Daniel Henney, Kim Ah-joong Named Rising Stars

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

BUSAN -- Premiere Magazine's 3rd Rising Star Awards recognized the talent of actors Daniel Henney ("My Father") and Kim Ah-joong ("200 Pounds Beauty") at at a Busan hotel, Saturday, at the 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF).

The private ceremony was very intimate, with close friends presenting prizes to awardees. Premiere Magazine chooses among works from the past two years, taking into account its artistic merit, popularity, influence and brand power, as well as input from online polls.

"This is a very special award. It's for acting, it's an acting award", said Daniel Henney, who gave a moving performance as a Korean adoptee in "My Father", a breakthrough role that showed he's more than just a pretty face. Director Hwang Kyoo-deok handed him the award.

Actress Kim Ah-joong's close friend and co-star Kim Hyeon-sook from "200 Pounds Beauty" gave a lengthy compliment before giving the star the prize. Kim starred as a talented but overweight singer who is reborn through plastic surgery.

The romantic comedy was a both a domestic and international box office hit, sending Kim off to instant hallyu stardom -- interestingly enough, her name means "center of Asia".

Last year, actors Im Soo-jeong and Ryoo Seung-beom, and the year before, Kang Hye-jeong and Jo Seung-woo, were named Rising Stars. For best director, Premiere chose Kim Ji-hoon for "May 18", which harrowingly depicts the bloody 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement from a non-political perspective.

Actor Park Cheol-min, who plays the role of a goofy taxi driver, awarded the prize.

The magazine also gave special prizes for up-and-coming young talent, actors Lee Tae-seong and Heo I-jae, as well as director Yoon Yong-ah for his short film "Dogu".