Intense Competition for Best Supporting Actor and Actress at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards

The role of a supporting actor (조연) is traditionally to assist the lead in advancing the narrative. However, the 2024 film industry in South Korea has seen supporting characters making a significant impact, showcasing their strong presence and leaving a lasting impression. These actors have become crucial players in the challenging landscape of Korean cinema, leading to fierce competition for the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards.

The Best Supporting Actor category has garnered the most attention since the announcement of the nominees. Online communities and social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions about the candidates. Each nominee has received enthusiastic support, highlighting the diverse talent in the running.

The lineup is impressive, featuring notable actors such as Koo Kyo-hwan (탈주), Park Hae-joon (서울의 봄), Yoo Hae-jin (파묘), Lee Hee-joon (핸섬가이즈), and Jung Hae-in (베테랑2). This category is proving to be the most challenging for the judges, sparking intense discussions about who will ultimately take home the trophy. It’s a 'happy dilemma' amidst the current struggles of the film industry, and all eyes are on who will emerge victorious.

Koo Kyo-hwan's portrayal of a North Korean soldier in '탈주' showcased his unique acting style and the relentless determination of his character. Park Hae-joon, as the second-in-command of the rebels in '서울의 봄', delivered a multi-dimensional performance that revitalized the cinema scene, drawing comparisons to the late former President Roh Tae-woo.

In '핸섬가이즈', Lee Hee-joon revealed his comedic and charming side, playing a character with a rugged appearance yet an endearing personality. Yoo Hae-jin demonstrated his exceptional talent in '파묘', portraying a funeral director with a clever and humorous touch, contributing to the film's success. Jung Hae-in, known for his roles in '밥누나' and '엄친아', took on his first villain role in '베테랑2', expanding his acting range and surprising audiences with this unexpected transformation.

As for the Best Supporting Actress award, 2024 is the Year of the Blue Dragon, making this recognition even more significant. Nominees include Song Yoon-ah (광복절 특사), Kang Hye-jung (올드보이), Youn Yuh-jung (하녀), Park So-dam (검은 사제들), and Lee Jung-eun (기생충). Winning this award would allow the recipient to shine as the main character, receiving applause and recognition in a moment that could define their career.

The competition features Gong Seung-yeon (핸섬가이즈), Yeom Hye-ran (시민덕희), Lee Sang-hee (로기완), Lim Ji-yeon (리볼버), and Han Sun-hwa (파일럿). Gong Seung-yeon, who won the Best New Actress award in 2021 for '혼자 사는 사람들', returns to the awards with '핸섬가이즈'. Lim Ji-yeon, who won the Best Supporting Actress at the Blue Dragon Series Awards last year for '더 글로리', is now nominated for '리볼버'. It will be interesting to see if they can reclaim their titles as 'Blue Dragon Goddesses'.

The seasoned nominees also add an intriguing element to the competition. Lim Ji-yeon has already won Best Supporting Actress at the 33rd Buil Film Awards and the 9th London Asian Film Festival for '리볼버', while Yeom Hye-ran took home the same award at the 44th Korean Film Critics Association Awards and the 44th Golden Cinematography Awards for '시민덕희'. Lee Sang-hee also won Best Supporting Actress at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards for '로기완'. Their performances have set high expectations for the Blue Dragon Awards.

Finally, Han Sun-hwa's journey to potentially winning the Best Supporting Actress award is highly anticipated. With a solid track record in various dramas, her performance in '파일럿' could add another accolade to her career.

The 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards, hosted by Sports Chosun and sponsored by Clean & Green, will take place on November 29 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, and will be broadcast live on KBS2.