Actor Ahn Bo-hyun has emerged as one of the year’s biggest breakout stars, earning the Best New Actor award at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards, a milestone that marks a turning point in his 11-year acting career.
Ahn Bo-hyun received the honor for his performance in the comedy Devil Has Moved In, directed by Lee Sang-geun, where he transformed his tough and masculine image into that of a kind and kind-hearted unemployed young man. The role earned widespread praise for revealing a completely different side of the actor.
A long road to the “New Actor” trophy.
Although Ahn Bo-hyun made his acting debut in 2014 through the KBS2 drama Golden Cross, the Blue Dragon trophy represents his first award as a rookie, an irony that is not lost on him.
“I never imagined I would win,” Ahn Bo-hyun said in an exclusive interview with Sports Chosun. “I didn’t even have a speech prepared. I had a hand mirror, some candy and my phone in my overalls pocket because I thought I would just take photos for the other winners.”
He added that he was so flustered on stage that he unknowingly scratched his head with the trophy, an unscripted moment that later amused viewers.
Gratitude towards elders, family and friends
Ahn Bo-hyun revealed that veteran actor Lee Sung-min, who he worked with in a JTBC drama earlier this year, loudly shouted his name from afar when the award was announced.
“He was happier than me. At that moment, I thought, ‘I’ve lived my life well,'” Ahn Bo-hyun recalled.
The actor shared that he plans to gift the trophy to his mother. His family was thrilled simply by his nomination, never expecting a victory. “My sister cried when she saw it. My mother was completely shocked,” she said.
Friends from his hometown in Busan also played a significant role. Known for their frank expressions, they surprised him by openly praising his achievements. “They told me not to come home again and to continue acting,” he laughed.
From the boxing ring to the big screen
Before becoming an actor, Ahn Bo-hyun was a promising boxing athlete, representing Busan and competing in national tournaments with the dream of winning an Olympic medal. Lingering injuries forced him out of high school his senior year, leading him down an unexpected path.
Inspired by the 2005 film Crying Fist, Ahn Bo-hyun began dreaming of acting. He later transitioned into modeling in 2007, taking advantage of his tall frame and athletic build before gradually transitioning into television and film.
“That movie made me wonder if I could play a boxer on screen someday,” he said. “Directors Ryoo Seung-wan and actor Ryoo Seung-bum unknowingly gave me a new dream.”
An “inverted” role that changed everything
Critics praised Ahn Bo-hyun’s performance in Devil Has Moved In for moving away from his usual strong and intimidating roles.
“People said, ‘You’re even good at playing pathetic characters,’” Ahn Bo-hyun said with a smile. “It felt like a compliment. This role helped me grow and made me realize that I can continue to challenge myself.”
He also expressed gratitude towards co-star YoonA, praising her warmth and professionalism. “She’s beautiful inside and out. Working with her made the chemistry feel natural,” he said, adding that he hopes to reunite with her on a future project.
The viral “Park Jung-min Birthday” moment.
In addition to winning the award, Ahn Bo-hyun unexpectedly went viral for his enthusiastic reaction to Park Jung-min and Hwasa’s Blue Dragon congratulatory performance, earning jokes that he looked like a guest at “Park Jung-min’s first birthday party.”
“I didn’t intend to participate in Park Jung-min’s ‘dol-janchi’, but somehow I did,” Ahn joked. “I was really enjoying the performance.”
For Ahn Bo-hyun, the Blue Dragon Award represents more than just recognition: it marks a new beginning.
“It feels like a turning point and a new starting line,” he said. “I want to become an actor known for variety and depth. In 2026, I plan to show many different sides of myself.”
Thanks to his sincerity, versatility and growing body of work, Ahn Bo-hyun’s rise as one of Korean cinema’s most promising actors is clearly only just beginning.
Sources: Sports Chosun
