Producer Park Kwansu Honored with Choon-yun Award at 29th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea
The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia’s most prominent film events, has announced the winner of this year’s Choon-yun Award: producer Park Kwansu. The award was created in memory of Lee Choon-yun, former chairman of the Korean Association of Film Art & Industry, and aims to celebrate exceptional achievements in film production.
Now in its third year, the Choon-yun Award recognizes individuals who have contributed to Korean cinema by discovering new talents and producing outstanding films. Park Kwansu, the CEO of Kirin Productions Co., LTD., received this year’s award for his work on Ms. Apocalypse (2024) and Wonderland (2024), among other notable projects.
The award ceremony is sponsored by NEXTWORLD Co., Ltd., which took over from previous sponsors IOK COMPANY. Park’s nomination followed recommendations from several industry bodies, including the Korean Independent Film Association and Women In Film Korea. A jury of five distinguished members, each a leading figure in Korean cinema, made the final decision.
The jury for the 2024 award included Kang Je-kyu, acclaimed director of Shiri (1999) and Taegukgi (2004); Shim Jaemyung, CEO of Myung Films; actor Yoo Ji-tae, known for Old Boy (2003); Kwon Youngrak, a key figure in South Korean film festivals; and BIFF programmer Jung Hanseok.
Park Kwansu’s career spans over a decade, with a portfolio that includes a range of genres, from commercial blockbusters to independent films. His past works include An Old Lady (2020), Kokdu: A Story of Guardian Angels (2019), and Persona (2019). Jury members praised Park for his diverse and consistent contributions to the industry. Director Kang Je-kyu noted Park’s commitment to challenging filmmaking boundaries, while CEO Shim Jaemyung highlighted his extensive career as a testament to his expertise in production. Actor Yoo Ji-tae pointed out Park’s versatility, having produced both commercial hits and indie films.
The Choon-yun Award ceremony will take place at Paradise Hotel in Busan on October 3rd, 2024, as part of the 29th Busan International Film Festival. The festival itself will run from October 2 to October 11, showcasing films from across the globe, and solidifying Busan’s place as a key event in the international film calendar.
Filmography Highlights:
- "Ms. Apocalypse" (2024)
- "Wonderland" (2024)
- "An Old Lady" (2020)
- "Kokdu: A Story of Guardian Angels" (2019)
- "Persona" (2019)
- "Marianne and Margaret" (2017)
- "Sa-kwa" (2008)
The recognition of Park Kwansu underscores the importance of producers in the film industry and their role in bringing diverse cinematic visions to life.