Korean actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin made entertainment history at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards, becoming the first married couple ever to win both best actor and best actress awards in the same year. The celebrity couple, who arrived together and sat side by side throughout the ceremony, captured the spotlight at the prestigious film awards show held at KBS Hall in Seoul's Yeouido financial district on Wednesday evening.
The awards ceremony was hosted by returning co-hosts Han Ji-min and Lee Je-hoon, and highlighted both the achievements and challenges facing Korea's film industry amid a decline in new movie releases. Despite industry concerns, the event delivered memorable performances and recognized outstanding cinematic work from the past year.
The night's biggest winner was "No Other Choice," which dominated the awards with seven victories out of 12 nominations, including best film, best director, best actress, best supporting actor, best music, and the popular star awards. The film tells the compelling story of Man-soo, played by Lee Byung-hun, a paper factory manager whose stable life crumbles when he's suddenly fired, forcing him into a desperate and increasingly dark search for new employment to protect his family and home.
Director Park Chan-wook earned his fourth Blue Dragon best director award for "No Other Choice," adding to his previous wins for "Joint Security Area," "Oldboy," and "Decision to Leave." Unable to attend due to overseas commitments, Park delivered his acceptance message through best supporting actor winner Lee Sung-min, stating, "It is an honor to work with actors and staff who exceeded my imagination."
During the best film acceptance speech, a representative from production company Moho Film reflected on the movie's long journey to the screen, saying, "It took 20 years for this film to be made. We are deeply grateful to CJ ENM for supporting us without hesitation and to all the staff and actors for their dedication. We hope this film gives courage to many people in the film industry."
The ceremony featured spectacular performances, including a bold musical number by AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk, who performed "Endangered Love" and "Vivid LaLa Love" from his solo album "EROS" against a dramatic backdrop that earned enthusiastic applause from filmmakers and fans in attendance.
However, the emotional highlight of the evening belonged to the historic couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, who married in 2022 and welcomed their first child later that year. The pair first received popular star awards before achieving their groundbreaking back-to-back victories in the lead acting categories.
Hyun Bin won best actor for his performance in "Harbin," delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech that honored Korea's independence fighters. "I want to dedicate this award to the countless people who sacrificed for our country," he said, also expressing gratitude to director Woo Min-ho for believing in him. He concluded his speech with a touching message to his family: "To my wife, Ye-jin, who gives me strength just by existing, and to our son – I love you, and thank you."
Moments later, Son Ye-jin took the stage to accept the best actress award for her powerful performance in "No Other Choice." Visibly moved and emotional, she admitted, "I usually prepare an acceptance speech when nominated, but this time I couldn't. My mind is blank right now." She reflected on her career journey, recalling her first Blue Dragon win at age 27 and sharing, "My first dream as an actress was to win best actress at the Blue Dragons." Mirroring her husband's sentiment, she ended her speech by saying, "I want to share this joy with the two men I love so much – Kim Tae-pyung (Hyun Bin's birth name) and our baby."
This unprecedented achievement by the celebrity couple represents a significant moment in Korean cinema history, as no married pair had previously won the top acting honors at the Blue Dragon Film Awards in the same year. Their success underscores both their individual talents and their continued prominence in Korea's entertainment industry, even as they balance their professional careers with their roles as new parents.
