Jang Nara Wins Acting Award After 23 Years in the Industry

Singer and actress Jang Nara has made history by winning an acting award 23 years after her debut, becoming the first star to hold both a music award and an acting award. The '2024 SBS Acting Awards' took place on December 21 at the SBS Prism Tower in Mapo, Seoul, hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Kim Hye-yoon, and Kim Ji-yeon (Bona).

Jang Nara was nominated for the grand prize alongside fellow actors Ahn Bo-hyun from 'Reborn Rich' (재벌X형사), Hwang Jung-eum from 'Seven Returnees' (7인의 부활), Ji Sung from 'Connection' (커넥션), Park Shin-hye from 'The Judge from Hell' (지옥에서 온 판사), and Kim Nam-gil from 'The Fiery Priest 2' (열혈사제2). Ultimately, Jang Nara took home the coveted award, expressing her disbelief and gratitude, stating, "I can't believe it; I don't know what to say. It feels like I've experienced so many amazing things at SBS. Thank you."

Previously, Jang Nara met her husband, cinematographer Jang Ha-cheol, while filming the SBS drama 'VIP', and they married in 2022. She reflected on her journey, saying, "As the title 'Good Partner' suggests, I have met good partners that have allowed me to experience this. I am truly grateful. My co-star Nam Ji-hyun was a pillar for me, and I owe a lot to her. She was a blessing for me and our drama. Thank you so much to the entire cast and crew."

Jang Nara also expressed her love for her husband, saying, "I love my husband, cinematographer Jang Ha-cheol, who loves me no matter what. I realized how miraculous it is that people I don't know support me and watch the dramas we create. As I grow older, I feel immense gratitude and a sense of apology. Thank you to the viewers, whether you like or dislike my work. I will work hard to remain a curious actor. Thank you so much," she said, tearing up.

Jang Nara debuted in 2001 with her first album 'First Story' and the MBC sitcom 'New Nonstop' (뉴 논스톱). She quickly gained recognition, winning rookie awards at various music award ceremonies. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades as an actress, but this is her first time winning a grand prize for acting. With this achievement, she has become the first star to hold both a music award and an acting award after 23 years in the industry.

In addition to Jang Nara's win, her drama 'Good Partner' secured eight awards, including Best Youth Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Performance, Best Teamwork, and Best Acting Award.

Other nominees Ahn Bo-hyun and Kim Nam-gil won Best Acting Awards, while Park Shin-hye received the Director's Award. Notably, Kim Nam-gil's 'The Fiery Priest 2' set a record with ten awards, while Ahn Bo-hyun's 'Reborn Rich' and Park Shin-hye's 'The Judge from Hell' won five and eight awards, respectively.

Hwang Jung-eum and Ji Sung, also nominees, were absent from the ceremony. Hwang Jung-eum was nominated for Best Acting but lost to Kim Hyung-seo (BIBI) from 'The Fiery Priest 2' and Lee Yoo-bi from 'Seven Returnees'. Despite Ji Sung's absence, 'Connection' won the Drama of the Year award and seven other accolades.

Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kim Young-ok from 'The Judge from Hell', who has been in the industry for 68 years. She encouraged younger actors, saying, "Many people call me a role model. I take that as a compliment for enduring in this industry for so long. I hope to continue showcasing my talents in various fields until I reach 100 years old. I encourage you to do the same."

Here is the list of winners:

- Best New Actor: Kang Sang-jun, Kim Shin-bi (both from 'Reborn Rich'), Seo Beom-jun ('The Fiery Priest 2'), Kim Min-joo ('Connection'), Choi Yoo-joo ('Seven Returnees')

- Best Youth Actor: Moon Woo-jin ('The Fiery Priest 2'), Yuna ('Good Partner')

- Best Supporting Actor (Mini-Series Human/Fantasy): Kim In-kwon, Ji Seung-hyun ('Good Partner'), Kim Jae-hwa, Kim Hye-hwa ('The Judge from Hell')

- Best Supporting Actor (Seasonal Drama): Seo Hyun-woo ('The Fiery Priest 2'), Shim Yi-young ('Seven Returnees')

- Best Supporting Actor (Mini-Series Genre/Action): Kwon Yul, Kim Kyung-nam, Yoon Sa-bong, Jeong Yu-min ('Connection')

- Scene Stealer Award: Go Gyu-pil, Ahn Chang-hwan ('The Fiery Priest 2')

- Best Performance Award: Lee Gyu-han ('The Judge from Hell'), Han Jae-i ('Good Partner')

- Best Teamwork Award: 'Good Partner' Law Firm (Jang Nara, Nam Ji-hyun, Kim Jun-han, Pyo Ji-hoon)

- Best Couple Award: Park Shin-hye, Kim Jae-young ('The Judge from Hell')

- Best Acting Award (Seasonal Drama): Kim Sung-kyun, Seong-jun, Kim Hyung-seo (BIBI) ('The Fiery Priest 2'), Lee Yoo-bi ('Seven Returnees')

- Best Acting Award (Mini-Series Human/Fantasy): Kim Jun-han, Pyo Ji-hoon ('Good Partner'), Kim Ah-young ('The Judge from Hell')

- Best Acting Award (Mini-Series Genre/Action): Ahn Bo-hyun ('Reborn Rich'), Jeon Mi-do ('Connection')

- Drama of the Year: 'Connection'

- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kim Young-ok ('The Judge from Hell')

- Best Acting Award (Mini-Series Human/Fantasy): Kim Jae-young ('The Judge from Hell'), Nam Ji-hyun ('Good Partner')

- Best Acting Award (Seasonal Drama): Kim Nam-gil, Lee Ha-nee ('The Fiery Priest 2')

- Best Acting Award (Mini-Series Genre/Action): Ahn Bo-hyun ('Reborn Rich'), Jeon Mi-do ('Connection')

- Director's Award: Park Shin-hye ('The Judge from Hell')

- Grand Prize: Jang Nara ('Good Partner')