Han Suk-kyu, a beloved fixture in the Korean entertainment scene, clinched the top accolade at Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation’s annual drama awards Sunday, marking a successful return to the network after a 29-year break.
The 2024 MBC Drama Awards, a year-end staple typically held on Dec. 30 to honor excellence in MBC’s annual programming, took on a more somber tone this year. In a rare move, the network postponed the event following the Dec. 29 Jeju Air tragedy at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. Originally set as a live broadcast, this year's ceremony was recorded and aired Sunday.
The event’s hosts, announcer Kim Sung-joo and actor Chae Soo-bin, along with all attendees, dressed in black for the first part of the ceremony and conveyed their condolences to the victims of the tragedy in their acceptance speeches.
Han clinched the grand prize for his performance as profiler Tae-soo in "Doubt." The series, a crime thriller weaving intricate familial tension with a high-stakes murder mystery, aired from October to November, peaking at 9.6 percent viewership rating.
In his acceptance speech, Han mused on the recurring motif of family in his oeuvre. "I recently realized that family has been a central theme in my work," he said. "'Doubt' is a project I took on to convey the importance of family."
Han also addressed the Jeju Air tragedy, extending his "deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones."
"May you overcome this immense sorrow …" unable to continue, he stepped down from the stage.
The evening’s accolades also included a posthumous tribute to legendary actor Kim Soo-mi, recognizing her with a special appreciation award. Kim debuted in 1970 as a member of MBC's corps of actors, and gained widespread popularity through the long-running MBC drama "Countryside Diary."
Actor Seo Hyo-rim, Kim's daughter-in-law, accepted the award on her behalf and remarked, "I first met my mother-in-law while playing her daughter in the 2017 MBC drama 'Man in the Kitchen.' MBC brought us together, and it was also through MBC that I got married."
Veteran Choi Bul-am was honored with the achievement award, while "Chief Detective 1958" took home Drama of the Year.
"Chief Detective 1958," the prequel to 880-episode series "Chief Inspector," dominated airwaves from 1971 to 1989 with Choi as the main lead. The new series introduced audiences to a richly imagined backstory — with Choi making a surprise special appearance.
