The 26th Busan International Film Festival has selected director Im Kwon-taek, as the recipient of The Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award, presented to an Asian filmmaker or organization that has made the most significant contribution to the advancement of Asian film industry and culture throughout the year.

From his debut film, Farewell Duman River, in 1962 to his 102nd film, Revivre, in 2014, director Im Kwon-taek remained an iconic Korean director, who has contributed to the promotion of Asian movies around the world by continuously making films for the past 60 years. He has received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2002, the Award for Best Director at Cannes Film Festival 2002, and an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival 2005, and has thereby left his mark in world cinema history. Thus, Im has been selected as the recipient of this award in recognition of his contributions.

Born in 1934, director Im Kwon-taek debuted in 1962 with his film Farewell Duman River, and went on to direct 102 films. He distinguished himself in the global film industry after receiving the Award for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival 2002 with the film ChiHwaSeon and an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival 2005. Through his films such as Seopyeonje (1993) and Chunhyang (2000), he was able to accurately portray Korean way of life and values on the big screen.