The 2024 KBS Drama Awards, broadcast on January 11, were hosted by broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu, Seohyun and Moon Sang-min. Originally scheduled to air live on December 31, 2023, the ceremony was canceled following the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster and was instead pre-recorded.
On this day, Lee Soon-jae, who had taken a break from acting in October for health reasons, appeared at the awards ceremony for the first time in two months. Assisted by fellow actor Kim Yong-gun and former Momoland member Yeonwoo, he looked noticeably thinner but carried himself with poise and dignity.
Return after health difficulties
At the event, Lee Soon-jae, along with Yeonwoo and dog Ari, received the Best Couple award for their performance in the drama “Dog Knows Everything.” Reflecting on the project, he commented ironically, “In two-thirds of Korean families, dogs and humans live together as pairs, so this dynamic is quite familiar. However, this is the first time this has been depicted in a drama. Sophie, the dog, took on the lead role. Without her, the drama might have stopped barking, but I would have had to bark instead. His witty remarks brought laughter from the audience.
He went on to praise the “Dog Knows Everything” production team, saying: “All the actors who participated in this unique project came together with the mentality of trying something different. No one started with the intention of winning an award. Our goal was to create something fun and enjoyable for viewers. In this work there are no main or secondary roles: each part has a main role.”
An emotional Grand Prix victory
Later that evening, Lee Soon-jae was awarded the Grand Prize, a milestone in his career and a testament to his lasting legacy in Korean entertainment. Taking the stage to applause and congratulations from his boys, the 90-year-old actor began his acceptance speech with a heartfelt observation, “Living long enough brings days like this.”
He recalled his history with KBS, noting that the network began its broadcast legacy on December 31, 1961.
Lee Soon-jae also reflected on the tradition of awarding first prizes, referring to both national and international standards. “In the past, first prizes often went to portraits of historical figures. For example, Choi Soo-jong received it four times, and rightly so. Similarly, in the United States, an actress like Katharine Hepburn won once when she was 30 and three more times after she was 60. In our system, these could all have been considered lifetime achievement awards,” he observed.
He emphasized the importance of evaluating acting based on skill rather than external factors such as popularity. “This award is not just mine. It belongs to everyone who contributed to “Dog Knows Everything,” from the cast to the production team, even the dogs. It was truly a collective effort.”
Lee Soon-jae also took a moment to thank his students at Gachon University, where he served as a distinguished professor for 13 years. “I have always personally guided my students, selecting a project each semester and preparing it for the final presentations. But this time I couldn’t be there for them due to my busy schedule. But my students reassured me by saying: ‘Don’t worry, professor. We’ll make it just like you taught us.’ Their trust made me cry. Believing in them and doing my best led to this moment.”
A message about the value of rewards
During the ceremony, MC Jang Sung-kyu asked a direct question to Lee Soon-jae: “Do you want the grand prize or do you honestly have no interest in prizes? Lee Soon-jae replied firmly, “I didn’t come here to win. I’m here because, at 90, I’m the oldest in the cast.”
He elaborated on his thoughts on the awards, saying: “A true reward is one earned through sincere effort and fair evaluation. It’s not about fame or status but about recognizing true dedication. The Academy Awards are an example of this: many of the most famous stars don’t win, while lesser-known but hard-working actors do. This is what makes an award significant, a treasure to be cherished for a lifetime.”
He concluded by expressing his hope for the future of the KBS Drama Awards. “I hope this ceremony evolves into one that values equity and becomes a symbol of true honor in our industry. Awards like this should inspire us to create and act with sincerity and passion.”
