The Baeksang Arts Awards, a comprehensive arts award ceremony, is held annually in early May.

With a long history dating back to 1965, this awards ceremony was established to promote the development of Korean popular culture and arts and to boost the morale of artists. It is a comprehensive arts award presented to the production staff and cast members of television dramas, films, and plays that were broadcast or screened within the year.

The 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, which had been held without an audience for two years due to the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, returned with an audience this year under the theme "Again, Spring," as the quarantine guidelines changed.

Among the most anticipated segments each year are the acceptance speeches from the winners.

This time, we will share some memorable speeches that revealed the winners' personalities.

Lee Jun-ho and Kim Tae-ri Receive Fans' Devotion

One of the most anticipated awards this year was the TikTok Popularity Award.

The winners for this award were decided through votes cast on the TikTok app beforehand. This year, the award went to Lee Jun-ho (2PM) and Kim Tae-ri, a result that felt "as expected."

Lee Jun-ho

"I heard that many fans voted day and night for this award. This is my first time receiving an award like this personally, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who voted. I am grateful to everyone who loves 'The Red Sleeve' and also to 2PM's Junho. I want to become a better person who can repay this love through good activities."

Kim Tae-ri

"I thought I wouldn't be nervous this time, but my heart is pounding. I didn't quite understand the voting system this time, but I heard that the fans were fighting a war. I want to thank my fans, my family, my friends, and everyone who voted. 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' is a work that is so meaningful that I can't find words to describe it. Some things lose their meaning when spoken. I want to express my gratitude to the work that made me shine brighter, and to Na Hee-do. Thank you for your love."

Both speeches were heartwarming and a joy for fans, as they clearly acknowledged the fans' devotion.

Speeches Expressing Gratitude to Family and Seniors, a Korean Style

While not as mainstream in Japan, the comedy category at the Baeksang Arts Awards garners significant attention.

Each year, the award announcements incorporate comedic elements, making for a captivating ceremony filled with both laughter and tears.

This year, Lee Yong-jin won in the male category, and Joo Hyun-young in the female category.

Lee Yong-jin

"I really didn't expect this. I don't know what to say... It's a bit embarrassing, but my wife said she wanted to come today because she thought I might win an award. My wife is here now. I love you. My work has been going well since our only son, Yoon-jae, was born. He's a bundle of luck.

Many people say my humor and content are difficult, that they have a B-grade feel, a quirky vibe, and aren't mainstream. But I don't know what mainstream is. I want to live happily as long as what I pursue is recognized someday, and I receive laughter and applause. I, Lee Yong-jin, am not someone who makes people laugh with ordinary things. Thank you."

Joo Hyun-young

"Actually, since I started dreaming, I wanted to be a crew member on 'SNL Korea.' And one day, I suddenly became a crew member, and I was given the opportunity to act every week with seniors I thought I'd never meet. So, every week was incredibly happy and I am so grateful. I learn so much every week from Shin Dong-yup senior and the crew. Thank you for creating an environment where I can express my imagination to my heart's content.

'Reporter Chu' (a character in an SNL Korea skit) is a character that emerged from my strong desire to do well and be recognized in college. I was very happy while playing Reporter Chu. Thank you for empathizing and supporting me."

Lee Yong-jin's direct expression of love to his family on such a grand stage is truly admirable.

Joo Hyun-young's character, which satirizes the speech patterns and quirks of today's youth, gained popularity and led to her award. Her speech, delivered with tears, was a very Korean-style expression of gratitude to those involved.

Cho Hyun-chul's Speech Captures the Hearts of the Korean Public

Finally, we introduce the speech of Cho Hyun-chul, who delivered a powerful performance in the Netflix drama "D.P." and deservedly won the Best Supporting Actor award.

His acceptance speech, a message of comfort to his father facing death, became a major topic of discussion in Korea.

"Dad, when you look out the window to the garden, you can see red flowers, right? That's Grandma. Grandma is there, so Dad, don't be afraid. I believe that 'death' is simply a change in the mode of existence. So Dad, let's spend our final moments beautifully without fear.

While filming '' (a film dealing with the Sewol ferry disaster) last year, I felt the presence of the Sewol children here. I believe they are still here, even after their deaths, names that were so important to me during the six years of preparation for that film."

This speech resonated deeply with many viewers, who commented, "It made me realize that life itself is an unexpected gift," "I think I'll be remembering his acceptance speech for a while," "He tells his father, who is facing death, that 'death is a change in the mode of existence,' and I almost cried trying to grasp the meaning behind those words," and "I was moved by how he carefully chose his words to convey his feelings to his father who is battling illness and to those who have passed away, asking them to watch over him quietly."

How was it?

We have shared some of the acceptance speeches from the Baeksang Arts Awards.

The awards ceremony offers a glimpse not only into the works but also into the personalities and characters of the individuals involved.

If there are any actors or artists who pique your interest, be sure to check out the awards ceremony!★

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The 58th Baeksang Arts Awards [Main Winners and Works]

[Grand Prize]

Film Category: Escape from Mogadishu (Scheduled for Japanese release in July 2022)

TV Category: Squid Game

[Best Picture]

Film Category: Kingmaker (Not yet released in Japan)

TV Category: D.P.

[Best Actor]

Film Category: Sol Kyung-gu / "Kingmaker"

TV Category: Lee Jun-ho (2PM) / "The Red Sleeve"

[Best Actress]

Film Category: Lee Hye-young / "In Front of Your Face"

TV Category: Kim Tae-ri / "Twenty-Five Twenty-One"

[Best Supporting Actor]

Film Category: Jo Woo-jin / "Kingmaker"

TV Category: Cho Hyun-chul / "D.P."

[Best Supporting Actress]

Film Category: Lee Su-gyeong / "Miracle" (Released in Japan in April 2022)

TV Category: Kim Shin-rok / "Hellbound"

[Best New Actor]

Film Category: Lee Hong-nae / "Hot Blood"

TV Category: Koo Kyo-hwan / "D.P."

[Best New Actress]

Film Category: Lee Yoo-mi / "Young Adult Matters"

TV Category: Kim Hye-jun / "Inspector Koo"

[Best Male Entertainer]: Lee Yong-jin

[Best Female Entertainer]: Joo Hyun-young

[TikTok Popularity Award (Male)]: Lee Jun-ho (2PM)

[TikTok Popularity Award (Female)]: Kim Tae-ri

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.