JANG Dong-gun
Excellence in Asian Cinema Award
The 18th Asian Film Awards proudly announces this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award —Korean screen icon JANG Dong-gun. Recognised for his remarkable achievements and lasting contributions to Asian cinema, the esteemed actor will attend the awards ceremony on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District to accept this prestigious honour.
JANG Dong-gun expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award, and I sincerely thank the Asian Film Awards for this recognition. Having my three-decade acting career acknowledged is deeply meaningful and inspires me to keep going. I look forward to sharing this joy with everyone in Hong Kong.
JANG: Working with HK Stars, Learning from Foreign Production
With over 30 years in the industry, JANG reflected on his career and the profound influence of Hong Kong cinema: “I can’t talk about my growth without mentioning Hong Kong films. The first movie I ever watched in a theatre was Jackie CHAN’s Drunken Master. By the 1980s, when I was in high school, Hong Kong films were everywhere, especially gangster films, which left a lasting impact on me.” He recalled classics like the A Better Tomorrow series, A Chinese Ghost Story, Casino Raiders, and Stephen Chow’s comedies, which still hold a special place in his memory. “Back then, Hong Kong cinema was flourishing—a golden age that still resonates with me today,” he said.
When asked about Hong Kong actors or directors he’d like to work with, JANG noted he had already collaborated with many. “I worked with Cecilia CHEUNG and Nicholas TSE in CHEN Kaige’s The Promise and later reunited with Cecilia in Dangerous Liaisons.” He added, “I think Cecilia is the only actress I’ve worked with in more than one film—it’s quite special!” He also expressed admiration for Tony LEUNG, saying, “I really respect Tony LEUNG, and if I had the chance to work with him, it would truly be an honour and an incredible experience.
Speaking on his most memorable projects, JANG shared, “Joining foreign productions like The Promise had a significant impact on my career. Even with language barriers, we all worked toward the same goal. There was a sense of camaraderie, which gave me a deeper understanding of acting.”
Introduction of JANG Dong-gun: A Leading Figure of “Hallyu“
JANG debut in 1992 with the television drama Son and Daughter. Just two years later, he skyrocketed to fame with the hit series The Last Match, which achieved an impressive 48.6% viewership rating. His performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the 30th Baeksang Arts Awards, marking the start of his acclaimed career. In 1997, he further cemented his popularity by winning the Popularity Award at the 33rd Baeksang Arts Awards.
In 2001, JANG starred in Friend, one of the highest-grossing Korean films of its time and a timeless classic in the gangster genre. The story of four childhood friends navigating loyalty and fate remains a fan favourite to this day. In 2004, he starred in the war epic Tae Guk Gi, which drew an astounding 11.74 million admissions, becoming a massive box office success and making him one of Korea’s most bankable stars. His powerful performance also won him the Best Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Korean cinema.
JANG’s impact goes beyond Korea. In 2010, he expanded his career internationally, starring in The Warrior’s Way. He then made a successful return to television with the romantic comedy A Gentleman’s Dignity, where his mature and humorous charm won over audiences. More recently, he has embraced diverse roles, playing a villain in V.I.P. and appearing in Rampant and A Normal Family, the latter of which was featured at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, continuing to make waves on the international stage.