The 2024 MBC Drama Awards aired on the evening of January 5. Although the ceremony was held on December 30, it was not broadcast live due to the period of national mourning following the Jeju Air plane crash tragedy. Instead, a pre-recorded version was broadcast.
Here, “When the Phone Rings” star Yoo Yeon-seok, who was named winner for “Best Actor” (Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries) alongside “Chief Detective 1958” Lee Je-hoon, shared his gratitude during his acceptance speech.
In particular, the actor stated: “Sixteen years ago, I appeared in my first drama, ‘General Hospital 2,’ with MBC. Receiving such a major award now is overwhelming. I thank the viewers and fans who loved our drama, as well as the company executives who offered me this project. I am especially grateful to the CEO of my agency, who highly recommended this job to me, saying that I absolutely had to do it. Looking back, I can’t imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t done it.”
“This award is not just for me; It’s for everyone involved in our drama, including the directors who put so much care and effort into it, the staff and the cast.”Yoo Yeon-seok also said, before revealing an unexpected supporter: actor Han Suk-kyu, who won the Daesang at the same event.
He continued“While working on this project, towards the end I felt physically and mentally exhausted. During those moments of doubt, I visited Han Suk-kyu, who was filming his last scene on set. He gave me words of encouragement, just like he had when we worked on ‘Dr. Romantic’. Even during his brief break, he took nearly an hour to tell me I was doing well, and that encouragement stayed with me until the final stages of filming. I want to take this opportunity to thank him.”
“There is one other person I would always want to mention if I ever received a major award like this. Sixteen years ago, at a small gopchang (grilled intestines) restaurant near Seoul National University of Education, our vice president told me, “Let’s work hard together.” Thanks to him, I am here today. I’m really grateful.” the actor also shared.
Finally, Yoo Yeon-seok concluded, “December was particularly cold and full of anxiety for many people. I sincerely offer my condolences to those people and to all those who suffer. I hope the new year brings nothing but smiles and happiness.”
