Actor Yoo Jae-myung and director Park Chan-wook resonated with their bold statements.

Yoo Jae-myung won the Best Supporting Actor award in the institutional sector at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards held on the 5th, defeating Koo Kyo-hwan for "The Escape," Park Jung-min for "The Night of the 4th," Jung Haein for "Veteran 2," and Jo Woo-jin for "Harbin."

Yoo Jae-myung said, "I really like the movie 'The Land of Happiness.' I wanted to do well in this role. I prepared hard. I was anxious, but the director said let’s do well together. I like the director’s courage and kind smile."

He added, "It was a happy set. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who was with me. I remember the night in Jangheung when I shared drinks and hugged all the staff, including my brother-like Seon-kyun and Jeong-seok. I will spend tonight thinking of my friend who left us too soon," paying tribute to his fellow actor the late Lee Seon-kyun.

'The Land of Happiness' is a film that depicts the story of Park Tae-joo, who was involved in the presidential assassination incident by the orders of his superior, and lawyer Jung In-ho, who took on the case, diving into South Korea's worst political trial. Yoo portrayed the character Jon Sang-du, inspired by late former President Chun Doo-hwan, creatively adapted to center around the core element of the power brokers of the time.

The late Lee Seon-kyun played Park Tae-kyu, who, under the orders of his superior, participated in the presidential assassination incident and faced an unfair trial as a military man. However, he was shocked when involved in drug charges and took his own life on Dec. 29, 2023. 'The Land of Happiness' is his posthumous work.

Meanwhile, director Park Chan-wook, along with writer Shin Cheol, won the Best Screenplay award in the institutional sector for "The Night of the 4th." On stage, he stated, "This is the first time I’m receiving a screenplay award for a film I didn’t direct. I feel great. Thanks to everyone, I stand here on this stage today. This film captures the chaotic period after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, during which peasant uprisings continually occurred. Looking at the political situation in our country, I thought a lot about the turmoil of that time."

In particular, director Park Chan-wook emphasized, "It is a brave and wise citizen who saves a country in crisis. The time is approaching to elect a leader worthy of our great people. Let’s pick someone who should fear the citizens, not a foolish Joseon ruler played by Cha Seung-won in the movie."

Writer Shin Cheol also remarked, "There was a foolish king 400 years ago. What I know 400 years later is that the fact was clearly recorded in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, thanks to an unnamed historian who expressed anger on behalf of the people. The courage and heart of that person have reached me 400 years later. I would like to dedicate this honor to that person who penned the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty."

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