Park Eun Bin won the Daesang, the grand prize, for her exceptional performance in her role in ENA’s ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young-woo’ at this year’s ‘Baeksang Arts Awards’ ceremony, one of South Korea’s most prestigious awards shows.
Park plays the role of Woo Young-woo, a lawyer with an autism spectrum, interpreting the character from her own point of view and replacing it with delicate and warm acting.
People were moved by her profound speech in which she shared her encounter with a character like Woo Young-woo.
In an English translation by a Korean media outlet, she started her speech in tears, saying “Thank you very much. It seems that I am receiving this award on behalf of the ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ team. Countless works have been created throughout the year, and there are many people who always do their best and dedicate themselves to them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the award.”
She then proceeds to express her gratitude toward the fans and shared her dream of receiving the grand prize when she was young.
“I think I received the award thanks to the many people who loved the drama. First of all, I sincerely thank everyone who watched Woo Young Woo. I received a lot of love and attention beyond everyone’s expectations. In fact, I don’t think I would be where I am today without your love. I’m sorry, I didn’t know this moment would come. When I was young, I thought that if I didn’t give up on my dream of being an actor, it would be nice to become an adult who could win the grand prize someday. Thank you for making my dream come true today.”
She then described the process she went through before deciding to play Young Woo and the aspect of “changing the world” through a role.
“I hope that the attempt to understand Young Woo was a good experience to learn a bit about the autism spectrum. In fact, I didn’t have a grandiose dream that I would play a part in changing the world, but while working on this, I acted in hopes that at least we could have a kinder heart than before and that we could recognize the unique character of each person as diverse rather than being different. Thank you very much for taking an interest in each step I take.”
“Actually, it took me quite a while before I decided to face Woo Young Woo. Because depending on how I express Woo Young Woo as an actor and how I approach you as a person, I was afraid that it might hurt someone. So it was absolutely necessary to verify every moment to see if the thoughts that passed through me about autistic people and lawyers were not caused by prejudices I had unknowingly. There was a time when I faced my own limits for the first time, so I was really fortunate to be able to finish it after overcoming those frustrations.”
Leading her in expressing her gratitude towards the director, writer, and those who partook in the drama.
“Director Yoo In Sik, whenever I was afraid of such sudden vagueness, I was very grateful to him for willingly sharing my fear and lighting the way brightly like a lighthouse. And I sometimes think of the moments when writer Moon Jiwon and I watched the last broadcast and shed tears together. It was a very heartbreaking moment because I think I know the meaning of the tears. Thank you very much for creating Woo Young Woo’s world. And to all of the staff who always supported the path of Young Woo, our fellow actors whom we love, and so many people that were with us in every episode, I don’t think there would be today’s glory if everyone’s efforts weren’t made together. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
She also shared her favorite line from the drama.
“My favorite line from the drama is, ‘My life is strange and eccentric, but it is valuable and beautiful.’ I was really happy to be able to tell this story through Young Woo. I learned a lot because Young Woo seemed to be telling me to think of the strange and eccentric parts that I know, but others don’t, and that others know but I don’t, and to think of them as valuable and beautiful. I want to cherish for a long time the steps of Young Woo, who took strong steps while acknowledging, accepting, and embracing her life, even though it was difficult.”
Ending her speech in gratitude to her family and with the promise of cherishing the moments with Young-woo forever.
“Lastly, I started doing this in 1996 when I was 5 years old. Thank you to my mom, dad, and brother, who have made me who I am today with their generous support. I am very thankful to my agency, and I would also like to say thank you to my fans and fans around the world.
I will cherish the moments of meeting Young Woo forever. Thank you very much again for the award. I respect everyone. I will continue to move forward. Please be happy. Thank you.”
‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young-woo’ has the most nominations with 10 and was nominated for Best Drama, Best Director (Yoo In-shik), Best Actress (Park Eun-bin), Best Supporting Actor (Kang Ki-young), Best New Actor (Joo Jong-hyuk), Best New Actress (Joo Hyun-young, Ha Yoon-kyung), Best Screenplay (Moon Ji-won), and Technical Award (Noh Young-sim – Music) – winning Best Director.
Shin Dong Yup, Suzy, and Park Bo Gum served as the hosts for the ’59th Baeksang Arts Awards’ ceremony, which was held at Paradise City in Incheon, South Korea on April 28.
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