Park Joo-hyun Shines as Best New Actress at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards

Actress Park Joo-hyun (30) has made a significant mark in the Korean film industry this year, showcasing her talent as a promising newcomer. The 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 29 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, where Park was awarded the Best New Actress trophy. Surprised and emotional, she took the stage and expressed her determination to become a better actress, earning applause from the audience.

Park's journey began with the film 'Drive,' released in June, where she portrayed a popular YouTuber named Yuna. The role presented her with challenging scenes, including being kidnapped and fighting for survival in a cramped trunk, which she delivered with remarkable intensity, captivating the audience.

After receiving the award, Park shared her joy with Sports Chosun, stating, "'Drive' is a work I am proud of, and even being nominated was a joy despite its box office performance. Director Park Dong-hee had expressed his desire for me to win an award, and I was able to fulfill that promise. After the ceremony, I received a heartfelt call from him, which moved me to tears. I wanted to mention cinematographer Kim Jong-jin during my speech, but I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't. I want to express my gratitude to him now, as we worked closely on this film."

Reflecting on her family's reaction, she said, "I told them not to expect anything, fearing they might be disappointed. They were probably very surprised and emotional when I actually won. My parents are quite shy, but they have always encouraged me to do better. Winning this award has changed my mindset; I feel a renewed sense of responsibility as I work on my next project. I plan to keep the Blue Dragon trophy next to my TV as a reminder to persevere, even when times are tough."

In addition to her film work, Park has also excelled in television and variety shows. She recently starred in the tvN variety program 'Iron Girl Squad,' which concluded on December 16, where she emerged as a standout member, touching the hearts of viewers. Notably, fellow 'Iron Girl Squad' member Seol In-ah presented the Best New Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, adding to the excitement of the event. Park humorously mentioned, "I secretly took photos of Seol In-ah while she was presenting the award. I hadn’t told anyone about my nomination, not even my family, until the news broke. I received congratulatory messages on the day of the ceremony, including a cake from Yui, who couldn’t attend due to filming."

Park also recalled the challenges she faced while filming 'Drive.' She explained, "The staff created a set that closely resembled a real trunk. With the lighting, there was hardly any space to move. To convey the extreme emotions of my character, I memorized all the lines from the other character on the phone. Although the production team could have fed me lines, I found it easier to time my responses myself. I felt a lot of pressure from the setting, but I wanted to do my best to satisfy the crew, who are the first audience."

Previously, Park won the Best New Actress award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2021 for her role in the Netflix original series 'Human Class.' Now, with her film debut in 'Drive,' she has established herself as a rising star in the industry. She shared, "Since 'Drive' is my first film, I invited respected seniors to the premiere. They are honest critics, so I appreciated their feedback, whether positive or negative. I tend to be positive in daily life, but I become very sensitive when it comes to work. After winning the Baeksang award, I felt a shift in my approach. I want to be a proud colleague to the wonderful people I’ve met in the industry and strive for perfection in my work."

When discussing her role models, Park expressed her desire to work with veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, admiring her dedication to character study. She also learned a lot from Moon So-ri while filming 'Seoul National University Operation,' noting her adventurous spirit and commitment to showcasing a broad acting spectrum.

Finally, Park shared her aspirations as an actress, stating, "Having won a newcomer award, I want to take a step closer to winning a leading actress award, even if it takes time. The award I envied the most at the ceremony was the Audience Choice Award, as it represents the joy of sharing success with the hardworking staff. I am grateful to be part of good projects, especially in a challenging Korean film market. I want to continue being an actress who contributes positively to my projects. Receiving the newcomer award at thirty makes me a bit anxious, but I will work hard to show my best in my next project. I hope audiences will come to theaters often to watch films."