Actor Kim Min-jong raised the stature of Korean cinema on the Hollywood stage with his film comeback in 20 years, Florence (Florence knockin' on you).
Florence won three awards — best picture, best director and best screenplay — at the 2025 Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival awards ceremony held April 4 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Los Angeles.
Directed by Lee Chang-yeol, the film is set against the landscapes of Florence, Italy, and follows middle-aged man Seok-in as he reflects on his life and comes to understand the meaning of what he has lost. The film uses the Florence Cathedral's cupola as a central symbol to explore the nature of human existence and happiness.
Kim Min-jong plays Seok-in, the protagonist at a turning point in his life, delivering deep, introspective acting. Having balanced drama and musical activity, he returns to the screen after about 20 years with more mature emotional expression, earning praise from audiences.
Kim Min-jong said he felt particularly moved that his long-awaited film comeback was recognized in Hollywood and added that he would use Hollywood's positive energy to widely promote Florence.
Director Lee Chang-yeol said the result was more meaningful because it was created together with the actors and staff, and added that he would continue to meet audiences with good works. Actress Ye Ji-won said it was an honor to share the sensibility of Korean cinema with global audiences.
K-Fandom CEO Kang Kwang-min said he was pleased to be able to show the world the potential of Korean cinema and said the company would pursue continued overseas expansion.
Florence's awards were symbolic as Kim Min-jong's comeback and as recognition of Korean cinema's storytelling and directorial skill on the Hollywood stage. The achievement was assessed as offering new possibilities for future global advances by Korean actors.<
[Photo] Capture
[OSEN]