On May 8, the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony took place at COEX D Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam District. During the event, Shin Se Kyung won Best Supporting Actress in the film category for Humint. She competed against strong nominees including Shin Hyun Been for The Ugly, Yeom Hye Ran for No Other Choice, Jang Hye Jin for The World of Love, and Jeon Mi Do for The King’s Warden.
Right after receiving the award, Shin Se Kyung appeared visibly surprised and shared, “I honestly never expected to win.” The venue quickly filled with applause as she delivered her emotional acceptance speech.
However, attention later shifted to Lee Sung Min, who won Best Supporting Actor for No Other Choice. During his speech, he mentioned fellow nominee Yeom Hye Ran and joked, “I was so nervous because Yeom Hye Ran was nominated. When she didn’t win, I even cursed to myself.”
The audience at the venue laughed at the remark, but after the broadcast aired, some internet users expressed discomfort with the comment. Critics argued, “Was that really something he needed to say in front of the winner?”, “It must have been awkward for Shin Se Kyung,” and “It felt like pouring cold water on a moment that should’ve been celebratory.”
Some also pointed out that regardless of Yeom Hye Ran’s performance, “It wasn’t an appropriate comment to make after the results had already been announced.”
On the other hand, many defended Lee Sung Min, saying it was clearly a lighthearted joke between close colleagues. Others argued that the comment reflected his admiration for Yeom Hye Ran’s acting rather than an attempt to undermine Shin Se Kyung’s win. Some viewers also noted that the atmosphere at the ceremony did not appear tense or hostile.
Later in the event, Yeom Hye Ran herself addressed the situation with humor while appearing on stage as a presenter, saying, “I’m Yeom Hye Ran, the one who just lost.” Director Park Chan Wook, whose film No Other Choice won Best Film, also joked, “Yeom Hye Ran may not agree, but please understand. Shin Se Kyung did well too,” drawing laughter from the audience.
Their reactions were seen by many as a natural way of easing what could have become an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Sources: Daum