Singer and actor Jang Na-ra and trot singer Lee Chan-won wrapped up the year triumphantly, taking home top honors at drama and entertainment awards ceremonies held over the weekend.
Recognized for her portrayal of Cha Eun-kyung, a seasoned divorce lawyer whose husband cheated on her in “Good Partner,” Jang, 43, received the first grand prize in her 24-year acting career Sunday at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards.
This year’s grand prize was a tight race between Ahn Bo-hyun (“Flex X Cop”), Hwang Jung-eum (“The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection”), Ji Sung (“Connection”), Park Shin-hye (“The Judge From Hell”), Kim Nam-gil (“The Fiery Priest" season two) and Jang.
“I met a good partner through the drama ‘Good Partner,’ which is why I could hold this trophy. In particular, I was able to accomplish a lot thanks to Nam Ji-hyun. She was a blessing to our team,” Jang said in her acceptance speech. She expressed gratitude to Nam, who played the passionate rookie attorney clashing with Jang’s character.
“Good Partner” revolves around real-life cases and sheds light on how divorce cases proceed. It also focuses on the marital struggles of its main character, played by Cha.
“It’s been over two decades since my debut. And as I age, I understand how it is a miracle that people I don’t know like me and watch my drama. I’ll continue to work harder,” Jang said through tears.
Jang debuted as a singer in 2001 in “Buried My Face in Tears.” She is best known for roles in "Baby Faced Beauty," "Confession Couple" and "The Last Empress."
At Saturday’s KBS Entertainment Awards, trot singer Lee was crowned the top winner, achieving the feat just four years after his 2020 debut. Lee starred in various hit programs, such as “Fun-Staurant,” where the cast created new dishes with secret recipes, and the second season of music competition “Immortal Songs.”
“I’ve done many programs at KBS since I debuted in 2020. … I really loved entertainment shows while growing up, and I want to continue doing that and make people laugh,” Lee said in his acceptance speech.
Five nominees, including Lee, vied for this year’s grand prize awards: Yoo Jae-suk (“Synchro U”), Jeon Hyun-moo (“Boss in the Mirror”), Kim Jong-min (“2 Days & 1 Night”) and Ryu Su-young (“Fun-Staurant”).
Meanwhile, the entertainment awards show for MBC and SBS are set for Dec. 29 and Dec. 31, respectively. The drama awards for MBC and KBS will take place on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, respectively.
junheee@heraldcorp.com
