Director Bong Jun-ho's thriller "Mother" has been named the 2009 Film of the Year by the Korean film press.

In its inaugural award ceremony, the association of Korean film journalists chose "Mother" for Best Film and the film's heroine Kim Hye-ja as Best Actress.

Best Actor went to Song Gang-ho who starred in "Thirst," and the New Discovery award went to Yang Ik-jun, who directed "Breathless."

A meritorious honor was granted to the president of the film agency Achim (Morning), Jeong Seung-hye, who died last year, leaving behind her posthumous film "Living Death."

The film journalists' association, launched in February 2009, has 31 broadcasters and dailies as members. Fifty-four journalists took part in the vote to select the winners.