Squid Game 3, Son Ye Jin, Hyun Bin, and More — The 24th Director’s Cut Awards Nominees Are Here and It’s a Stacked List

The Directors Guild of Korea has dropped the full nominee list for the 24th Director’s Cut Awards — and if this lineup is any indication, Korean film and drama had an exceptional year. The ceremony takes place on May 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. KST, covering eligible productions released between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.

Here’s a breakdown of every major category, with a quick look at each nominated title.

24th Director’s Cut Awards Nominees- Film Categories

Best Director (Film)

Best Actress (Film)

Son Ye Jin (No Other Choice) — The Crash Landing on You star in a gritty dramatic role that has earned widespread critical praise. Lee Hye Young (The Old Woman with the Knife) — A veteran actress in a fierce, unconventional lead role. Jeon Mi Do (The King’s Warden) — Known for Hospital Playlist, she steps into a sharp historical drama. Lee Jae In (Hi-Five) — A rising name delivering a breakout film performance. Seo Su Bin (The World of Love) — A quietly powerful turn in an emotionally rich film.

Best Actor (Film)

Lee Byung Hun (No Other Choice) — One of Korea’s most internationally recognised actors in what looks like a career-highlight performance. Park Jeong Min and Kwon Hae Hyo (both from The Ugly) — An unusual double nomination from the same film, signalling its strength as an ensemble piece. Yoo Hae Jin (The King’s Warden) — A reliable veteran landing his signature blend of comedy and gravitas. Yoo Yi Ha (The Last Semester) — A compelling newcomer holding his own against experienced competition.

Best New Actor (Film)

Park Ji Hoon (The King’s Warden) earns a film acting nomination alongside his drama recognition — a double moment for the fast-rising star. Kim Sung Cheol (The Old Woman with the Knife), Park Hee Soon (No Other Choice), Yoo Lee Ha (The Last Semester), and Cho You Hyun (3670) round out a category full of fresh faces making strong first impressions.

Drama Series Categories

Best Director (Drama)

Best Actress (Drama)

Kim You Jung (Dear X) — The beloved actress in an emotionally resonant mystery drama. Go Hyun Jung (Queen Mantis) — A commanding, veteran performance in a politically charged series. Shim Eun Kyung (Mad Concrete Dreams) — Earning double nominations (also in Best New Actress) — a testament to how transformative her performance is. Lee Ha Nee (Aema) — A daring dramatic turn from the usually comedic actress. Lim Soo Jung (Low Life) — A quietly devastating performance in one of the year’s most talked-about dramas.

Best Actor (Drama)

Hyun Bin (Made in Korea) — His return to the small screen is clearly making waves. Park Ji Hoon (Weak Hero Class 2) — Picking up where season one’s critical success left off. Park Hae Soo (Karma) — The Squid Game breakout star in a new morally complex role. Yang Se Jong (Low Life) — A raw, grounded performance in the crime drama. Lee Hee Joon (Karma) — A veteran character actor finally getting his deserved leading spotlight.

Best New Actor (Drama)

Yim Si Wan (Squid Game 3) joins a competitive category alongside Lee Kwang Soo (Karma) — the comedian-turned-dramatic-actor making everyone take notice — Park Yong Woo, Jung Sung Il (both from Made in Korea), and ATEEZ’s Yunho (Low Life) in what is shaping up as one of the most competitive new actor races in years.

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