Actor Choi Dae Hoon delivered a memorable and viral acceptance speech after winning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards on Monday night for his role as Boo Sang Gil in Netflix's hit series When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Choi's character, lovingly called "Mr. Hagssi Ahjussi" among devotees for his frequently heard yell of "Hagssi!" —meaning "How dare you!" — has emerged as a fan favorite for being the show's most obnoxious yet un-hateable character.

The actor's performance inspired a viral song based on his catchphrase, which spread widely on social media.

In his speech, Choi expressed surprise and gratitude for the award, calling it the best Children's Day gift he had ever received.

"Wow... This honestly feels like a prank," Choi said. "Out of all the Children's Day gifts I've ever received, this might be the best one yet."

He thanked the creators of When Life Gives You Tangerines, director Kim Won Seok and writer Lim Sang Choon, recalling the thrill and anxiety he felt when first cast in the role.

Choi also gave a touching perspective on his career as an actor, which keeps him going.

"I started acting because I loved seeing people happy, laughing, enjoying themselves," he said. "Seeing people enjoy what I do is why I started, but along the way, I ended up being the one comforted and fulfilled."

The actor pledged to continue bringing comfort and positivity through his work, saying, "I'll strive to be an actor who brings positive and joyful influence. And I'll live with a heart full of gratitude."

He thanked fellow industry professionals who supported him over the past two decades, including director Han Myeong Hoon and vice president Lim Jung Eun.

Choi also gave a touching shout-out to his family, including his wife and daughter, expressing deep love and appreciation.

Toward the end of the speech, Choi channeled his well-known character one last time to encourage those facing hardships.

"To everyone out there who's tired or struggling in this tough, harsh world: just look that way and shout, 'HAGSSI!'" he said.

The crowd responded with cheers and applause, and viewers at home quickly took to social media to celebrate the moment.

Some read the speech as a delicate reference to recent political disputes in South Korea over the impeachment of the former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, and controversial Supreme Court rulings on presidential candidates.

Choi's speech now stands as one of the night's most discussed moments, a reaffirmation of his character's cultural significance and his own place as a beloved figure in Korean popular culture.

The Baeksang Arts Awards are granted annually by IS Plus Corp., a joint venture between JTBC and JoongAng Ilbo, to excellent achievements in Korean film, TV, and theater, and they are considered the most prestigious entertainment awards in the country.