Ji Sung receives grand prize while wife receives best actress award

Actor Ji Sung, left with his wife and actress Lee Bo-young greet fans on the red carpet at the SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul, ahead of the SBS Acting Awards ceremony on Dec. 31. Yonhap

By Yun Suh-young

The year 2017 ended as a huge celebration for actor Ji Sung and actress Lee Bo-young who both received prizes at the SBS Acting Awards.

Ji Sung received the grand prize for his performance as Park Jung-woo, a prosecutor-turned-death row inmate who is wrongfully accused of killing his wife and daughter in the SBS drama "Defendant."

"I can't believe this is happening to me," said Ji. "I never thought I wanted to receive a prize for my acting in the 'Defendant' because the story was very dark. Despite the high viewing rate, I had a heavy heart because I can't be entirely happy about people enjoying these stories. I too, am a father with a daughter. I was scared to be playing such a scary role," he said during his acceptance speech on Jan. 1 broadcast live on SBS.

His long speech was full of modesty.

"I'm grateful that people didn't forget this drama and gave me this award although it was aired in the beginning of the year. I believe this award goes to the Defendant team, not because I did well. I hope this is a great New Year's present for you guys.

"There are so many people who helped me during hard times over the past 19 years. I will never forget those kind hearts and I will also help my junior colleagues. I will repay my thanks."

He also gave thanks to a newfound friend and actor Um Ki-joon who plays his counterpart.

"I also have a person in my heart who I believe this prize goes to. It's my friend Um Ki-joon whom I met through Defendant. No one could have acted that evil role like he did. I learned so much from him and respect him. This is yours," he said, making eye contact with Um, who smiled in response.

He also thanked his wife and actress Lee Bo-young for "making a husband like me into a great person." He hugged and kissed her on stage. Lee, who was emceeing the event, was also awarded a prize that day _ the award for best actress for her performance in the SBS drama "Whisper."

Meanwhile at the KBS Acting Awards, two middle-aged actors received a joint grand prize.

Chun Ho-jin and Kim Young-chul received top acting prizes for their roles as fathers in KBS dramas "My Golden Life" and "Dad is Weird" respectively.

Chun gave a heartwarming speech full of love.

"I will not be receiving this prize myself, but dedicate it to all the parents in this world. If I receive this award, I think I won't be able to focus for the rest of the shooting because the drama hasn't ended yet," he said.

"My father isn't well. I hope he recovers soon. I also want to give this award to my wife. I'm sorry it took 34 years to keep my promise, honey. It took so long. If you allow me, I hope to live again with you in my next life."

Co-winner Kim Young-chul said, "I still remember vividly when I received this prize 17 years ago with 'Taejo Wangeon.' I'm grateful and it's because I was put in a great piece like 'Dad is Weird.'" He also called out his wife's name twice in joy.

On MBC's Acting Awards, actor Kim Sang-joong received the grand prize for his role as Amogae in "Stealer."

"I hope I can become a senior who doesn't wish to be treated well, but who can be exemplary to juniors," he said.

"I will avoid making political comments today, despite the fact that our drama has political implications. Although it was just one scene, actor Choi Gyu-sik who made the grand finale acting out the pains of an ordinary person, was the theme of our drama. The people are the owners of the country."