President Lee Jae-myung has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Director Lee Chang-dong, whose latest masterwork Possible Love won the prestigious Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

In a public message released on his social media platform X, President Lee celebrated the monumental achievement, stating, "I sincerely hope this remarkable victory serves as a vital milestone to further expand the cultural diversity of Korean cinema, allowing even more exceptional cinematic masterpieces to resonate with global audiences."

Reflecting on his recent interactions with the creative minds behind the film, the President added, "When I met with Director Lee Chang-dong and the distinguished cast members during the 'Lumière Summit' in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, last week, I could personally feel the intense local enthusiasm and high expectations surrounding the film. It brings me immense joy to see those expectations successfully materialize into such a brilliant international triumph." He concluded by offering his warmest encouragement to the director, actors, and production crew, pledging continued government support for the shining journey of South Korean films.

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival concluded its vibrant run on September 12 (local time) at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido of Venice. Director Lee’s Possible Love, which clinched the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize (the festival's second-highest honor), marks a historic milestone as the first time a South Korean film has ever won this specific category in the main competition. It is also Director Lee’s triumphant return to the Venice winner's circle 24 years after he captured the Best Director prize (Silver Lion) with Oasis in 2002. 

Possible Love—marking Director Lee's eagerly anticipated return eight years after his acclaimed 2018 film Burning—deeply explores human relationships, emotional complexities, and the weight of life choices through his signature delicate perspective and restrained directing style. The film features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong. Following its festival success, the film is scheduled for domestic theatrical release on September 23, followed by a global streaming release via Netflix on November 6. 

During his acceptance speech at the Sala Grande theater, Director Lee delivered a profound philosophical reflection: "In an era where labor is gradually disappearing and human connections are increasingly severed, I created this film to question what cinema can do and what it must do. I will accept this award as a poignant reminder to keep pursuing those essential questions."

The President’s congratulatory message follows a private luncheon and discussion held on September 7 at the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where President Lee—invited as a special guest to the Lumière Summit international film and video summit—met with prominent Korean filmmakers including Directors Lee Chang-dong and Jung Ju-ri, alongside acclaimed actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, and Kim Do-yeon, to exchange insights on the future advancement of Korean cinema.

Recalling that special gathering, actor Sul Kyung-gu shared a striking anecdote during the summit: "Right after the official foreign press conference at the Venice Film Festival ended, over a hundred international journalists suddenly stood up and rushed toward the podium just to get autographs. Even now, it gives me goosebumps. We were all utterly astonished as we witnessed such an unprecedented and magical scene unfold in Venice."

This historic accolade not only cements Director Lee Chang-dong's status as a global cinematic auteur but also signals a vibrant new chapter for South Korean storytelling on the world stage, amplifying expectations for the continued global impact of K-cinema.

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