Actress Uhm Jung Hwa and actor Song Kang Ho have been chosen to emcee the Grand Bell Awards, also known as the Daejong Awards.
Since 1962, The Motion Pictures Association of Korea has presented the annual awards for excellence in South Korean films. The Grand Bell Awards are the oldest continuous film awards held in South Korea. They are comparable to the American Academy Awards. Awards are given in several categories including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Film, Best New Actor, Best New Actress, Best Director and Best New Director.
The choice of actor emcees was announced at a recent press conference.
At the press conference, Song Kang Ho, who won international acclaim for his role in the Bong Ho film "Snowpiercer," accepted the honor by thanking those who supported Korean films.
"Thinking about the source of the development of Korean movies, it's the directors and casts but most of all, it is the love of the public. Thank you."
Singer and actress Uhm Jung Hwa also thanked the film industry.
"Thank you for supporting Korean movies and don't forget that it's all thanks to you, the directors, the staff and cast."
Song Kang Ho, who recently appeared in the films "Sado," "The Attorney," and "The Face Reader," singled out the Grand Bell Awards from other entertainment award events.
"There are several film festivals and awards but the Daejong Film Festival has history and tradition," said Song. "That's why everyone is working so hard and it means a lot as an actor too."
But he mentioned a special perk that he was going to get out of emceeing the awards.
"I am going to hold Uhm Jung Hwa's hand for the development of Korean movies and the success of the Daejong Awards."
Uhm Jung Hwa, recently seen in the film "Venus Talk" and the romantic comedy "Witch's Romance," is one of Korea's most popular celebrities. She made her film debut in 1993 in the film "On a Windy Day We Must Go to Apgujeong." She has recorded a dozen albums and appeared in five dramas.
In 2013, Song Kang Ho's film "The Face Reader" received 11 nominations and took home six awards. He shared the Best Actor category with Ryu Seong Ryung who appeared in "Miracle in Cell #7.
In 2013 Uhm Jung Hwa won a Best Actress award for her role in the thriller film "Montage." In that film she played a mother whose daughter was abducted.
