Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin have stirred a fast-growing online debate as the first married couple to win "Best Actor" and "Best Actress," respectively, within the same year at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Their simultaneous achievement drew praise from the audience but also criticism from one journalist who questioned the motives behind the selections.
According to NCTV, the couple's historic wins created quite a stir as fellow actors and fans in attendance cheered them on.
The report further indicated, "Without a doubt, the couple completely stole the spotlight with this remarkable feat, receiving the congratulations of many of their fellow comrades as well as fans."
However, another report from AllKpop heightened the debate by highlighting a journalist's criticism, raising the question of whether a desire for publicity influenced the awards.
The journalist then argued that "the awarding of this year's 'Best Actor' and 'Best Actress' awards was carried out with alternative motives - namely, with the intent to create a buzz over the title of 'the first ever married couple to win 'Best Actor' and 'Best Actress' together.'"
Featured in this year's Best Actress category were several acclaimed performers, including Son Ye Jin, Song Hye Kyo, Lee Jae In, Lee Hye Young and Lim YoonA. Many industry observers predicted Lee Hye Young might secure the award for her critically praised role.
The report explained, "many predicted that Lee Hye Young would clench the award for her breathtaking performance as an assassin while in her sixties."
Journalist No Gyu Min also questioned placing Son Ye Jin in this category.
He said, "Her performance in 'No Other Choice' this year was not quite up to par with the performances of her contenders - not because of her acting itself, but because her character Mi Ri was more of a side character in 'No Other Choice'."
The Best Actor category was also fiercely competitive, with the field including Lee Byung Hun and Park Jung Min. Given the excellence of their performances, some viewers felt that the awards favored the headline appeal of the couple over merit.
Online commenters expressed frustration about the final results.
One comment read, "It's obvious that they only chose those award winners to capture that picture of them on camera.
Other reactions mirrored divided opinions, including: One viewer penned, "I love Son Ye Jin but she was clearly a supporting character in 'No Other Choice'. The other nominees were all excellent and definitely the main characters in their projects."
Other comments included, "Didn't they both get the popular award as well? Why couldn't they just end it at that?" and "It should have been Lee Hye Young TT."
As discussion spreads across social media and entertainment forums, the Blue Dragon Film Awards' decision continues to spark wide debate regarding merit, influence, and public perception.
