The Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) have just announced their inaugural KALH Honors ceremony for Sunday, December 7, in Los Angeles.
The organization, known for its connections in South Korean and Korean American entertainment media, plans to recognize film auteur Park Chan-wook, award-winning Korean actor Lee Byun Hun, and Korean Canadian director Maggie Kang for their transformative work in the industry.
“From the exuberant energy and style of KPop Demon Hunters, to the heartbreaking duality of the desperate everyman Man-su in No Other Choice, to the combustive iconography of Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave, Maggie Kang, Lee Byung Hun and Park Chan-wook illuminate the power of art without limits and demonstrate the breadth, diversity and richness of Korean storytelling,” said Kymber Lim, Founder and Executive Director of KALH in a press release. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to recognize each of these phenomenal filmmakers with our inaugural KALH Honors award.”
Known as one of the most acclaimed and influential directors in cinema, Director Park is being honored for elevating Korean films to global prominence and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers worldwide. His most recent film, NEON’s No Other Choice, won the International Audience Award at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and the International Audience Award and International Auteur Award for Park at the 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival. He was previously awarded Best Film Not in the English Language at the 71st BAFTA Film Awards for The Handmaiden, the Jury Prize at the 62nd Cannes Festival for Thirst, and the Grand Prix for Oldboy at the 57th Cannes Film Festival.
Actor Lee Byung Hun has had a long career in Korea and Hollywood, known for his work in Squid Game, Mr. Sunshine, Concrete Utopia, G.I. Joe, Terminator Genisys, and The Magnificent Seven. His most recent film, NEON’s No Other Choice, directed by Park, has earned him a Gotham nomination for Outstanding Lead Performance and praise from critics and fans alike. This year, he received the Toronto International Film Festival Special Tribute Award and the Newport Beach Film Festival Artist of Distinction Award for his contributions to the film industry. Lee has proven his versatility and global presence, being the first Korean actor to be given the Asian Film Excellence Award at the 15th Asian Film Awards, the first Korean actor to present an Oscar at the Academy Awards, and the first Korean actor to imprint his hand and foot in the forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Breakout filmmaker Maggie Kang’s debut animated feature, KPop Demon Hunters, became a cultural phenomenon and the most popular film in Netflix’s history. It has broken several records on the film side and with its soundtrack, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations, including Best Song of the Year for its hit, “Golden.” During its limited release in theaters, KPop Demon Hunters earned a total of $24.3 million at the 2025 domestic box office, which indeed was a strong opening weekend of $18 million for its sing-along theatrical release in August. Kang was recently honored at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television, receiving the Animation Award for KPop Demon Hunters.
Presented by Korean skincare brand COSRX, and sponsored by Hasbro, Netflix, and Hello Soji, the event is brought together by leaders from film, television, music, and philanthropy to celebrate Korean excellence in global cinema.
Since their inception in 2020, Korean American Leaders in Hollywood has empowered and celebrated Korean Americans shaping the future of entertainment and media. Through advocacy, community, and collaboration, KALH champions emerging talent and leaders, and bridges Korea and the global market — advancing Korean voices, stories, and innovation on the global stage.
