Yook Sungjae received the 2025 Viewer’s Choice Actor of the Year Award at the 30th Consumer Day KCA Culture & Entertainment Awards held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam, Seoul. This award recognizes the actor who received the most support from the public over the past year, underscoring just how memorable Yook’s performance has been for viewers.
Accepting the award, Yook Sungjae expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This award is especially meaningful because viewers and fans voted for it directly. I will continue to work hard to be an actor who can have a positive impact.” In the SBS drama The Haunted Palace, he showcased his full range by convincingly portraying two distinct characters, earning high praise for his acting versatility.
The drama’s success played a major role in the award. The Haunted Palace achieved a peak nationwide rating of 11%, making it the No.1 show in its timeslot for nine consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen Korea. It became the most successful SBS drama in the first half of 2025.
The Haunted Palace combines fantasy, romance, historical elements, and occult lore in a unique story centered around Yeori (portrayed by Kim Ji‑yeon), a shaman who refuses her fate, and Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sungjae), whose body is possessed by an ancient serpent spirit seeking revenge against the royal family. Its genre‑blending narrative, fast‑paced plot, and striking visuals drove viewership growth and widespread buzz.
Yook Sungjae’s dual role stood out as one of the show’s strongest pillars. He differentiated the innocent and warm‑hearted Yoon Gap from the fierce and charismatic serpent spirit Gangcheori through distinct emotional expression, tone, and physicality—earning acclaim for adding depth and credibility to a complex storytelling structure.
Fans and critics alike are now curious about how Yook will expand his acting range in future projects. He first gained attention as an actor in the hit Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, where he won rookie and rising star awards, and has since built a diversified career that spans music, variety, and acting.
The Haunted Palace also drew audiences with its fresh blend of genres. Its fusion of traditional folklore, shamanistic elements, palace intrigue, romantic comedy, and supernatural action set it apart from typical historical or occult dramas. The series hooked viewers early by plunging into dramatic events from the first episode—lowering barriers for new fans and boosting overall ratings.
The show’s twist‑driven structure and viral clips boosted online engagement, while a Netflix simultaneous release helped it gain global attention. A reported 20 billion won production budget contributed to standout set design, CGI, and costumes that generated strong audience reactions and word‑of‑mouth buzz.
Yook Sungjae’s career trajectory reflects strategic expansion from idol singer to variety star to respected actor. Debuting with BTOB in 2012, he excelled as a vocalist before gaining popularity through variety work. In 2017, his role in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God confirmed his potential as an actor—earning him awards and critical praise.
With The Haunted Palace and recent honors like being named ambassador for the 9th Korea Youth Day, Yook Sungjae has solidified himself as a representative entertainer of his generation, skillfully navigating multiple fields and earning acclaim from fans and industry alike.
Sources: wikitree