State-run S. Korean film contest under fire for 'suspicious' candidate selection

By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's only state-funded film contest came
under fire again immediately after it announced the candidates for this year's
best movie and performers.
Fans and critics here are questioning the selection by the Daejong Film Awards,
which left out some of the best-received domestic films released this year.
Some suspect back door dealings between event organizers and film distributors.
The contest's reputation was earlier tarnished in 1996 and 2000 over
money-for-nomination allegations for three movies including "Henequen."
The 46th Daejong awards ceremony, one of the oldest and the most prestigious in
Korea, announced the candidates in 28 categories over the weekend.
While "Sky and Ocean," a yet-to-be-released film starring Korean Wave star Jang
Na-ra, was nominated for four categories including best film, best actress and
music, some internationally-recognized works including "Thirst" and "The Good,
the Bad, the Weird" were omitted.
Actress Ha Ji-won, who starred in "Haeundae" and "Closer to Heaven," two box
office smashes this year, was absent among best actress nominees.
Despite her popularity here and also in China, actress Jang has often been
criticized for a "childlike" acting style that has limited her roles, unlike Ha
who has played multifarious characters.
Shortly after the announcement, movie fans posted criticisms on the event's Web
site. Critics also raised question on how a movie that has not even been released
was nominated for the two top categories.
"This isn't the first time, and such controversy is hardly tolerable for a film
contest that has 46 years of history," one professional film critic said, asking
not to be named until organizers officially elucidate the suspicions. "The event
is state-funded and organized by people in the film industry. I am frankly
ashamed as one of them."
Final candidates for the awards were selected among films that were completed
between May 1, 2008 and Sept. 4, 2009. "Sky and Ocean" does meet this part of the
requirement.
Actress Jang and her father, who produced the movie, refuted the suspicion as
"groundless."
Actress Ha of "Haeundae," which became one of the only five South Korean movies
to reach the 10 million viewer-mark, said she "respected the decision" by the
Daejong awards organizers.
The Daejong Film Awards will be held on Nov. 6 after a 10-member jury chooses
final winners this week.
Established in 1961, the first Daejong awards ceremony was held in 1962. The
state-run Motion Pictures Association of Korea currently organizes the event.
Last year's top honor, the Grand Bell Award, went to director Na Hong-jin's
thriller "The Chaser."
hayney@yna.co.kr
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