Yoo Hae Jin Wins Grand Prize at Baeksang Arts Awards, Gives Emotional Acceptance Speech

Actor Yoo Hae Jin took home the Grand Prize in the film category at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

The 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards took place on May 8 at COEX Hall D in Gangnam, Seoul. As in previous years, Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum served as MCs.

On this day, Yoo Hae Jin won the top honor in the film category for the movie 'The King's Warden,' directed by Jang Hang Jun.

Taking the stage with a bright smile, Yoo Hae Jin received warm support from director Jang Hang Jun, who beamed proudly from the audience.

“I honestly expected the Best Actor award a little,” Yoo Hae Jin admitted. “When that didn’t happen, I had to collect myself emotionally. I thought, ‘I guess I’m still far from it.’”

He continued with humor, saying, “Then the cameras slowly started turning toward me. I thought maybe our film had won Best Picture, but so this is what the Grand Prize looks like,” as he lifted the trophy.

Reflecting on his career, Yoo Hae Jin shared, “When I left theater for film, my goal was simply to make a living as an actor. As time went on, I won Best Supporting Actor awards, and at one point, I thought I’d be happy just acting until I was 45. Even that time has already passed.”

“I was completely satisfied with the supporting actor award,” he added. “I really thought that was enough for me. But receiving such a huge award like this makes me incredibly grateful.”

Yoo Hae Jin also thanked the film’s audience, saying, “I want to thank the 17 million viewers who came to see 'The King's Warden.' Whenever we did stage greetings, the theaters felt alive again. The cinemas had color again. I was relieved that people still remembered the joy of going to theaters.”

After expressing gratitude to the production staff behind the film, he added, “Thank you to Jang Hang Jun for making the set enjoyable and for leading the cast so well.”

He also mentioned his co-stars Yoo Ji Tae, Jeon Mi Do, and Park Ji Hoon.

“I believe acting is relative,” Yoo Hae Jin said. “The reason I was able to immerse myself so deeply was that Park Ji Hoon gave me such great chemistry and expressive eyes in every scene. I received so much from him, and I’m truly thankful.”

As Yoo Hae Jin delivered his speech, Park Ji Hoon was seen tearing up in the audience.

Toward the end of his speech, Yoo Hae Jin recalled advice from the late Ahn Sung Ki.

“When I worked with the late Ahn Sung Ki, he once told me, ‘Actors should work hard when they’re acting, but what’s really important is how you live when there’s no work.’ I’ve repeated those words to myself throughout my life,” he said.

He concluded, “I dedicate this honor to Ahn Sung Ki and teacher Song Hae Sook, who guided me so I could continue acting.”