With his signature crescent smile that once defined the “the nation’s first love”, Son Ye-jin has entered a new era, deeper, richer and more confident. Now 43, the queen of melodrama has returned to the big screen with renewed vigor, claiming her second Best Actress trophy at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and marking the beginning of what she calls the third act of his life and career.
At the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards held on November 19, Son Ye-jin won both the Best Actress Award and the Popular Star Award for Park Chan-wook’s much talked about Chuseok No other choice. The achievement marked a significant milestone: her fifth Popular Star Award and her first Best Actress win in 17 years. Over the years, he has built a notable Blue Dragon legacy, gaining recognition for films such as The Classic, My wife got married, White NightAND The last princess.
In a post-ceremony interview, Son Ye-jin admitted the victory it seemed surreal. She shared that she immediately went back to filming her next project after the awards show, barely having time to process the moment. This year’s ceremony, he said, it was particularly unexpected. Having let go of any strong desire to win, he hadn’t even prepared an acceptance speech. Being on stage was like enter a movie scene one she never imagined would affect her family and herself at this stage in life.
Although the Best Actress award carried weight, Son Ye-jin revealed that she was especially moved by the Popular Star Award, knowing that it was earned through fan votes. She recalled excitedly telling her husband, actor Hyun Bin, that they had placed first. Jokingly, he asked if he too had prepared a speech just for him and then brushed it aside and went to the gym instead. Laughing, he said his playful goal that evening was to show it off “strong back muscles” to the cameras.
Grateful for the unwavering support she has received over decades, Son Ye-jin spoke warmly of her fans, both in Korea and abroad. He noted this below Crash landing on youher international fan base grew significantly, and many foreign supporters even voted for her in film awards. Their continued encouragement, she said, motivates her to continue seeking meaningful roles.
One lighthearted anecdote stands out: the credit goes to Son Ye-jin his manager’s strange dream of victory. Days before the ceremony, they dreamed that she was pregnant with twins and then dreamed that she won the lottery the next night. Known to believe in premonitions, she joked about it perhaps the dreams instead predicted her victory over the Blue Dragon, promising to treat her manager to a generous meal in gratitude.
Reflecting on winning Best Actress again after 17 years, Son Ye-jin admitted that her feelings about the awards have evolved. She received her first Best Actress trophy at just 27 years old, just like she used to I felt it had come too soon. While joyful, it also left her unmoored, as if she had achieved her ultimate goal before truly understanding herself as an actress. At that age, he struggled with insecurity and pressure, questioning his abilities and feeling undeserving of such high praise.
Over time, she came to see rewards differently. While no actor performs solely to win trophies, he recognized that recognition can become a powerful source of strength during difficult times. Competing, he explained, it never means beating others but constantly comparing and surpassing yourself. Beyond the glamour, the profession can be emotionally painful and moments of recognition help her find balance. This second win as best actress, she said, it feels like applause for the path ahead rather than a burden from the past.
His latest film No other choice it also marked his return to cinema after 7 years. The film tells the story of a man suddenly fired and his wife, Mi-ri, who remains strong and composed as the family faces financial collapse. As Mi-ri, Son Ye-jin transformed into a loving yet resilient wife and mother, grounding the story with quiet strength.
She revealed that it was her first real career break since debut. After becoming a mother, she gave priority to her son, believing that those early years were irreplaceable. Initially he imagined a three-year break, but Park Chan-wook’s offer came sooner than expected. Accepting the role felt like destiny. However, returning to set was daunting, especially surrounded by veteran actors. He compared the experience to constantly handing in homework to a demanding teacher. Yet being the youngest on set brought comfort and freedom.
Motherhood, she said, has also reshaped her understanding of acting. The emotional contradictions Mi-ri faces protecting a child while holding him accountable mirror her experiences as a parent. Those experienced emotions enriched her performance in ways that she says would not have been possible before marriage and childbirth.
Now Hyun Bin’s wife and mother, Son Ye-jin described a profound change in the way she lives and works. Where acting once consumed her completely, she now experiences clear boundaries between work and personal life. This separation helped her focus more deeply and channel a broader emotional range into her roles. While she joked that she couldn’t play anymore “first love” she hears her range as an actress has only expanded. Call yourself “Love Forever” by Hyun Bin she said it it just gives her satisfaction.
Concluding the interview, Son Ye-jin reflected on the symbolism of winning Best Actress once as a rookie actress and then as an experienced actress. It seemed like a good time to pat yourself on the back. Sharing a year of recognition with her husband made the accomplishment even more unforgettable. With renewed ambition, he expressed hope to continue gaining recognition and perhaps one day, even win an award together with Hyun Bin for the same project.
Sources: Daum
