Jun Ji Hyun was honored at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards for her role in the drama "You Who Came From The Stars." She won the Daesang or Grand Prize for playing Chun Song Yi, the self-involved Hallyu star who falls for alien Do Min Joon, played by Kim Soo Hyun. At the ceremony she spoke about Kim Soo Hyun and what the prize meant to her.
The actress said that she was not expecting the grand prize. She hoped for Best Actress. When she arrived, she had the idea that "you Who Came From The Stars" was not going to get a lot of attention. So, winning the Daesang was unexpected. And it was a little overwhelming.
"I feel as if the public really responded to my heartfelt efforts with this award," she said and began to cry.
It was Jun Ji Hyun's first Baeksang Award in 15 years, after she won a rookie award in 1999 for her role in the film "White Valentine." Her last drama role was also 15 years ago when she starred in "Happy Together."
She thanked the drama's writer and director and gave a special shout out to her co-star Kim Soo Hyun for his efforts in making the drama a success.
"Mr. Do Min Joon, thanks for not returning to the stars and staying with me," she said. "I sincerely thank you. Let's do another one soon."
Jun Ji Hyun attended the ceremony with Kim Soo Hyun and sat next to him. The two previously appeared together as a couple in the film "The Thieves."
Kim Soo Hyun also mentioned her when he received his "Most Popular Actor in a Drama" award for "You Who Came From The Stars." He also won a Best New Actor Award for his performance in the film "Secretly, Greatly."
After he completed his list of thanks, he said, "Last but not least, Ms. Chun Song Yi, I love you."
After the awards ceremony Jun Ji Hyun could not remember crying. She said that when the prize was announced all she could think of was all the love the drama received. The actress celebrated her award by having dinner with cast and crewmembers.
Later this year Jun Ji Hyun will star in the film "The Assassination." Ironically, by portraying Chun Song Yi, Jun Ji Hyun became even more of a Hallyu star. The drama's popularity dramatically increased her international fan base.
