Actor Lee Sung Min, well-known to K-Drama fans for his leading roles like the chaebol one in Reborn Rich, is not a rookie in the entertainment business, that’s for sure. But his latest accomplishment reminded him that being a rookie is a state of mind—one to keep him on his toes.
At the “2nd Pinggyego Awards,” held by comedian Yoo Jae Suk for his YouTube show on the channel DdeunDdeun, Lee won the “Rookie Award” against strong contenders like aespa‘s Karina, Davichi‘s Kang Minkyung, actors Koo Kyo Hwan, Jin Seon Kyu, and Park Bo Young.
The first category to be awarded is the Rookie Award. This award will go to a rookie who hasn’t worked with me for a long time but has shown great potential in the variety show industry.
— Yoo Jae Suk
With 37 years of acting experience, Lee was not expecting a “Rookie Award.” But he shared a sincere acceptance speech via recording, stating the award has since “filled [him] with new energy.”
Thank you. This… This is surprising. I hadn’t received a Rookie Award since I received it about 30 years ago when I was 24 or 25 years old and acting in plays. I never thought I’d be receiving another Rookie Award in my life. So, thank you for awarding me with this prize.
Now, I’m at an age where life is starting to get a bit sluggish. But, after getting this award, I’ve set a new goal and I’m feeling more energized. If I get a chance in the future… I’ll strive to do better in this genre and possibly win the Popularity Award or even the Grand Prize. You’ve given me an award that filled me more energy than any other award I received in 2024. With this, I think I’ll be able to end the year on a very happy note. Thank you again.
— Lee Sung Min
Yoo Jae Suk, fellow attendees, and viewers watching from home couldn’t help but appreciate Lee Sung Min’s sincere attitude toward accepting the award!
During the 2024 Pinggyego Awards voting period (from November 2023 to November 2024), a total of 45 videos were released, with 77 members appearing, gaining positive responses from subscribers. As a result, Pinggyego achieved a milestone of 563,533,191 cumulative views in 2024.
