Lee Sung Min Shin Se Kyung Acceptance Speech Controversy

Actor Lee Sung-min's acceptance speech at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards is sparking debate online. Lee Sung-min won the Best Supporting Actor award for the film 'Road to My Father'.

The controversy began when Lee Sung-min, during his acceptance speech, mentioned Yeom Hye-ran, a fellow nominee for the same film, saying, "I don't know how nervous I was that Yeom Hye-ran was nominated. I cursed her in my heart for not winning." This statement came immediately after Shin Se-kyung had won the Best Supporting Actress award for the film 'Humint' in the preceding segment.

Some netizens pointed out that Lee Sung-min's remarks had a nuance of undermining Shin Se-kyung's win or appearing to contest the judging results, expressing discomfort with comments like, "Was that really something to say in front of the award winner?", "Shin Se-kyung must have felt awkward," and "It felt like pouring cold water on a moment that should have been celebratory." There were also opinions stating, "Regardless of how well Yeom Hye-ran did, it wasn't something to say when the results were already out."

On the other hand, there were also many reactions suggesting it was an overly harsh interpretation, with comments like, "It was a joke that could easily be made between close colleagues," "Isn't it an expression of affection for Yeom Hye-ran's acting?", and "Looking at the atmosphere at the event, it wasn't a serious statement." They argued that it was a witty expression of affection for a colleague they had worked hard with, and that the atmosphere at the event was warm and friendly.

Later, Yeom Hye-ran, who took the stage as an award presenter, smoothed over the situation by joking herself, "I am Yeom Hye-ran, who just lost." Additionally, Director Park Chan-wook, whose film 'Road to My Father' won Best Picture, added, "Yeom Hye-ran might not agree, but please understand. Shin Se-kyung also did well," showing a natural wrap-up to a potentially awkward atmosphere.