(CJ Entertainment)

Korean crime-action movie “Veteran” bagged the “Casa Asia Award” at the 48th Sitges Film Festival, CJ Entertainment said Tuesday.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan expressed delight saying, “Comedy is usually a difficult genre to get across to foreign audiences. ‘Veteran’ social issues through a blend of comedy and action. I’m delighted it was chosen for the big award.”

Ryoo had nabbed the same award in 2011 with the film “The Unjust,” starring “Veteran” lead actor Hwang Jung-min.

“I want to share this honor with everyone who was involved in the production. I hope to return this gift with an even better film next time,” Ryoo said.

Sitges Film Festival is one of the three biggest film festivals dealing in action, horror and fantasy genres. This year’s event ran from Oct. 9-18.

Another hit-film “Assassination” by director Choi Dong-hoon, released almost concurrently with “Veteran” in Korea, was also invited to the festival.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

Related article: ‘Veteran’ gets positive reviews in U.S.