Despite the recession in the drama and film industries, the top stars were different. The winners of the 'Blue Dragon Series Awards' drew attention with their busy recent updates.
On the morning of the 25th, the fourth Blue Dragon Series Awards handprinting event was broadcast live via Naver's Chiriji. Present at this event were last year's winners of the Blue Dragon Series Awards in the New Male Entertainer category, Kwak Jun-bin, the New Female Entertainer category, Yoon Ga-i, the Female Entertainer category, Jang Doyoun, the Male Entertainer category, Shin Dong-yeob, the Best Actress award, Park Bo-young, the Best Actor award, Yim Siwan, the Best Supporting Actress award, Geum Hae-na, the Best Supporting Actor award, Ahn Jae-hong, the New Actress award, Go Youn-jung, and the New Actor award, Lee Jeong-ha. They participated in the handprinting under the guidance of the broadcaster Park Kyung-rim.
About a year has passed since last year's awards. How have the winners been doing? First, Park Bo-young said, "I finished filming the drama 'Our Unwritten Seoul' and am currently filming 'Gold Land.' After working hard for a year, it feels fresh to revive my memories. I remember how nervous I was. It’s nice to see everyone again."
Next, Yim Siwan stated, "I feel today that a year has already passed. I think time really flies. During that time, I have completed filming for other projects, and there are also upcoming works. I am spending time promoting these works. I hope for your continued support." He humorously added that regarding his acceptance speech last year, which was only 10% prepared, "In fact, there were many things on my mind. Today, after careful consideration, I will say what I need to when I am fully ready. If I can't say it, I will personally post it on my social media. Please check it at least once."
Shin Dong-yeob, who has received numerous awards since his debut, reflected on his feelings. After being particularly happy after last year's award and garnering attention for his acceptance speech, he said, "I've always watched the Blue Dragon Film Awards since a long time ago. I thought of it as a festival for filmmakers, and I thought how nice it would be for them. I was a spectator, an audience member, a citizen who envied their prestigious, historical festival every year. I was happy to be able to participate in the Blue Dragon Series Awards, where a diverse group of people is celebrated, and it seemed I expressed my gratitude with a face slightly more filled with emotion than at any other award ceremony."
He continued, "This year, thanks to so many hosts on 'SNL,' I received awards and congratulations, and coincidentally, among the people here today, there were some hosts as well. It surprised me while casually greeting people that although the drama and film markets are not like they used to be, those present continue to be active. While I don’t want to mention it to avoid being presumptuous, I hope that my 'SNL' junior, Kim Won-ho, receives an award."
In addition, Jang Doyoun commented on the buzz from last year when she danced the traditional mask dance to become an elegant clown, saying, "I’m not yet an elegant clown and have just lived as a clown. As Shin Dong-yeob senior mentioned, it’s been tough lately. Thankfully, I’ve had a year of work without interruption. Congratulations to those who won awards last year; congratulations on the handprinting as well." She extended her hand for a handprinting pose and humorously added, "There's nothing special, so I might as well dance the mask dance again."
Ahn Jae-hong, who has been alternating between retirement and returns since his role in 'Mask Girl,' is currently meeting audiences through the film 'High Five.' He mentioned, "It's been a year since I've greeted everyone, and I thought I should try to forget as much as possible about receiving the award. Being here at this glorious handprinting event after a year makes me realize how significant the award I received last year is." He also laughed about his recent appearance on 'SNL Korea,' saying, "I’m so happy to see Shin Dong-yeob senior again."
Next, Geum Hae-na, who won her first Best Supporting Actress award for 'The Killers' Shopping Mall,' expressed, "'The Killers' Shopping Mall' was my first big project, and winning a big award made it take a year to digest the weight of it. I spent time cultivating my inner strength alone. I was not nervous at first, but when the seniors looked at me, I trembled like a quaking aspen while posing for photos. I think I will not remember what I did."
Go Youn-jung shared the glory of the award with Lee Jeong-ha, her co-star from 'Moving.' She remarked, "It feels good to see you as if I saw you yesterday. We are on good terms, so while contacting each other to check in, I saw that Jeong-ha appeared in a drama and watched it well." Regarding the upcoming release of 'Can This Love Be Translated?' she added, "I don’t expect to receive the Best Actress award next year." Lee Jeong-ha also mentioned Go Youn-jung’s recent drama 'Resident Playbook,' saying, "It doesn’t feel like it’s been a long time since I last saw you because I enjoyed watching your work so much."
Meanwhile, Lee Jeong-ha drew attention as Park Bo-young's 'die-hard fan.' He shared his experience of meeting Park Bo-young at a promotional event for the film 'Blood Boiling Youth,' saying, "It was that film when I wrote a letter to the senior saying I wanted to become an actor and stand next to her one day. It feels like my dream has come true," he expressed emotionally. Promptly, Shin Dong-yeob led Lee Jeong-ha to stand next to Park Bo-young, creating a warm atmosphere. Furthermore, Kwak Jun-bin posed alongside the admired entertainer Shin Dong-yeob and even kissed his cheek, adding to the heartwarming scene.
Kwak Jun-bin expressed his thoughts about establishing himself as an entertainer after starting as a travel creator. He had shed tears during last year’s award ceremony and said, "I had only imagined receiving an award at an awards ceremony. It was the most tense moment of my life to receive one, and even today, I am very nervous. Receiving flashes is also a first for me, so I’m quite nervous."
The award winners later displayed their 'hard work' as well. Yim Siwan, for example, was set to appear in Netflix's 'Squid Game 3' on the 27th. He stated, "I ask for your great expectations. Many people have been asking me how the results will turn out, but you don't need to ask me anymore. You can watch the footage in two days."
Jang Doyoun was also preparing to release a new Netflix variety show 'Getaway and Go with Jangdobari.' He said, "I want to travel with Jim Carrey. Each week, a guest will join me for a solo trip, and we are currently filming. I am grateful for those who have come on board without knowing what kind of program this is. If you could gracefully decline if invited, that would be great. I would love to travel with Go Youn-jung. If we travel together, it would be fine even without audio. I will wait patiently through the company heading in a positive direction."
Additionally, Shin Dong-yeob expressed his gratitude to his close friend Lee Byung-hun, who was the first host of 'SNL Korea.' He enthusiastically sought to recruit Park Bo-young as the new host sitting next to him. Ultimately, he humorously announced, "Actress Park Bo-young has decided to appear on 'SNL,'" while adding, "Just when that will be is unspecified," causing laughter among those present.
Finally, Yim Siwan added remarks he hadn't previously expressed during his acceptance speech. He stated, "I want to share a few percentages of my 90%." He reflected, "Each time I attend an awards ceremony, I always have doubts about whether I can act well compared to others. I believe there are people with much greater talent than I have."
He continued, "So, it doesn't look good for me to feel disappointed for not winning an award. Instead, I have decided to think of the very idea of attending award ceremonies as a time to encourage and honor everyone who has worked hard to develop acting or Korean content. I intend to treat award ceremonies as a festival honoring everyone's hard work and engage joyfully. I thank all who have taken the time to join us."
[Photo] OSEN DB.
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