Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love has been named best film of the year by the Korean Association of Film Critics, according to winners announced on October 20. Jeon Do-yeon, one of its leads, also won best actress. The presentation ceremony is scheduled for November 4.
A separate honour after Venice
Lee's first feature in eight years follows the interconnected lives of a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary maker and her wealthy husband. Those relationships form the film's fictional story.
The film previously received Venice's Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. The Korean critics' result is a separate recognition, rather than a repetition of that international award. Jeon's acting honour and the best-film selection also concern different categories within the new list.
Hope and newcomer awards
Na Hong-jin's science-fiction film Hope won three categories: best director, best actor for Jo In-sung and best cinematography. Park Ji-hoon received best new actor for The King's Warden, described by the report as South Korea's most-watched film this year. Seo Su-bin won best new actress for The World of Love.
The ten notable films also include The Assassin(s), Salmokji: Whispering Water, Good News, People and Meat, 1980 Sabuk and Pavane, alongside Possible Love, Hope and the two films featuring newcomer winners.
Eligible releases ran from October last year through September this year. That assessment window differs from a calendar-year or worldwide box-office ranking. A September Venice photograph of Lee provides archival illustration, not coverage of the forthcoming Korean ceremony.