Lee Joo-yeon Wins Blue Ribbon Acting Award at 15th Chungmuro International Short Film Festival

Actress Lee Joo-yeon has been recognized for her acting prowess, receiving the Blue Ribbon Acting Award at the 15th Chungmuro International Short Film Festival. The prestigious award ceremony took place on the 1st at the Youth Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The Chungmuro International Short Film Festival is an annual event held in Chungmuro, the historical heartland of Korean cinema. It serves as a bridge connecting the 'cinematic spirit' of veteran filmmakers with the 'cinematic passion' of future talents, providing a platform to spotlight the works of emerging artists.

Lee Joo-yeon's award-winning performance was in the film 'Kim~Chi!', slated for release in February 2026. The movie is a coming-of-age drama centered around Min-kyung, a young photographer, who grows through her interactions while photographing an elderly man named Deok-gu suffering from dementia. The film explores themes of intergenerational and interclass conflict in a turbulent world, reminding audiences of the interconnectedness of community through the communication and empathy shared between the protagonists and their neighbors.

In 'Kim~Chi!', Lee Joo-yeon takes on the role of Min-kyung, a struggling photographer. After facing betrayal from her boyfriend and unfair treatment from her boss, she follows in her father's footsteps to become a photographer. Lee Joo-yeon captivated audiences with her delicate portrayal of Min-kyung's arduous journey as a novice female photographer, exuding a unique charm.

Expressing her gratitude, Lee Joo-yeon stated through her agency, Billion's, "It's an honor to play the lead role for the first time in 'Kim~Chi!' and to receive my first award as an actress. I am truly grateful for this precious and meaningful award. I believe 'Kim~Chi!' is a film that will deliver warm emotions to the audience. I ask for your great interest and love."

She further reflected on her experience, sharing, "Acting was incredibly challenging. I battled with myself, and there were many moments of anger and hardship, but I found joy in the process. Crying and laughing a lot, I came to love acting even more and simultaneously felt a great sense of responsibility." She added, "I believe a character is truly recognized when viewers connect with the emotions conveyed through my performance. Although I am still lacking in many ways, I will strive to become an actress who delivers good performances with sincerity, touching hearts warmly."

Since her debut as a member of the group After School in 2009, Lee Joo-yeon has consistently garnered love for her attractive visuals and stable acting skills in various projects, including the dramas 'Smile, Dong-hae', 'All My Love', 'Different Daughters', the Disney+ original 'Kiss Sixth Sense', and the film 'The Immortal Goddess'.

Netizens are showering Lee Joo-yeon with congratulations, commenting, "Congrats! The movie looks so heartwarming," "Her acting must have been amazing to win such an award," and "So proud of her growth as an actress!"