Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Namgoong Min notches highest honor at SBS Drama Awards with 'Hot Stove League'
Actor Namgoong Min gives a speech after receiving the grand prize at the SBS Drama Awards held at the network's Seoul studio, Thursday. Courtesy of SBS
By Lee Gyu-lee
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actor Namgoong Min has won the grand prize at the year-end SBS Drama Awards Thursday, with his role in the TV series “Hot Stove League.”
This is the first time the actor, 43, has won the highest honor at an event hosted by a major broadcaster.
“When I was struggling, working as an extra and in small roles, the first supporting role I got was on an SBS series,” Namgoong said during the ceremony. “And I'm so thankful to receive this award many years later.”
In the series, the actor played Baek Seung-soo, who is assigned as general manager of pro baseball team The Dreams to help the struggling team. His compelling performance as a reserved leader who successfully rebuilds the team despite difficulties has won huge praise from viewers.
A poster for the baseball-themed drama “Hot Stove League” / Courtesy of SBS
The 16-part series ended with a 19.1 percent viewership rating.
"Hot Stove League means a lot to me. I've always felt gratitude toward the people I worked with for the series,” the actor said. “I consider chemistry to be the most important thing, and we had the perfect chemistry.”
Recalling the first time he read the script, he thanked the writer, Lee Shin-hwa. “I was blown away by how intricate the story was … you are the best writer in my heart,” Namgoong said.
“As I get older, I become more appreciative of the people who are always on my side,” he said, naming his loved ones, including his long-time girlfriend, actress Jin A-reum. “When I was depressed, lonely or upset, these people always stood by me.”
Namgoong debuted in a minor role in the 2001 movie “Bungee Jumping of Their Own.” He has starred in various films and TV shows, including the 2015 suspense series “The Girl Who Sees Scents” and the 2017 comedy series “Good Manager.”