The 30th Busan International Film Festival has selected director Jung Ji-young as the recipient of this year's Korean Cinema Award. The Korean Cinema Award is given to individuals who have contributed to the development of Korean cinema, and the award ceremony will take place at the opening ceremony on September 17.

Debuting in 1982 with "Mist Whispers Like a Woman," director Jung Ji-young has received high praise from audiences and critics over the past 40 years for his works that sharply capture the hidden aspects of Korean society and contemporary issues.

In particular, through films such as "Nambugun" (1990), "White War" (1992), "The Life of Hollywood Kid" (1994), "Broken Arrow" (2011), "National Security 1985" (2012), "Black Money" (2019), and "Boys" (2020), he has made a significant mark on Korean cinema by directly addressing social conflicts, human rights, and justice.

Beyond his work as a film director, Jung Ji-young has also contributed to the development of the Korean film industry and the nurturing of young filmmakers by serving as the organizing committee chairman of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, as well as the judging committee chairman for the Asiana International Short Film Festival and the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival. He has also been actively involved in efforts to improve the film industry structure, such as protecting Screen Quota, abolishing censorship, and resolving the screen monopoly of large corporations, leading the way in safeguarding the rights and diversity of Korean cinema.

Busan International Film Festival Executive Director, Jay Jeong, explained the selection background by stating, "Director Jung Ji-young has been an outstanding film director for many years and is currently preparing for a new film as the oldest active director. Above all, his life and films vividly reflect the history and film industry of Korea. With utmost joy, we dedicate the 30th Busan International Film Festival Korean Cinema Award to Director Jung Ji-young, who has been a mentor to many Korean filmmakers."

In his acceptance speech, Director Jung Ji-young expressed, "Having experienced both the dark and golden ages of Korean cinema, I continue to work on films even in the crisis of today in 2025. This award is for all the colleagues, juniors, and seniors in the film industry who have been with me through those years." He also conveyed his gratitude to his late wife who passed away last year.