'Grand Bell Awards' releases official statement following trot singer acceptance controversy
BY Germaine-Jay · October 23, 2018
The 'Grand Bell Awards' released an official statement following the acceptance of the award for Sakamoto Ryuichi of 'The Fortress' that caused some controversy.
The musical director was unable to attend the ceremony, so trot singer Han Sa Rang received the award in his place. It caused some controversy as Han Sa Rang wasn't associated with 'The Fortress' or Sakamoto Ryuichi at all, and an official statement was released for the '55th Grand Bell Awards'. The statement is as follows:
"Hello. This is the Grand Bell Awards organizing committee. We selected Han Sa Rang, who accepted the 'Best Soundtrack' award, and Laa Lee, who accepted the 'Best Cinematography' award after getting recommendations from the Korean Film and Music Association and Korean Society of Cinematographers. Because Ryuichi Sakamoto of 'The Fortress', who won the 'Best Soundtrack' award, scheduled plans in the United States, and Kim Ji Yong of 'The Fortress', who won the 'Best Cinematography' award, was in France for scheduled plans. The Korean Movie Actors Association contacted the film's production company, but we were not able to get in touch with them. Because we were not able to contact the production company, those who were chosen to receive the 'Best Soundtrack' award and 'Best Cinematography' award in place of the winners were based on recommendations from the Korean Film and Music Association and Korean Society of Cinematographers. We'd like to express regret concerning the production company leader for 'The Fortress', Kim Ji Yeon. We'd also like to say thank you again for the interest and encouragement towards the Grand Bell Awards."