- Lomon (“Family Matters”)
- Park Sung-hoon (“Squid Game 2”)
- Jin Ho-eun (“Love in the Big City”)
- Hyun Bong-sik (“A Killer Paradox”)
The nominees for this prestigious event have been selected based on productions released between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.