Lee Je Hoon Receives Negative Reactions for Describing Lee Sun Kyun as ‘Role Model’ During the 2023 SBS Drama Awards

After clinching the Daesang for his role in "Taxi Driver" Season 2, the 39-year-old actor sparked disappointment from the public after he mentioned the death of a fellow celebrity.

Lee Je Hoon's Speech Briefly Mentions Lee Sun Kyun's Passing

In his lengthy speech, Lee Je Hoon expressed huge thanks to the K-drama "Taxi Driver 2" after reprising his role as the anti-hero Kim Do Ki.

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The actor began his speech at the 2023 SBS Drama Awards by stating how honored he was to continue portraying his character.

"But now that I've been given such a prestigious award for the role, I don't know how to react.

Lee Je Hoon then continued by mentioning the premise of the series. For having a chance to "help and console the victims who survived the incidents illustrated in the show," he also expressed how grateful he was for having "such wonderful directors, scriptwriters, co-stars, and production staff members."

As he wrapped his speech, Lee Je Hoon took the opportunity to dedicate the award to late actor Lee Sun Kyun, whose career and life were cut short because following his death.

"Today has been extra painful. I never got to cross paths with him on a show, and I only got to spend a split second with him here and there. But I watched him build his career, and I dreamed of becoming an actor to walk the path he walked."

Although he didn't mention the name of Lee Sun Kyun, the award-winning actor was obviously talking about his sudden passing.

Lee Je Hoon also described him as "a role model," adding that he "wanted to follow in his footsteps."

Lee Je Hoon's Speech at 2023 SBS Drama Awards Garners Raises Brows

Following the celebration at the 2023 SBS Drama Awards, Lee Je Hoon became a topic in various online communities after briefly mentioning the passing of Lee Sun Kyun.

Some were not comfortable that the award-winning star wants to share the recognition with the late actor, who was labeled by the media as an "adulterer" and "addict" due to his involvement with drugs.

In one of the posts, one netizen said that Lee Je Hoon should consider Lee Sun Kyun as a role model because of the scandal.

As for some, they accused the actor of forgetting the essence of "Taxi Driver," which sheds light of the injustice of the system.

Before the year ends, the industry mourned the passing of Lee Sun Kyun after his body was found dead inside a parking lot in Seoul on December 27.

His widowed wife is actress Jeon Hye Jin. They had two sons.

READ MORE: 2023 SBS Drama Awards Breaks Tradition In Behalf of Lee Sun Kyun's Death

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Written by Geca Wills