The Daejong Film Festival has announced a new beginning with the proclamation ceremony of 'Daejong Awards Day,' stepping up efforts to normalize and develop the film festival.

Executive Chairman Seo Jeong-min stated, following the proclamation ceremony of 'Daejong Awards Day' on August 20, that he would concentrate all capabilities to ensure the festival opens a new era and re-establishes itself as a film festival representing South Korea.

Chairman Seo emphasized, "The Daejong Film Festival is a symbolic festival that has accompanied the history of Korean cinema. It is now our most important responsibility to normalize it into a festival that filmmakers can take pride in, moving beyond past controversies and conflicts, and to develop it into a festival loved by the public."

Remarks on OTT Drama Category: "Confusion in Expression During the Explanation Process"

He also addressed the issue that some remarks regarding awards for OTT content, including Netflix, were not accurately conveyed during the recent proclamation ceremony.

Chairman Seo said, "While explaining the festival's new changes and future plans at an event attended by many people, I continued speaking in a somewhat nervous and excited state. In the process, some expressions were conveyed differently from my intent, and although I explained sufficiently in a subsequent phone interview, it is personally regrettable that the article was published without that part being adequately corrected."

He continued, "The fundamental identity of the Daejong Film Festival will not waver. What I explained were various discussions and possibilities about how to harmoniously connect the flow of the new video content era, including OTT, with the film festival."

In particular, regarding future awards and program compositions, including an OTT drama category, he emphasized a cautious approach. Chairman Seo said, "Future awards and program compositions, including the OTT drama category, will be decided cautiously after fully gathering the opinions of experts and filmmakers in the relevant fields. I hope there will be no interpretation that treats undecided matters as if they were final decisions."

"'Daejong Awards Day' Was Held Normally… The Festival Headquarters Will Not Waver"

The Daejong Film Festival headquarters takes the position that it will carry on the purpose and meaning of the 'Daejong Awards Day' proclamation ceremony held on the 20th, and will continue official commemorative projects and festival preparations normally.

Chairman Seo stated, "'Daejong Awards Day' is a meaningful starting point prepared to remember the history of the Daejong Film Festival and the dedication of Korean filmmakers, and to prepare for a new future. Despite any external disturbances, the Daejong Film Festival headquarters will lead the festival to success according to established procedures and principles."

He also expressed regret over claims that unverified content related to the festival is being conveyed to some organizations and individuals.

Chairman Seo said, "Knowing that matters of legal judgment or procedure have been concluded, the actions of some organizations continuously spreading such content or disseminating it through group messages have the potential to interfere with the festival's normal work and operations, so we are making strong legal preparations. We politely request that no further unnecessary conflict or confusion be created."

Governor Cho Geun-woo: "The Right Person to Lead the Daejong Film Festival's New Leap"

Executive Chairman Seo Jeong-min also expressed trust in Daejong Film Festival Governor Cho Geun-woo.

Chairman Seo evaluated, "Governor Cho Geun-woo is someone who works for the normalization and development of the Daejong Film Festival rather than personal greed or private interests. He is a capable person who demonstrates through action rather than words, and has worked quietly to overcome the festival's difficult circumstances."

He continued, "He has resolved the legal matters related to the past and is a capable person, so I believe he is the right person to hold the center so that the Daejong Film Festival can be completely reborn. Together with Governor Cho Geun-woo, I will do my utmost so that the Daejong Film Festival can once again establish itself as a festival trusted by the public and filmmakers."

"What Matters Is Not Past Conflicts but the Present Where Filmmakers Unite"

Finally, Chairman Seo reiterated his commitment to harmony in the film industry and the normalization of the festival.

He stated, "Rather than exhausting debates over who is right or wrong, what is important now is for filmmakers to gather together again, make good films, and make audiences look upon the Daejong Film Festival with pride. The Daejong Film Festival headquarters will respect principles and senior filmmakers, communicate with the film industry with an open attitude, and will surely make this a successful film festival."