After a three-year halt, the Grand Bell Awards has found a new organizer and is moving to relaunch. If all goes as planned, the 60th Grand Bell Awards will take place as early as February next year.
According to the film industry on the 1st, the Korea Film Planning Producers Association won the bid in last month’s third public sale of the Grand Bell Awards trademark rights. With the payment now completed, the association has officially secured the hosting rights. The association stated, "We have formally won the trademark for the Grand Bell Awards and now hold the rights to stage the ceremony," adding, "From here on, the Grand Bell Awards will be organized and hosted by our association."
The Grand Bell Awards went on hiatus after the organization that previously held the hosting rights—the Federation of Korean Film Professionals (Hanguk Yeonghwa-in Chongyeonhaphoe)—was declared bankrupt, ending with the 59th ceremony in 2023. Since then, groups such as the Korea Film Planning Association and the Korea Film Artists Association attempted to bid for the trademark, but the sales fell through over payment issues.
Seo Jeong-min, CEO of AURA CNC and newly elected as association president on the 30th of last month, announced plans to push for the 60th Grand Bell Awards in February next year. He also revealed an intention to expand the 'Film Day' event slated for October 27. Film Day commemorates the screening date of Korea’s first film 'Uirijeok Guto' and holds major significance in the Korean film industry.
The Grand Bell Awards’ revival raises hopes that, after a lengthy void, Korea’s flagship film awards can regain momentum under new leadership.
Launched in 1962, the Grand Bell Awards is one of the oldest and most storied film award ceremonies in Korea.