Hwang Jung-min Wins Grand Prize at the 2nd Pingkaego Awards

At the 2nd Pingkaego Awards, actor Hwang Jung-min took home the prestigious Grand Prize. The event, which aired on December 22, 2024, on the YouTube channel 'Tteun Tteun', also recognized Lee Dong-wook with the Best Work Award and Yoo Jae-suk with a Special Award, among a total of ten winners.

Hwang Jung-min, who appeared as a guest to promote his work, garnered an impressive 95,621 votes from over 180,000 subscribers, leading to his selection for the Grand Prize. Due to scheduling conflicts, Yoo Jae-suk accepted the award on his behalf. In a heartfelt video message, Hwang expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for voting for me. I had a wonderful journey thanks to you all. Every time an episode was uploaded, I felt so happy hearing how much everyone enjoyed it."

The Best Work Award went to the team behind 'The Return of the Lunar New Year is Pingkaego', which featured actors Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, Jo Se-ho, and Yoo Jae-suk. Lee Dong-wook expressed his surprise at winning, stating, "I came here to enjoy myself, so this is unexpected. Thank you for the Best Work Award for two consecutive years. I appreciate my co-stars and the viewers."

Lee Dong-hwi was awarded the Best Actor Award, visibly moved and even shedding tears. He shared, "I really wanted this and worked hard for it. I felt comforted while doing 'Pingkaego'. I was envious of those who won awards last year, and this is my first time being nominated for a major award. I’m truly grateful."

Lee Sang-yi, who won the Excellence Award, was also emotional, saying, "This is really touching. I’m thankful for the award, especially since I’ve been part of this since the first episode."

The Popularity Award was divided into two categories: Veteran Popular Star and Rising Popular Star. SHINee's Key and actress Kim Go-eun received the Rising Popular Star Award, while broadcasters Hong Jin-kyung and Ji Suk-jin were honored with the Veteran Popular Star Award. Key expressed his joy, saying, "I feel like I could cry."

The Newcomer Award went to Lee Sung-min, who was unable to attend but shared his excitement via video, stating, "I haven’t received a Newcomer Award since I got one 30 years ago in theater. I’m so grateful for this unexpected honor."

Yoo Jae-suk received a Special Award, with the production team presenting him a unique trophy for his contributions throughout all episodes of 'Pingkaego'. The event concluded with praise for being one of the hottest award ceremonies, leaving a significant mark on the entertainment landscape.

Here is the complete list of winners from the 2nd Pingkaego Awards:

- Grand Prize: Hwang Jung-min

- Best Work Award: 'The Return of the Lunar New Year is Pingkaego'

- Best Actor Award: Lee Dong-hwi

- Excellence Award: Lee Sang-yi

- Veteran Popular Star Award: Ji Suk-jin, Hong Jin-kyung

- Rising Popular Star Award: Key, Kim Go-eun

- Newcomer Award: Lee Sung-min

- Special Award: Yoo Jae-suk