
Lee Soon Jae made history by becoming the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards on January 11th.
The awards show was postponed due to the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan Airport on December 29th last year and was recorded on December 31st to air on January 11th.
Lee Soon Jae earned the top honor for his role in the KBS2 drama Dog Knows Everything, where he played a famous actor who discovers he can hear dogs talking.
The Top Excellence Award, Actress was given to Lim Soo Hyang of Beauty and Mr. Romantic and Park Ji Young of Iron Family, while the Top Excellence Award, Actor went to Ji Hyun Woo of Beauty and Mr. Romantic and Kim Jung Hyun of Iron Family.
In his acceptance speech, Kim Jung Hyun said, “I know better than anyone how flawed and inadequate I am. Even so, I’m incredibly grateful to be standing here.” He continued, “Honestly, a few years ago, I thought my acting career was over. For various reasons, I truly believed I wouldn’t be able to return. That’s why standing here today feels even more meaningful and special.”
He added, “Receiving this award and sharing my gratitude is important, but I believe true gratitude comes from reflecting on the past. Early in my career, I made many mistakes. I behaved poorly and made choices that hurt others and caused disappointment. I want to take this moment to offer my sincere apology.” He then bowed his head to the audience.
Kim Jung Hyun also explained why he felt the need to address his past, saying, “Offering this apology doesn’t mean everything is resolved. I don’t expect forgiveness. But I believe it’s a step I must take to move forward with my life.”
Meanwhile, Kim Jung Hyun faced criticism for his attitude during the press conference for the 2018 MBC drama Time and eventually had to drop out of the drama due to health issues. At the time, the lead actress of Time was Seohyun, who served as the MC for this year’s awards ceremony. In a way, his apology can be seen as an indirect gesture toward her. Since the 2024 KBS Drama Awards was pre-recorded, news of Kim Jung Hyun’s apology had already been reported. However, the moment drew viewers’ attention as it was left unedited and aired as it was.
>> Kim Jung Hyun Apologized to Seohyun? Leaked 2024 KBS Drama Awards Speech Reveals Shocking Moment
Meanwhile, Choi Tae Joon, husband of actress Park Shin Hye, won the Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in Iron Family, sharing the honor with Kim Yong Gun from Dog Knows Everything. In his acceptance speech, Choi Tae Joon expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to sincerely thank Park Shin Hye, who always inspires me to become a better person despite my shortcomings,” earning warm applause. Choi Tae Joon and Park Shin Hye married in January 2022 and are proud parents to a son.
Below is the list of winners from the 2024 KBS Drama Awards.
Grand Prize: Lee Soon Jae (Dog Knows Everything)
Top Excellence Award, Actor: Kim Jung Hyun (Iron Family), Ji Hyun Woo (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
Top Excellence Award, Actress: Park Ji Young (Iron Family), Lim Soo Hyang (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Park Ji Hoon (Love Song for Illusion)
Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Yeonwoo (Dog Knows Everything), Han Ji Hyeon (Face Me)
Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama: Shin Hyun Joon (Iron Family)
Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama: Geum Sae Rok (Iron Family)
Excellence Award, Actor in a Daily Drama: Baek Sung Hyun (Su Ji and U Ri), Oh Chang Suk (The Two Sisters)
Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily Drama: Ham Eun Jung (Su Ji and U Ri), Park Ha Na (My Merry Marriage)
Best Couple Award:
– Ji Hyun Woo and Lim Soo Hyang (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
– Kim Jung Hyun and Geum Sae Rok (Iron Family)
– Baek Sung Hyun and Ham Eun Jung (Su Ji & U Ri)
– Park Ji Young, Shin Hyun Joon, and Kim Hye Eun (Iron Family)
– Yeonwoo, Lee Soon Jae, and Ari (Dog Knows Everything)
Popularity Award, Actor: Kim Myung Soo (Dare to Love Me)
Popularity Award, Actress: Geum Sae Rok (Iron Family)
Best Supporting Actor: Choi Tae Joon (Iron Family), Kim Yong Gun (Dog Knows Everything)
Best Supporting Actress: Yoon Yoo Sun (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
Scriptwriter Award: Seo Sook Hyang (Iron Family)
Best Actor in Drama Special/TV Cinema: Nam Da Reum (The History of Us),
Best Actress in Drama Special/TV Cinema: Oh Ye Ju (To My Lonely Sister)
Best New Actor: Seo Bum June (Nothing Uncovered), Park Sang Nam (My Merry Marriage)
Best New Actress: Hong Ye Ji (Love Song for Illusion), Han Soo Ah (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
Best Young Actor: Moon Seong Hyun (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
Best Young Actress: Lee Seol Ah (Beauty and Mr. Romantic)
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