Lee Sung Min contacts Shin Se Kyung after Baeksang speech sparks misunderstanding, clears up miscommunication

Actor Lee Sung Min and Shin Se Kyung have resolved a recent misunderstanding following the '62nd Baeksang Arts Awards,' according to a report on May 16.

Sources told MyDaily that Lee contacted Shin the day after the ceremony on May 8 to personally apologize and clarify comments that had sparked unintended controversy.

Lee Sung Min won the Best Supporting Actor award in film for 'No Other Choice' at the ceremony. During his acceptance speech, he mentioned fellow nominee Yeom Hye Ran, saying he was nervous about her nomination and joking that he “even cursed internally” after she did not win. The Best Supporting Actress award ultimately went to Shin Se Kyung for 'Humint.' Yeom Hye Ran, who co-starred with Lee in 'No Other Choice,' was also among the nominees in the same category.

Although the comment later drew mixed reactions online, on-site accounts suggested the atmosphere at the event remained light and friendly. A staff member present at the ceremony said Lee’s remark was intended as a casual joke reflecting his focus on colleagues rather than himself, and that the audience responded with laughter. Yeom Hye Ran, who appeared as a presenter as a previous winner, also lightened the mood with a playful remark introducing herself as “the Yeom Hye Ran who just lost.”

Following the ceremony, however, the comment sparked a brief wave of criticism, with some online voices questioning Lee’s character. Industry colleagues, however, emphasized that Lee is widely known for his respectful and supportive attitude toward younger actors, suggesting the reaction was disproportionate.

To resolve the matter, Lee reached out to Shin Se Kyung the day after the awards to apologize for any misunderstanding caused by his words. The two reportedly spoke at length and cleared up the issue, with Shin expressing that she did not consider it a serious matter and felt more surprised than offended.

Lee’s agency also contacted Shin Se Kyung’s representatives to offer a formal apology, further ensuring that any misunderstanding between the parties was resolved.