Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin make history as 1st couple to win top acting prizes at Blue Dragons

Actors Hyun Bin, right, and Son Ye-jin become the first married couple to win best actor and best actress at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Captured from KBS2

Actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin shared the spotlight at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards on Wednesday, becoming the first married couple in the ceremony’s history to win the top acting prizes in the same year. The pair, who arrived together and sat side by side, drew the biggest attention of the night as they took home the best actor and best actress awards.

The ceremony took place at KBS Hall in the financial district of Yeouido, Seoul, with actors Han Ji-min and Lee Je-hoon returning as co-hosts. This year’s awards underscored the challenges facing the Korean film industry, which has seen a decline in new releases, but the show still delivered memorable moments and a strong slate of honorees.

The film “No Other Choice,” which led the way with nominations in 12 categories, emerged as the night’s biggest winner with seven awards, including best film, best director, best actress, best supporting actor, best music and the popular star awards.

The movie follows Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a paper factory manager whose comfortable life collapses when he is suddenly fired. Forced to protect his family and his home, he begins a difficult search for new employment that takes a dark turn.

The film “No Other Choice” wins best picture at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Captured from KBS2

Accepting the best film award, an official from production company Moho Film highlighted the movie’s long road to the screen. “It took 20 years for this film to be made,” they said. “We are deeply grateful to CJ ENM for supporting us without hesitation and to all the staff and actors for their dedication. We hope this film gives courage to many people in the film industry.”

Director Park Chan-wook won his fourth Blue Dragon best director award for “No Other Choice,” following previous wins for “Joint Security Area,” “Oldboy” and “Decision to Leave.” Park, who could not attend due to an overseas trip, delivered a message through best supporting actor winner Lee Sung-min, saying, “It is an honor to work with actors and staff who exceeded my imagination.”

Despite industry concerns over fewer releases, the awards show offered no shortage of spectacle. AKMU’s Lee Chan-hyuk gave a bold performance, singing “Endangered Love” and “Vivid LaLa Love” from his solo album “EROS,” against a dramatic backdrop that drew applause from filmmakers and fans in attendance.

But the emotional peak of the night belonged to Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin. The couple, who married in 2022 and welcomed a son later that year, received the popular star awards before moving on to their historic back-to-back wins in the lead acting categories.

Winning best actor for “Harbin,” Hyun Bin expressed gratitude to those who fought for Korea’s independence. “I want to dedicate this award to the countless people who sacrificed for our country,” he said.

He also thanked director Woo Min-ho for believing in him. Hyun Bin closed his speech with a message to his wife and child: “To my wife, Ye-jin, who gives me strength just by existing, and to our son — I love you, and thank you.”

Actress Son Ye-jin delivers her acceptance speech after she and Hyun Bin win the popularity award at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Captured from KBS2

Moments later, Son took the stage to receive the best actress award for her performance in “No Other Choice.” Visibly emotional, she said, “I usually prepare an acceptance speech when nominated, but this time I couldn’t. My mind is blank right now.”

She reflected on her early career, recalling her first Blue Dragon win at age 27. “My first dream as an actress was to win best actress at the Blue Dragons,” she said. She ended her speech with a message mirroring her husband’s: “I want to share this joy with the two men I love so much — Kim Tae-pyung (Hyun Bin’s birth name) and our baby.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.