On May 8, the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony took place at COEX D Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam District. During the event, Shin Se Kyung won the Best Supporting Actress award in the film category for Hum. He competed against strong candidates including Shin Hyun Been for The uglyYeom Hye ran for No other choiceJang Hye Jin for The world of loveand Jeon Mi Do for The king’s guardian.
Immediately after receiving the award, Shin Se Kyung appeared visibly surprised and shared, “I honestly never expected to win.” The place quickly filled with applause as he delivered his emotional acceptance speech.
However, attention then shifted to Lee Sung Min, who won the Best Supporting Actor award No other choice. During his speech, he mentioned fellow nominee Yeom Hye Ran and joked, “I was so nervous because Yeom Hye Ran was nominated. When she didn’t win, I even cursed at myself.”
The audience in attendance laughed at the remark, but after the broadcast aired, some Internet users expressed discomfort with the comment. Critics have argued, “Was that really something he needed to say in front of the winner?”, “It must have been embarrassing for Shin Se Kyung,” AND “It felt like pouring cold water on a moment that should have been celebratory.”
Some also pointed out that regardless of Yeom Hye Ran’s performance, “It was not an appropriate comment to make after the results had already been announced.”
On the other hand, many defended Lee Sung Min, saying it was clearly a light-hearted joke between close colleagues. Others argued that the comment reflected his admiration for Yeom Hye Ran’s acting rather than an attempt to undermine Shin Se Kyung’s victory. Some viewers also noted that the atmosphere of the ceremony did not appear tense or hostile.
Later in the event, Yeom Hye Ran herself addressed the situation with humor while appearing on stage as a host, saying: “I’m Yeom Hye Ran, the one who just lost.” Director Park Chan Wook, whose film No other choice won best film, he even joked, “Yeom Hye Ran may not agree, but please understand. Shin Se Kyung also did well,” causing laughter from the audience.
Their reactions were seen by many as a natural way to ease what could have become an unpleasant atmosphere.
Sources: Daum
