South Korea's Kim Min-hee has won the best actress award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival for her performance in "On the Beach at Night Alone."

The jury led by Paul Verhoeven announced Saturday night local time that the South Korean earned the Silver Bear for Best Actress for her latest film directed by Hong Sang-soo. She became the first South Korean actress to clinch the honor at the international film competition. 

"On the Beach at Night Alone" is a film in which Kim plays the role of an actress named Young-hee who falls in love with a married movie director, a plot similar to her real-life relationship with Hong. 

During the award ceremony, the 35-year-old Kim expressed thanks to Director Hong whom she said she respects and loves. 

This is the first time in ten years a South Korean has earned the best actress award in one of three major European film festivals including the Venice Film Festival. Jeon Do-yeon won best actress in the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 for "Secret Sunshine" directed by Lee Chang-dong. 

"On the Beach at Night Alone" will be released at local theaters next month.