Film journalists pick Song Kang-ho, Kim Hye-ja top actors

Song Kang-ho and Kim Hye-ja have been recognized last year's top film actors by Korean film journalists.

The Korea Film Reporters Association (KOFRA) held the 1st Korean Film Award on Wednesday, naming Song best actor for his role in film "Thirst" and Kim as best actress for her role in "Mother." Song, 43, is considered one of Korea's most successful actors who has starred in a handful of hit films including "Memories of Murder", "The Host" and "Thirst", which won the Jury Prize at Cannes earlier last year.

Kim, 68, is a veteran actress who has received more than a few appraisals for her performance in "Mother" helmed by director Bong Joon-ho. The pic also took the prize for best picture at the event last night.

Other awards were handed to director Yang Ik-joon for "Breathless" and the ceremony also honored the late Jung Seung-hye, former chief of movie production company Achim. She was well-known for producing hit movies "King and the Clown" and "Radiostar". KOFRA, established last February, is composed of 31 different media outlets including daily newspapers, news agencies, economic magazines, sports newspapers and broadcasting companies. A total of 54 film reporters participated in the vote for the awards ceremony.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
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