Lee Sung-min Baeksang Speech About Yeom Hye-ran and Shin Se-kyung Sparks Debate

Actor Lee Sung-min has faced mixed reactions following his acceptance speech at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards. His expressed frustration over co-star Yeom Hye-ran’s loss sparked a debate regarding etiquette, as the remarks immediately followed Shin Se-kyung’s victory in the same category.

Key Facts

• Lee Sung-min won Best Supporting Actor for the film Can't Help It (also known as No Other Way Out) at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards at Coex in Seoul.
• During his speech, Lee revealed he felt nervous for his on-screen wife Yeom Hye-ran and "swore" inwardly because she did not win Best Supporting Actress.
• Shin Se-kyung won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Humint just prior to Lee’s speech.
• Critics called Lee's use of the word "swore" inconsiderate toward Shin, while supporters viewed it as a witty display of affection for his colleague.
• Accepting Best Picture, director Park Chan-wook defended the judging fairness and praised Shin Se-kyung’s performance.
• Nominees for Best Supporting Actress (Film) were Shin Se-kyung, Yeom Hye-ran, Shin Hyun-been, Jang Hye-jin, and Jeon Mi-do.

Key Quote

"I don't know how nervous I was because Yeom Hye-ran (who appeared together) was nominated. I even swore because Hye-ran didn't win." — Lee Sung-min

Next

• Yeom Hye-ran appeared later in the ceremony as a presenter.
• Public discussion continues regarding acceptance speech professionalism and the boundaries of "witty" remarks at public ceremonies.