Kim Ji-hoon Reflects on Award Show Expectations Amid Mixed Feelings from His Mother

On June 11, actor Kim Ji-hoon participated in a wrap-up interview for the SBS drama '귀궁' (Gwigung) at a café in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. In the series, he portrayed the multifaceted character of King Lee Jeong, a just ruler, a loving father, and a man devoted to a single woman, captivating audiences with his performance.

This role marked Kim Ji-hoon's return to historical dramas after 16 years since '천추태후' (The Great Queen Seondeok) and was his first portrayal of a king since his debut. '귀궁' achieved significant success, ranking first in viewership ratings for Saturday mini-series and topping Netflix charts in five countries.

When asked about his expectations for the upcoming year-end award ceremonies, Kim Ji-hoon expressed a laid-back attitude, saying, "As I attend more award shows, I find myself letting go of expectations. I’m grateful for any recognition, but my mother keeps pushing for more..." He noted that while he has no expectations, his mother is eager for him to win the grand prize, which he finds puzzling. Instead, he mentioned that he is more interested in winning the Best Couple Award with his co-star Yook Sung-jae, who played a dual role in the series.

Regarding Yook Sung-jae's performance, Kim Ji-hoon praised him, stating, "He really excels in his role, and his charm shines through, especially in comedic scenes. He has a great sense for those moments, and it’s impressive that he can sing well and act just as effectively."

The SBS drama '귀궁' concluded on June 7, 2025.