Actress Jang Na Ra Bags A Rare “First And Only” Achievement At The “2024 SBS Drama Awards”
On December 21, 2024 (KST), SBS hosted its annual “Drama Awards,” honoring the outstanding talents and productions of 2024. And it was at the “2024 SBS Drama Awards” that singer-turned-actress Jang Na Ra re-wrote history.
Jang, who debuted as a singer in May 2001, made her actress debut two months later with a small role in New Nonstop. Her accomplishments as a singer were well-celebrated early on, with her Sweet Dream album sweeping awards in 2002—including KBS‘s and MBC‘s Daesang prizes…
…but her acting career hadn’t been as recognized. That is, until “2024 SBS Drama Awards.”
After 23 long years of endeavors as an actress, Jang was finally presented with a Grand Prize for her lead role in the K-Drama Good Partner.
That said, Jang has now become the first and only person to have won both a Music Awards Daesang and a Drama Awards Daesang!
Understandably, Jang was emotional as she accepted the prize.
I… I cannot believe this is happening, I don’t know what to say. First of all, I would like to thank God, my father in heaven, for continuing to give me life when I’m nothing. This year, at SBS, I have had some of the most incredible things happen to me. I’m so grateful for that. And without the good partners, literally, whom I met through Good Partner, I would not be here. So thank you.
I would like to thank the scriptwriter, the director, and the cinematographer who helped me believe in myself and my acting. I would also like to thank the staff and fellow cast members, Joon Han, Ji Hoon, Je Hee, and Seung Hyun… Baby Yoon Ah left early, but I thank her, too. And I am so grateful for Nam Ji Hyun, the pillar of this series and my rock. I was able to achieve so much, thanks to her presence. She was such a blessing for me, and for the series. Thank you so, so much.
I actually wasn’t prepared for this speech, so I’m worried I might forget to mention someone.
To my friends, thank you so much. I truly believe that my friends my older and younger sisters practically raised me. I’ve received so much help, and I’m endlessly grateful. And to my mom, who is like my lifeline… To my dad, who was my role model, to my brother and sister-in-law, and to my respected and beloved parents-in-law and sister-in-law in Ansan—
thank you all so, so much. To my husband, who loves me no matter what, I love you so much.I’ve been doing this for about 20-something years now. I thought it had been a long time,
But seeing Kim Yong Ho earlier made me realize I still have a long way to go. I will work really hard. To my fans who supported me even during times when I wasn’t doing well, thank you from the bottom of my heart.It took me a long time since debuting to realize this. Had I known and understood earlier, it would have been better. But the fact that people who don’t even know my face like me? The fact that people who don’t know me watch the shows that I create… All of this is such a tremendous miracle. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize this more and more, and along with gratitude, I’ve also felt a lot of guilt.
To the viewers, thank you so, so much. Whether you’ve enjoyed watching or watched with a more critical eye, I’m deeply grateful that you watched. Moving forward, I will work really, really hard. My only wish is to remain an actress that continues to intrigue you. Thank you so much. Truly, thank you.
— Jang Na Ra
As of 2024, four other Korean celebrities hold similar achievements. OG idols Lee Hyori and Kim Jong Kook hold records for winning both a Music Awards Daesang and an Entertainment Awards Daesang, while singer-turned-actor Lee Seung Gi and veteran actor Lee Soon Jae hold records for winning both a Drama Awards Daesang and an Entertainment Awards Daesang.
Here’s a full list of winners honored at the “2024 SBS Drama Awards.”
