Fans of K-Dramas and movies have been eagerly waiting to see which stories and actors would be awarded for their outstanding performances at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards.
This year, the ceremony took place on May 8th at COEX Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. The MC lineup featured the iconic and entertaining presence of Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum. A lot of jaw-dropping, heartfelt stories were told in Korean media as of late. Reflective pieces like No Other Choice reeled us in with Lee Byung Hun’s incredible performance or through Kim Go Eun’s sad but endearing friendship shown in You and Everything Else. We even saw the return of incredible actors through Made In Korea and witnessed the rise of talented stars like Park Ji Hoon in The King’s Warden.
It was a close call for which stars and masterpieces would be awarded on the stage. In the end, Yoo Hae Jin won the Grand Prize at Baeksang Arts Awards for his standout performance in The King’s Warden, which he honored in an emotional acceptance speech, and Ryu Seung Ryong for his role in Manager Kim.
Ryu Seung Ryong expressed his grateful heart, saying, “Thank you for this honor. I am emotionally overwhelmed to receive this grand award side by side with my friend. It reminds me of the days when I used to put up theater posters with Yoo Yoo Jin and work part-time at a factory. Like the character Manager Kim, if you muster up the courage and empathize with the simplicities of everyday life, a warm word can be a gift that saves someone,” ending his speech with a warm but serious gesture.
Yoo Hae Jin started off with a charming rambling before sharing his more serious thoughts, “I honestly somewhat expected to receive the Best Actor award, but when that didn’t happen, I had to collect myself emotionally. I thought, ‘I guess I still have a long way to go,’ but then the cameras slowly started panning towards me, and I thought maybe The King’s Warden had won Best Picture. So, this is what the Grand Prize looks like,” and he lifted the trophy high.
In a deeper tone, Yoo Hae Jin said, “When I left the theater for film, my goal was simply to make a living as an actor. As time went on, I won Best Supporting Actor awards, and at one point, I thought I’d be happy just acting until I was 45, but receiving such a huge award like this makes me incredibly grateful. I want to thank the 17 million viewers who came to see The King’s Warden. I was relieved that people still remembered the joy of going to the movies. Thank you to Director Jang Hang Jun for making the set enjoyable and for directing the cast so well. I believe acting is relative, too. The reason I was able to immerse myself so deeply into this role was that Park Ji Hoon provided such great chemistry with his expressive eyes in every scene. I received so much from him, and I’m truly thankful.”
Yoo Hae Jin also shared deep and personal advice he received from the late Ahn Sung Ki before closing his speech. “When I worked with the late Ahn Sung Ki, he once told me, ‘Actors should work hard when they’re acting, but what’s really important is how you live when there’s no work.’ I’ve repeated those words to myself throughout my life. I dedicate this honor to Ahn Sung Ki and my teacher Song Hae Sook, who guided me so I could continue acting.”
During Yoo Hae Jin’s speech, director Jang Hang Jun of the screenplay proudly smiled and cheered on from the audience while Park Ji Hoon struggled to hold his tears at the mention of his name.
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What did you think of the grand prize winner and Yoo Hae Jin’s speech? Don’t wait any longer and see the full list of winners of the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards with ZAPZEE.
Grand Prize (TV): Ryu Seung Ryong (Manager Kim)
Grand Prize (Film): Yoo Hae Jin (The King’s Warden)
Best Actor (TV Drama): Hyun Bin (Made in Korea)
Best Actress (TV Drama): Park Bo Young (Our Unwritten Seoul)
Best Actor (Film): Park Jung Min (The Ugly)
Best Actress (Film): Moon Ga Young (Once We Were Us)
Best Drama (TV): You and Everything Else
Best Film: No Other Choice
Best Variety Show: The Wonder Coach
Best Supporting Actor (TV): Yoo Seung Mok (Manager Kim)
Best Supporting Actress (TV): Lim Soo Jung (Low Life)
Best Supporting Actor (Film): Lee Sung Min (No Other Choice)
Best Supporting Actress (Film): Shin Se Kyung (Humint)
Best New Actor (TV): Lee Chae Min (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty)
Best New Actress (TV): Bang Hyo Rim (Aema)
Best New Actor (Film): Park Ji Hoon (The King’s Warden)
Best New Actress (Film): Seo Soo Bin (The World of Love)
Best Director (TV): Park Shin Woo (Our Unwritten Seoul)
Best Director (Film): Yoon Ga Eun (The World of Love)
Best New Director (Film): Park Joon Ho (3670)
Best Male Variety Performer: Kian84
Best Female Variety Performer: Lee Soo Ji
Popularity Award: Park Ji Hoon, YoonA
Gucci Impact Award: The King’s Warden
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