Director Lee Joon-ik of ‘Book of Fish’ wins grand prize at Baeksang Awards

Director Lee Joon-ik of the historical drama “Book of Fish” and comedian Yoo Jae-suk have won the grand prize in the film and TV categories, respectively, at this year’s Baeksang Arts Awards.

Lee, known as a master of period films in South Korea for his previous hits like “King and the Clown” (2005) and “The Throne” (2015), took the top prize for films at the prestigious entertainment awards show held at KINTEX exhibition hall on Thursday in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul.

The latest black-and-white historical biopic “Book of Fish” features the story of Yak-jeon, an elite bureaucrat in the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty who wants to write a piscine encyclopedia while in exile on a remote island with the help of young fisherman Chang-dae.

Director Lee Joon-ik (R) of “Book of Fish” delivers an acceptance speech after winning the grand prize at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards (BAA) on May 13, 2021, in this photo provided by the BAA secretariat. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Yoo Ah-in from “Voice of Silence” and Jun Jong-seo from the thriller “The Call” were given best actor and actress awards, respectively.

Comedian Yoo Jae-suk, who recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut, claimed the grand prize in the TV category for his hit variety shows “Hangout with Yoo” on MBC and “You Quiz on the Block” on tvN.

The psychological thriller “Beyond Evil” won best picture, with its screenwriter Kim Su-jin and lead actor Shin Ha-kyun winning best screenplay and best actor, respectively.

The prize of best TV director went to Kim Cheol-kyu of the suspense “Flower of Evil,” while Kim So-yeon won best actress for her performance in the melodrama “The Penthouse: War in Life.”

Launched in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards is one of the most prestigious entertainment award shows in South Korea and encompasses the fields of TV, film and theater.