"Concrete Utopia" Park Bo Young Clinches Best Actor Award at LEAFF 2023

Director Uhm Tae Hwa and actress Park Bo Young graced the 8th London East Asia Film Festival with their presence, where Park Bo Young achieved the honor of winning the Best Actor award for her performance in the apocalyptic drama film Concrete Utopia. 

Concrete Utopia is a gripping disaster drama film that tells the story of survivors who have gathered in the Hwang Goong Apartment, the only remaining apartment complex in Seoul after a massive earthquake leaves the city in ruins. 

The K-movie was accorded the privilege of being invited to the Closing Gala section of the 8th London East Asia Film Festival. It stood out for its theme of post-apocalypse, a well-crafted narrative, impeccable performances by the cast, and a powerful underlying message. 

Concrete Utopia was screened at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, London, on October 29. 

The festival founder and director, Jeon Hye Jeong, explained the reason for choosing Concrete Utopia as the closing film, saying, "It is a masterpiece that expresses a poignant view of individuals and society while also depicting our selfishness that is rampant in capitalism, allowing for dialogue with the audience during the film festival."

Park Bo Young expressed her joy at winning the award, saying, "I'm happy to receive my first award at an international film festival. I'm grateful to the London East Asia Film Festival for inviting me and giving me the award, as well as to the many actors and staff who worked with me on Concrete Utopia."

Apart from the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF), Concrete Utopia was also invited to the Toronto International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and Zurich Film Festival. 

In November, the film will be screened at the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, Concrete Utopia has been selected as South Korea's entry for the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars).

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