The late actor Ahn Sung-ki has received a posthumous honor at the Beautiful Artist Awards, hosted by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, which he led as chairman for 16 years during his lifetime.

The 16th Beautiful Artist Awards ceremony was held at 4:00 p.m. on October 15 at Stage 28 in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul.

This year's Good People Artist Award went to the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, the Film Artist Award to actor Kim Moo-yul, the Performing Arts Artist Award to actor Park Geun-hyung, the Achievement Artist Award to cinematographer Lee Seok-ki, and the Rookie Artist Award to director Kim Do-young. Each winner received a plaque and a cash prize of 20 million won, totaling 100 million won.

Marking its 16th year, the Beautiful Artist Awards was established in 2011 alongside the foundation's establishment. Reflecting changing times, the foundation has expanded the scope of the former Film Artist Award to include television dramas and broadened the Theater Artist Award into the Performing Arts Artist Award, shining a light on the achievements of artists active in various fields.

Meanwhile, the ceremony was graced by some 200 figures from the cultural and arts sectors and other fields, including foundation founder and veteran actor Shin Young-kyun, Honorary Chairman; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Whee-young; Yoo In-chon; Kim Dong-ho; Chung Ji-young; Bae Chang-ho; Sohn Sook; Park Chan-wook; Lee Young-ae; Jung Jun-ho; Kim Su-chul; and Park Chan-ho.

The Good People Artist Award was presented to the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, who served as the inaugural chairman of the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation. Debuting as a child actor and dedicating his entire life to Korean cinema, actor Ahn received nationwide affection through countless works and earned deep respect both within and outside the film industry for his humble and sincere character.

In particular, he practiced the values of sharing and volunteering by participating in various social contribution activities over a long period and supporting younger filmmakers. The foundation presented the Good People Artist Award to honor the warm and beautiful life of the late actor, who was beloved for his lifelong humble and diligent personality and contributed to the development of Korean cinema. The late actor's second son, Ahn Philip, attended the ceremony to accept the award on his behalf.

Actor Kim Moo-yul, who received this year's Film Artist Award, has shown versatile acting skills and exceptional character portrayal across films and dramas. Notably, in the Netflix series 'True Education', he left a strong impression on many viewers by taking on the role of an inspector standing up for victims in a collapsed educational environment. His outstanding acting capabilities and achievements demonstrated through his works were highly praised.

Actor Park Geun-hyung, recipient of the Performing Arts Artist Award, is a leading veteran actor in the Korean performing arts sector who has engaged in a wide range of acting activities centered around the theater stage for many years, while also appearing in films and dramas. Notably, he received enthusiastic applause from audiences for his passionate performance in the leading role in 'The Merchant of Venice'. He was highly acclaimed for the artistic achievements accumulated over his long acting career and for serving as a role model for junior artists.

Cinematographer Lee Seok-ki, winner of the Achievement Artist Award, began his career as the cinematographer for director Lee Man-hee's 'The Myth of Ssarigol' during the renaissance of Korean cinema in the 1960s and 1980s. He later expanded his scope to directing works such as 'The Tale of Sung Ri-su-il' and 'Camels Don't Cry Alone', leaving behind about 180 works. The foundation highly commended the profound footprints, passion, and achievements of director Lee Seok-ki, who dedicated his entire life to the development of Korean cinema.

Director Kim Do-young, who won the Rookie Artist Award, has been recognized for her delicate directing skills and artistic value through films such as 'Kim Ji-young: Born 1982', 'If Only We', and 'Intern', demonstrating new possibilities for Korean cinema. Building on directing that meticulously captures characters' emotions and relationships to draw audience empathy, she has been establishing her own cinematic world based on her experience accumulated as an actor.

A hand-printing event was also held during the ceremony to commemorate the achievements of the winners. The winners' hand-prints will be crafted into bronze plates and permanently installed in the plaza in front of Myeongbo Art Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul.

(Photo: Yonhap News / Reported by Kim Ji-hye from SBS Entertainment News)