The 23rd Director’s Cut Awards honored the best in Korean film and television, with Lee Byung Hun, Kim Go Eun, and the hit Netflix series A Killer Paradox among the big winners. The awards, decided exclusively by Korean directors, recognize outstanding performances and creative achievements in the industry.
Film Category Winners
Lee Byung Hun won Best Actor (Film) for his role in The Match, marking his second consecutive win after last year’s Concrete Utopia. His portrayal of a legendary Go player earned widespread acclaim.
Kim Go Eun took home Best Actress (Film) for her chilling performance in Exhuma, the supernatural horror film that became a box office hit. She played a shaman dealing with a cursed grave, delivering one of her most intense roles yet.
(Image Via X/@koreandirectors)
Lee Do Hyun won Best New Actor (Film) for his breakout role in Exhuma, proving his versatility beyond romantic dramas. Meanwhile, Kim Geum Soon was named Best New Actress (Film) for Star of Ulsan, her debut feature.
Jang Jae Hyun dominated the film categories, winning both Best Director and Best Screenplay for Exhuma. The movie, which also starred Choi Min Sik and Yoo Hae Jin, was praised for its gripping storytelling and eerie atmosphere.
Nam Dong Hyeop received Best New Director (Film) for Handsome Guys, a crime-comedy that gained attention for its fresh style. The Vision Award went to Oh Jung Min for House of the Seasons, an indie film celebrated for its artistic approach.
Series Category Winners
The thriller A Killer Paradox was the biggest winner in the drama section, taking three major awards. Lee Hee Joon won Best Actor (Series) for his role as a detective chasing a vigilante killer.
Bae Doo Na earned Best Actress (Series) for Family Matters, a dark comedy-drama where she played a woman uncovering family secrets. Her performance was hailed as one of her best.
Kim Yo Han (former Wanna One member) won Best New Actor (Series) for A Killer Paradox, impressing viewers with his transformation into a morally conflicted character. Moon Geun Young returned to the spotlight with Best New Actress (Series) for Hellbound 2, her first major role in years.
Lee Chang Hee secured Best Director (Series) for A Killer Paradox, praised for his tight pacing and suspenseful storytelling.
Why These Awards Matter
The Director’s Cut Awards are unique because only working directors vote on the winners. This makes the honors especially meaningful, as they come directly from peers in the industry.
“These awards reflect pure artistic judgment, not popularity contests,” said a representative from the Directors Guild of Korea (DGK).
Exhuma and A Killer Paradox were among the most talked-about works in Korea this year. Exhuma became a box office sensation, while A Killer Paradox trended globally on Netflix.
Fans celebrated the wins online, with many praising Lee Do Hyun and Kim Yo Han for their breakout performances.
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