Actor Lee Soon-jae (89) received his first grand prize since his debut.

On the 11th, the recording of the ‘2024 KBS Drama Awards’ was broadcast on KBS2. The ‘KBS Drama Awards’ was held on December 31st last year. KBS decided to join the wave of mourning and broadcast the recording of the awards ceremony as the national mourning period was declared due to the aftermath of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster on December 29th last year.

The honor of the grand prize went to Lee Soon-jae, who starred in the drama ‘Gahsori’. He, who was resting due to a health warning, went up on stage himself. Lee Soon-jae also won the ‘Best Couple Award’ with actors Yeonwoo and Ari, who acted together in ‘Gahsori’.

First of all, Lee Soon-jae showed off his wit by saying, “It‘s all thanks to Ari” for winning the Best Couple Award.

Then, ‘Gaeseong’ was an unusual piece of work. No one came here to win an award. Everyone worked together thinking, ‘How can we make it fun for the viewers?’ That’s why there is no distinction between leading and supporting actors in ‘Gaeseong’. They are all leading actors,“ he said, expressing his affection.

He also said, “Honestly, I don‘t even dream of winning the Grand Prize. They didn’t even give it to someone who did better before. If I go out because I won the Grand Prize, it‘s like the ‘Award for Merit’,” causing an explosion of laughter.


Contrary to Lee Soon-jae’s expectations, he even took home the ‘Grand Prize’ trophy that day. Lee Soon-jae said, “I‘ve lived long enough that there are days like this,”and I got to receive a beautiful and precious award. In the past, the Grand Prize went to actors who played historical figures. But even if you’re over 60, if you do well, you get an award. It‘s not an ’Award of Merit‘. Acting should be evaluated as acting, not by popularity or other conditions. That’s the Academy Awards in the US,“ he said, moving his heart.

He continued, ”This award is not my personal award. There are many dogs in the drama ‘Dog Talk’. You all played a part. You did your best in your roles. It‘s a drama that was filmed while going back and forth to Geojedo Island more than 20 times. Thanks to ’KBS‘, ’Dog Talk‘ can be heard all over the country today. Thank you, CEO.“ He conveyed his feelings.

Lastly, Lee Soon-jae said, ”I owe a lot to the viewers and have been helped a lot throughout my life. Thank you.“ He made everyone cry.

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com