Kang Dong Won, known for his roles in films like ‘Broker’ and ‘Peninsula,’ and Yoo Teo, who starred in ‘Past Lives,’ are set to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). On June 25, AMPAS announced its list of 487 new invitees.

Kang Dong Won and Yoo Teo join the ranks alongside notable names such as Lily Gladstone, a recent Best Actress nominee for 'Killers of the Flower Moon'.

Greta Lee, who also appeared in ‘Past Lives,’ has been invited in the actors’ category, and Korean-Canadian director Celine Song has been invited in both the directors and writers categories. Additionally, ‘Decision to Leave’ music director Jo Yeong Wook received an invitation in the music branch.

Since 2015, South Korean film industry professionals have consistently been granted Academy membership. This includes notable figures like actors Song Kang Ho, Choi Min Shik, and directors Bong Joon Ho, Im Kwon Taek, Park Chan Wook, Lee Chang Dong, Hong Sang Soo, Im Soon Rye, along with actors Lee Byung Hun, Bae Doo Na, Ha Jung Woo, Kim Min Hee, and Jo Jin Woong. The year 2020 saw a significant increase in South Korean members when the cast of ‘Parasite,’ including Choi Woo Sik, Jang Hye Jin, Jo Yeo Jung, Lee Jung Eun, and Park So Dam, were invited following the film's Oscar sweep. Actress Youn Yeo Jung also became an official member that year. Last year, actor Park Hae Il joined the Academy.

With the addition of 487 new members this year, the total AMPAS membership will reach 10,910. The number of members eligible to vote for the next Academy Awards will increase from 9,375 last year to 9,934.

Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and Janet Yang, President of the Academy, expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome our new members to the Academy. These talented artists and professionals from around the world have made significant impacts on the film industry.”

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