Jun Ji-hyun, first Korean actress to receive 'Asia Special' in New York

Jun Ji-hyun's Name Echoes in the Heart of New York

Actress Jun Ji-hyun has become the first Korean actress to receive a special award in New York, USA. The 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) presented Jun Ji-hyun with the 'Extraordinary Star Asia Award' during a VIP Gala held at the David Rubenstein Atrium in New York on the 11th (local time). This marks the first time a Korean female actress has received this award, which is given to actors who have contributed to the development of Asian cinema and have been active on the international stage.

Appearing on the local photo wall, Jun Ji-hyun revealed an overwhelming aura. Having recently revealed her healthy, sun-kissed skin through the official social media of the Hong Kong magazine 'Tatler,' she showcased her sharp facial lines with a sleek-back hairstyle at this film festival. Sporting a sophisticated style with a black dress and a jacket draped over her shoulders, Jun Ji-hyun smiled while making a finger heart.

The Opening Door Opened by 'Colony,' Her First Screen Return in 11 Years

At the center of this award is the film 'Colony,' Jun Ji-hyun's first screen return in 11 years. Selected as the opening film for this year's New York Asian Film Festival, the work is a mystery thriller where survivors fight for survival against evolving infected individuals inside a building locked down due to an unidentified mass infection outbreak. Jun Ji-hyun plays 'Kwon Se-jung,' a genius biotechnologist struggling to develop a cure upon which the survival of humanity depends.

For the character, Jun Ji-hyun added deep, soulful eyes to a cool and intellectual image. She portrayed complex emotional lines, including the terror of a disaster situation and the moral agony she carries as a biotechnologist. Having mastered everything from romantic comedies to intense action, she has expanded her acting spectrum through this heavy genre piece, 'Colony.' The festival organizers highly praised the film's message capturing human nature and Jun Ji-hyun's presence that overwhelms the screen.

"Film is a Special Task That Connects People to People"

Jun Ji-hyun, who attended the film festival with director Yeon Sang-ho, shared her philosophy on film before the New York audience. "Film is a special task that connects people to people beyond culture and language," Jun Ji-hyun stated, adding, "I worked on 'Colony' with that same mindset, and I am very happy to present it to the New York audience."

The official social media of the New York Asian Film Festival posted a video congratulating Jun Ji-hyun, referring to her as a 'Korean Superstar.' At an event introducing diverse genre films from various Asian countries, Jun Ji-hyun established herself as an iconic figure of the film festival.

A Career Leading to Future Steps

Jun Ji-hyun is scheduled to meet viewers through the new JTBC drama 'Human X Gumiho.' Her ability to handle genre films shown in 'Colony' and her award record on the global stage add weight to her next steps.