The biggest event in the Korean film industry is back.
On June 27, the 45th Daejong Film Awards will take place at COEX, southern Seoul. This year one of the Korean films under the spotlight is "The Chaser", a film about a serial murderer.
The film drew audiences of more than 5 million, and as of April it is the most successful Korean film of 2008, according to the Korean Film Council.
"The Chaser" currently is nominated in 11 categories, hoping to win the hearts of film critics as well.
This year thrillers are garnering the most interest in Chungmuro, Korea's Hollywood.
Currently the top three films on the most nominated lists are from this genre.
"Seven Days", a thriller about a child who gets kidnapped, is second in the number of nominations.
The film is nominated in all 10 categories. "Shadows in the Palace", a thriller that takes place within the palace of the Joseon Dynasty, is nominated in eight categories.
Compared with comedies, dramas or action films, thrillers lacked quality.
"Since 'Memories of Murder' in 2003, hardly any satisfying thrillers have been made", said the film critic Jeon Chan-il.
"The success of these three films is good news [for the film industry] as it shows that a single genre can captivate audiences", Jeon continued.
Thrillers are also notoriously difficult to pull off since the plots are highly complex, Jeon added.
Another point of interest is that "The Chaser" and "Shadows in the Palace" were directed by rookies who made their debut as film directors through these movies.
Won was chosen recently to direct "V", a film about Korea's most beloved robot, Taekwon V.
"Until now the Korean film industry was led by artistic directors such as Park Chan-wook and Hong Sang-soo", said Kim Bong-seok, a film critic. "It is interesting and positive how Korean commercial films are gaining strength".
Film fans here are currently fascinated by the best male actor award. Those vying for the award are Kim Yoon-seok, who plays the corrupt cop in "The Chaser"; Ha Jeong-woo, who plays the serial killer in the same movie; Song Kang-ho, who starred in the film "Secret Sunshine" (Milyang); and Im Chang-jeong, who plays a scout who tries to recruit Korea's famous pitcher, Sun Dong-yeul, in the black comedy "Scout".
Kim from "The Chaser" won the best supporting actor award last year for his role as the devious card player in "The War Of Flower".
Competition for the best female actor award is expected to be fierce. One of the nominees is Kim Hye-sook, 53.
Kim has been nominated for best lead actress for her role as a mother in love with her daughter's boyfriend in the low-budget film "Viva! Love".
She is also on the list for best supporting actress for her role as an ex-convict in the film "Open City".
She could take home two awards, or nothing at all.
One disappointment of the film awards show is that many of the movies nominated for best film are also nominated in the best director category.
While the movie "The Chaser" is nominated for best film, its director Na Hong-jin is nominated for best director.
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