Hwang Jung-min Shines at the 2nd Pingkaego Awards

The 2nd Pingkaego Awards, which boasted a star-studded lineup, crowned actor Hwang Jung-min as its top winner. The ceremony, streamed on the YouTube channel 'Tteun Tteun' on December 22, 2024, featured a dazzling array of attendees including Cha Seung-won, Lim Soo-jung, Park Shin-hye, Lee Dong-wook, Yang Se-chan, Jo Se-ho, and Ji Suk-jin.

Hwang Jung-min received the Grand Prize for his significant contribution to the travel variety show 'Pungyang-go,' which began with an unprecedented verbal slip. He garnered overwhelming support from both the professional judging panel and the audience, winning with an impressive 50.7% of the votes.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Hwang was unable to attend the ceremony in person but shared his gratitude through a video message. He expressed, "I received this award thanks to each and every one of your votes. I am truly grateful. Thanks to 'Pungyang-go,' I had a wonderful travel experience. I want to thank my companions Seok-jin, Jae-seok, and Se-chan as well."

He added, "I was so happy to receive so much love with each episode of our travels being uploaded. It has been a year filled with gratitude for such affection," while proudly showcasing his trophy and prize.

The Best Actor award went to Lee Dong-whee, who shared his emotional journey, recalling how he returned empty-handed last year. "I am so happy to receive this big award this time. I will strive to become a deserving person in the future," he said tearfully.

The Popular Star Award was presented to SHINee's Key and Kim Go-eun, while Ji Suk-jin and Hong Jin-kyung were recognized in the Rising and Veteran categories, respectively. The Best Work award went to 'The Return of Seol Yeon-hu is Pingkaego,' featuring Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, and Jo Se-ho, which achieved a remarkable 10 million views.

The event transformed into a festival akin to a film awards ceremony, thanks to the witty banter of hosts Cha Seung-won, Kang Min-kyung, Jo Se-ho, and Lee Dong-wook, elevating it beyond a simple web entertainment show.