"The two should have been awarded the trophy." After the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards concluded, many viewers swallowed their disappointment. The Netflix original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, which was deeply emotional, featured IU and Park Bo-gum as strong candidates for the award, but they returned home empty-handed.
On the 5th, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci was held at Hall D of Coex in Gangnam, Seoul. In the TV category for Best Actor, IU (Lee Ji-eun) and Park Bo-gum were both nominated, generating great expectations. This is not surprising as When Life Gives You Tangerines has captured audiences not only in Korea but throughout Asia, receiving rave reviews since its release.
The drama depicts the story of a ‘rebellious youth’ named Oh Ae-sun (played by IU) and a ‘simpleton’ Yang Kwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) navigating the seasons of a generation. Beyond mere romance, this work delicately unravels the youth and sacrifices of the parents' generation, as well as the joys and pains of life, leaving a deep resonance as it showcases the youthful days of those who were someone's mom and dad.
IU naturally portrayed the complex inner world of Ae-sun with the Jeju dialect. From the typical rebelliousness of adolescence to the burdens of adulthood, her emotional acting brought viewers to tears multiple times. Park Bo-gum also showcased a strong presence as Kwan-sik, a character filled with pure love. His unwavering dedication alongside Ae-sun, complemented by his warm gaze and restrained emotions, felt all the more genuine.
Thus, the news of both actors being nominated for Best Actor was met with acceptance, and expectations for their win were high. However, the outcome was unexpected. The honor of the award went to other actors, while IU and Park Bo-gum quietly held their place.
Right after the awards ceremony, online communities and social media were filled with comments such as, "They displayed the best acting, yet they didn't win," "If it weren't for IU and Park Bo-gum, this drama wouldn't have left such a deep impact," and "Although they didn't win an award, the emotions they provided were real." Some fans even expressed disappointment, saying, "These actors are the ones whose lack of awards feels more regrettable," highlighting their disappointment over the failure of these two talented actors who possess both artistic and acting excellence to win.
In fact, When Life Gives You Tangerines carries more meaning than just a simple drama. It was a time when actors and viewers shared tears and laughter, creating memories together. Perhaps these were moments that achieved greater value than the awards themselves. The fact that the ‘youth of the two’ remains in the hearts of viewers ensures that their performances have already become a long-remembered masterpiece.
IU and Park Bo-gum each lived out the life of their characters with intensity. And that life has spread into our own stories, resonating deeply in the hearts of many. In the hearts of those who remember their authentic performances, they are already enjoying the glory of the award.
The award may have been regrettably missed, but the true value they demonstrated in When Life Gives You Tangerines will surely lead to greater resonance on a deeper stage.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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