The dark thriller 'No Other Choice' claimed the Best Film award at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards, with director Park Chan-wook winning Best Director and lead actress Son Ye-jin earning Best Actress. Actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin made history as the first married couple to win top acting prizes in the same year.
The 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 19, 2025, at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, with actors Han Ji-min and Lee Je-hoon returning as co-hosts. Amid challenges in the Korean film industry, including fewer releases, the ceremony highlighted strong honorees and memorable moments.
'No Other Choice' led with 12 nominations and won seven awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Music, and Popular Star Awards, making it the night's biggest winner. Based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel 'The Ax,' the film depicts Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a paper factory manager whose life unravels after being fired, leading to a desperate fight for his family's survival. An official from production company Moho Film, accepting the Best Film award, noted, "It took 20 years for this film to be made. We are deeply grateful to CJ ENM for supporting us without hesitation and to all the staff and actors for their dedication. We hope this film gives courage to many people in the film industry."
Director Park Chan-wook, absent due to an overseas trip, won his fourth Best Director award—previously for 'Joint Security Area,' 'Oldboy,' and 'Decision to Leave'—and sent a message via Best Supporting Actor winner Lee Sung-min: "It is an honor to work with actors and staff who exceeded my imagination."
Best Supporting Actress went to Park Ji-hyeon for her role as Mi-joo in the erotic thriller 'Hidden Face.' Best Actor was awarded to Hyun Bin for portraying independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) in 'Harbin.' He dedicated it, saying, "I want to dedicate this award to the countless people who sacrificed for our country," and thanked director Woo Min-ho, his wife Ye-jin, and their son.
Son Ye-jin, visibly emotional, won Best Actress for 'No Other Choice' and reflected, "My first dream as an actress was to win best actress at the Blue Dragons." She added, "I want to share this joy with the two men I love so much—Kim Tae-pyung (Hyun Bin's birth name) and our baby." The couple, married in 2022 and parents to a son born that year, became the first to win top acting prizes in the same year.
Best New Actor went to Ahn Bo-hyun for 'Pretty Crazy,' and Best New Actress to Kim Do-yeon for 'Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary.' Established in 1963, the awards were discontinued in 1973 but resumed annually from 1990. AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk performed songs from his album 'EROS' to enthusiastic applause.
