‘1987’ wins big at Baeksang awards
SEOUL: Period movie ‘1987: When the Day Comes’, about the pro-democracy movement in the landmark year, was the biggest winner at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
The movie won the grand prize and three additional awards: Best Actor for Kim Yun-seok, Best Supporting Actor for Park Hee-soon and Best Script for Kim Kyung-chan.
“I took part in (making) this film from the beginning to the end,” said Kim Yun-seok in his acceptance speech. “I had always thought the qualities that make up a cineaste are talent and effort. But while working on this film, another quality came into my mind, which was sincerity. I would like to attribute the glory to director Jang Joon-hwan, who helped me realise this.”
Another historical flick ‘The Fortress’, revolving around the Joseon court’s desperate struggle for survival in the face of the Qing invasion in 1636, was named Best Film, and director Kim Yong-hwa clinched the Best Director award for the webtoon-based fantasy adventure ‘Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds’.
The Best Actress in film was handed to Na Muni for her role in, ‘Can Speak’, a heartwarming movie revolving around a comfort woman who openly reveals her past. Some of her competitors in the category were Kim Ok-vin from the action flick ‘The Villainess’ and Kim Tae-ri from ‘Little Forest’.
In the drama series category, tvN’s ‘Mother’, was named Best Drama, while Jo Seung-woo clinched the Best Actor for his role in ‘Stranger’, edging out nominees like Jang Hyuk of ‘Money Flower’ and Cheon Hojin from ‘My Golden Life’.
“I don’t place my awards at home in case I feel pressured or get cocky. All the awards I have received so far are at my mom’s place” said Jo in an acceptance speech.
While referring to his crew, including actress Bae Doo-na, Jo added, “I hope ‘Stranger’ continues to the fifth season. Please support us so it becomes a seasonal drama.”
Kim Nam-joo, who returned to the screen after a six year hiatus in the television series ‘Misty’, cried after she was named the Best Actress.
Kim, who plays a prime time news anchor in the drama, said, “As a person who had nothing, I was very lucky to meet (my character) Go Hye-ran. I’m thankful for all those fans who supported ‘Misty’.”
Awards honouring television entertainment shows went to comedian Song Eun-I and basketball star-turned-television personality Seo Jang-hoon.
While revealing that it was her first time being invited to the ceremony, Song said, “Playing alone at a playground isn’t fun. I hope to create a bigger playing field for more of my colleagues. I saw that some foreign awards ceremonies are being hosted by two female comedians. If the chance arises here, I would strongly support and watch (those ceremonies),” said Song.
Song entered the entertainment industry more than 25 years ago, but as comedians have begun to lose some of their roles in the showbiz industry, she has managed to expand her career by going behind the scenes to become a content creator and producer. She generated buzz in January with the creation of a temporary girl group named Celeb Five, made up of five female comedians including herself. She also created the popular podcast, “Song Eun-I and Kim Sook’s Unnies’ Radio.”
Upon entering the entertainment industry in 2015, Seo shot to stardom through a variety of popular television shows, including ‘Knowing Bros’ (2015 to present) and ‘My Ugly Duckling’ (2016 to present).
Organised by JTBC Plus and Ilgan Sports, the ceremony was broadcast live on JTBC, JTBC2 and Naver’s V Live app.
It was held at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Thursday evening. The event, which is the only award ceremony that honours both television and movie professionals, was hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Park Bo-gum and Suzy.