Actor Yoo Ji-tae was honored with the Kang Soo-yeon Award at the 26th Women in Film Korea Festival on Dec. 16, part of the 2025 Women in Film of the Year Awards.
Given to artists across the industry regardless of gender, the Kang Soo-yeon Award recognizes figures who advance Korean cinema and help shape its future. Yoo was celebrated for more than 13 years of steadfast support for independent and arthouse films.
He has notably launched his own “Watch Independent Films with Yoo Ji-tae” screenings, offering concrete support―and a morale boost―to filmmakers working tirelessly to sustain Korea’s indie film culture.
Onstage, Yoo reflected on the mentorship that kept him pursuing directing. “When I first said I wanted to direct, people told me to stick to acting,” he recalled. “But a senior told me, ‘It’s okay―see it through.’ That encouragement stayed with me, and I’ve kept pushing toward my goals.” He added that the experience taught him what it means to be a true mentor for the next generation. “That’s why receiving an award bearing Kang Soo-yeon’s name means so much.”
Addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the film center, he drew big applause: “I’ve come to my own conclusion―we have to do it ourselves. What we want to protect has to be built through our solidarity. I hope we can safeguard both legal reforms and our theaters with our own hands.”
He closed by explaining why he continues to back indie creators. “I was lucky to work during a heyday for auteur-driven commercial films, and I wanted to keep feeling that thrill. That’s why I support independent films, directors and writers,” he said. “Thank you for this award―I’ll take it as a reminder to keep showing up and to help protect our theaters.”
Next up, Yoo headlines Tving’s original series "Villains," premiering Dec. 18, and returns to the big screen next year in "The King's Warden."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)