The 2024 MBC Drama Awards has just announced the list of nominees for the Daesang (Grand Prize) award with 7 "heavyweight" candidates.
The first name is Honey Lee - who plays the role of Yeo Hwa - a virtuous widow who hides her identity as a dark hero to help people in need in the movie "Flowers Bloom at Night".
According to the media, Honey Lee has successfully attracted viewers by taking on two characters at the same time.
"Yeo Hwa appears on screen not only with an attractive, cool appearance but also extremely charming and emotional. Her delicate acting and dedication in action scenes are also what helps the actress receive many positive reviews" - Osen wrote.
The fact that the drama ended with a viewership rating of 18.4% was also a plus for Honey Lee to get more votes in the Daesang nomination list.
The second name announced by MBC is Kim Nam Joo - who plays Eun Soo Hyun - a psychology professor and famous writer who lost everything after the death of her son in the movie "Wonderful World".
The image of a mother determined to find the truth and demand justice for her son is portrayed realistically and emotionally by Kim Nam Joo, especially in psychological scenes.
The next two names joining MBC's Daesang nomination list this year are Lee Je Hoon - as Park Young Han - a talented and humorous police officer in the movie "Chief Inspector 1958" and Kim Hee Sun - as No Young Won - a top psychological counselor in the movie "Bitter Sweet Hell".
Meanwhile, Byun Yo Han - playing Go Jung Woo - the man wrongly accused of murder in the movie "The Death of Snow White" is also considered a formidable opponent.
Besides the unpredictable plot, the actor's performance in the film is a highlight, making viewers drawn into the story and sympathetic, as well as angry because his character doesn't know who to trust, and no one trusts him.
With Han Suk Kyu, the 60-year-old actor makes an impressive comeback with the role of Jang Tae Soo - a top crime detective who suddenly discovers that his daughter is involved in a murder case in the movie "Intimate Betrayal".
The Korea Times praised the actor for capturing the role of a father who is going through painful days of heartbreak when he suspects the closest person in the family, while MBC praised Han Suk Kyu's appearance and strong acting for making the film a success, helping him solidify his reputation as a "master" actor.
The last name on the list is Yoo Yeon Seok - the actor who is causing a stir with his mysterious yet warm and delicate role as Baek Sa Eon in the movie "When the Phone Rings". The fact that the movie has not ended but the male lead's name is on the nomination list surprised the public.
However, whether the actor's growing popularity will help him win the Daesang remains to be seen, as his opponents are all talented actors. In particular, the fact that Yoo Yeon Seok has to face Han Suk Kyu - who played his teacher in the movie "Dr. Romantic" is a factor that attracts attention.
The 2024 MBC Drama Awards will air on the evening of December 30.
