What Is 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards

Overview

The 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards recognized excellence in South Korean cinema, celebrating films released from October 2006 through October 2007. Organized by Sports Chosun, a subsidiary of The Chosun Ilbo, the awards are among the most prestigious in South Korea’s film industry.

Hosted on December 14, 2007, the ceremony took place at the Seoul Hwa Gwan High School auditorium, drawing top actors, directors, and filmmakers. The event highlighted the year’s most impactful cinematic achievements, with a focus on artistic quality and box-office success.

• Best Film was awarded to 'The Show Must Go On,' a crime comedy-drama directed by Jang Jin, which also performed strongly at the box office.
• Best Director went to Lee Chang-dong for 'Secret Sunshine,' a critically acclaimed drama that later earned international recognition.
• Actress Jeon Do-yeon won Best Actress for her role in 'Secret Sunshine,' marking her second Blue Dragon win.
• Best Actor was awarded to Song Kang-ho for his performance in 'The Show Must Go On,' reinforcing his status as a leading figure in Korean cinema.
• The ceremony featured 16 award categories, including technical awards such as Best Cinematography and Best Music.

How It Works

The Blue Dragon Film Awards are determined through a combination of public voting and a panel of film experts, ensuring both popularity and critical merit are considered in the selection process.

• Voting Period: Public voting typically runs for three weeks in November, with ballots collected online and via mail; in 2007, over 200,000 votes were cast.
• Jury Panel: A committee of film critics and academics reviews nominees and influences final decisions, especially in case of close results.
• Eligibility Window: Films must be released between October of the previous year and October of the award year; for 2007, this spanned October 2006 to October 2007.
• Nomination Process: Nominees are selected based on box office performance, critical reviews, and cultural impact, with up to five entries per category.
• Award Categories: The 2007 edition featured 16 categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and technical awards like Best Editing.
• Ceremony Format: The event is hosted annually in December, combining live performances, award presentations, and guest appearances by major industry figures.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top winners at the 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards and other major South Korean film ceremonies from the same year:

The 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards aligned closely with the Grand Bell Awards in recognizing 'Secret Sunshine' and Jeon Do-yeon, though diverged in Best Film, where 'The Show Must Go On' won over more serious dramas. This reflects the Blue Dragon’s balance between artistic merit and commercial appeal.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards serve as a cultural barometer, reflecting both public taste and critical trends in South Korean cinema during a transformative period.

• The win for 'The Show Must Go On' highlighted the growing popularity of genre-blending films that combine crime and comedy.
• Recognition for Lee Chang-dong reinforced the industry’s respect for auteur-driven, emotionally complex storytelling.
• Jeon Do-yeon’s win solidified her reputation as one of Korea’s most versatile and acclaimed actresses.
• The awards helped boost international visibility for Korean films, especially with 'Secret Sunshine' later screening at Cannes.
• Public voting engagement, with over 200,000 ballots, demonstrated strong audience investment in film culture.
• The ceremony’s televised broadcast reached millions, amplifying its influence on box office performance and industry careers.

By honoring both mainstream and arthouse successes, the 2007 Blue Dragon Film Awards underscored South Korea’s dynamic film landscape and its rising global stature.