Selected for the “Korean Cinema Today – Vision” section, which presents a new vision for Korean independent cinema, Full Moon has been recognized for both its artistic excellence, and its potential to appeal to a wider audience through its sweep of three awards. In particular, the film proved to be one of the festivals most talked about films of the year by winning the festival’s flagship award, the ‘CGV’ Award, the ‘K-Movie Award’ for emerging directors, and the ‘Songwon Vision Award,’ which is selected by audience votes.

Historically, films that have won three or more awards at BIFF have often gone on to become notable releases representing Korean independent cinema. Expectations are therefore high that Full Moon will follow in their footsteps.

Director Jung Ji-hye first attracted significant attention in the Korean film industry with her feature debut, Jeong-sun, which won the Grand Prize in the Korean Competition section at the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival and received recognition at major film festivals in Korea and abroad, including the Rome International Film Festival.

Set in Masan and Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Full Moon explores the inner anxieties and emotional voids experienced by an adolescent girl, the subtle fractures that emerge in her relationships with others, and the moments of growth that shape her coming-of-age journey. Through Jung’s distinctive perspective—both compassionate and unflinchingly attentive to detail—the film left a profound impression on audiences from its premiere at the festival.

Film industry experts and jury members praised the film, noting that it “delicately captures an adolescent girl’s journey toward maturity and her complex emotions toward her family.” They also described it as “an outstanding work distinguished by its original approach to portraying a compelling female protagonist and its deeply resonant coming-of-age narrative.”

Director Jung, who demonstrated her talent early on through student short films such as Shaving, The Blood Merchant, and Vertigo, has continued to develop a distinctive cinematic voice since graduation, with Busan and the wider Gyeongsangnam-do region serving as the foundation for her work. She has become one of Dongseo University’s most prominent alumni in the film industry, bringing distinction to the university’s Department of Film.

Dean Kim Dae-seung of the Im Kwon-taek College of Film and the Arts commented, “Even during her student years, Director Jung stood out for her profound understanding of human nature and her determination to pursue stories with remarkable persistence.”

He continued, “Winning three awards that recognize both professional evaluation and audience choice is an exceptional achievement, ranking among the most remarkable accomplishments at the Busan International Film Festival.”

“Director Jung’s ability to capture universal human emotions through the landscapes and communities in which she is rooted has also become a source of great pride for younger students at Dongseo University. I am confident that she will continue to grow into an important filmmaker who will help shape the future of Korean cinema,” he added, offering his congratulations and encouragement.

Meanwhile, following its three-award sweep at BIFF, Full Moon is expected to gain further momentum as it embarks on a journey through domestic and international film festivals and moves toward its official theatrical release.