The 34th annual Blue Dragon Film Awards on Friday night recognized some of the film industry’s best including the top winner this year, the intensely dramatic “Wish.”

Directed by Lee Joon-ik and starring Sol Kyung-gu and Uhm Ji-won, the film is based on the true story of an 8-year-old rape victim known to the public as “Na-young.” Although “Wish” caused controversy when it was released earlier last month because the story revolves around real-life events, the film took home the Best Film award along with Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Ra Mi-ran.

Director Bong Jun-ho was named as this year’s Best Director for his English-language debut film “Snowpiercer.” The sci-fi thriller was an international collaboration starring local talent Song Kang-ho alongside Hollywood actors Chris Evans and Ed Harris, and English actors John Hurt and Tilda Swinton. “Snowpiecer” has already taken home the Best Film, Best Director and Best Cinematography awards at this year’s 33rd Korean Film Critics Association Awards.

Bong’s movie was sold to 167 countries even before its world premiere in August, a first for a film by a Korean director. “Snowpiercer” has opened in 300 theaters in France and is expected to make its Hollywood debut sometime next year.

Other notable winners at this year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards include Hwang Jung-min for Best Leading Actor, Han Hyo-joo for Best Leading Actress and Lee Jung-jae for Best Supporting Actor.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)