Kim Dong-wook wins grand prize at MBC Drama Awards
Actor Kim Dong-wook accepts the grand prize on Monday at the MBC Drama Awards in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Capture from MBC
By Dong Sun-hwa
Actor Kim Dong-wook, best known for his role in smash-hit drama “Coffee Prince” (2007), has won the grand prize at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards.
Kim clinched the award at the MBC Media Center Public Hall in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Monday. The award recognized his performance in the satirical comedy-drama “Special Labor Inspector, Mr. Jo,” which aired from April to May.
“It's a surreal moment,” Kim said as he accepted the prize. “I know I'm not a heavyweight as other experienced nominees for the excellence award and that the viewers have fewer expectations of me. I don't know where to put myself to receive such an honorable prize.”
Kim competed against Jung Hae-in and Han Ji-min from “Spring Night,” Ye Ji-won of “Never Twice,” Lim Ji-yeon from “Welcome 2 Life” and Lee Sang-woo of “The Golden Garden.”
Kim was recognized for his performance in the satirical comedy-drama “Special Labor Inspector, Mr. Jo.” Courtesy of MBC
“In the future, I will strive to be a modest and great actor who knows how to appreciate people around me,” Kim said.
For the 32-part soap opera, Kim played Jo Jang-pung, an athlete-turned-labor inspector who punishes people abusing their power to harass their workers. Actress Park Se-young was his partner.
The TV series had a humble beginning in terms of viewership ratings (4.3 percent,) but saw a meaningful rise, with its last episode garnering 8.3 percent.
Kim, 36, debuted in 2004 in the movie “A Crimson Mark.” His fame escalated after featuring in MBC's “Coffee Prince.” In recent years, many of his works, including fantasy blockbuster series “Along with the Gods” (2017-18), have enjoyed popularity, returning him to the spotlight.