"It's not about the award... it's just bad luck?" Seo Kang-jun, the dignity of a 'Grand Prize winner' [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Seo Kang-jun shared his thoughts after winning the Grand Prize and returning with "Love Beyond You."

On the afternoon of the 7th, a production press conference for KBS 2TV's new Saturday-Sunday mini-series "Love Beyond You" (hereinafter "Love Beyond You") was held at The Saint in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Hwang Seung-ki and actors Seo Kang-jun, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Ju-an, and Jo Ara attended the event.

"Love Beyond You" is a melodrama that tells the story of Namgung-ho (played by Seo Kang-jun) and Mi-do (played by Ahn Eun-jin), a couple in their tenth year of dating, who face unfamiliar emotions. Director Hwang Seung-ki, who created the 2023 drama "Wedding Feast," directed the series.

Above all, this work has attracted attention for highlighting the real-life chemistry between Seo Kang-jun and Ahn Eun-jin. Regarding "Love Beyond You," Director Hwang said, "It's a story about a couple in their tenth year of dating who are at a crossroads—whether to break up or get married. It deals with the fundamental attributes of love that anyone can relate to, and it is a drama where you can enjoy watching the actors' performances." He added, "While long-term relationships may not be a universal experience, reading the script made me feel that this story examines the moment of falling in love—or being in love—with the precision of a microscope. It honestly portrays moments of parting and love, exploring universal emotions. Additionally, it is filled with stories about family that everyone can relate to, as well as tales of close colleagues around us, which are just as compelling as romance."

In particular, lead actor Seo Kang-jun has raised expectations by returning with "Love Beyond You" after winning the prestigious Grand Prize at the "2025 MBC Drama Awards" for last year's drama "Undercover High School." When asked about his thoughts on this matter, Seo Kang-jun openly admitted, "Winning the award and making my comeback work feels like a heavy burden."

He continued, "However, it's not as if I feel compelled to work harder or better just because I received an award. I have always approached each project with the same mindset. While it is true that I should perform better after receiving an award, I did my best and thought deeply about it, just as I always have, and created this work through collaboration. It seems I kept reminding myself to 'create the work with conviction.'"

Seo Kang-jun stated, "I don't know how 'Love Beyond You' will turn out, but I also hope for results that match such an undeserved award. I did my absolute best. I truly worked very, very hard to push beyond my own limits." This response perfectly showcased the dignity befitting a Grand Prize winner.

Regarding his role as Namgung-ho, he said, "He is someone who goes far beyond simply being the object of Mi-do's affection. There are deep pasts between the two. Why he had to love Mi-do and why he was willing to sacrifice so much and give everything—viewers will understand once they watch the drama," sparking curiosity.

When asked if he expected another award, Seo Kang-jun replied, "If I were to receive an award, I would be extremely grateful, but honestly, it would be undeserved. You might think I'm being humble, but it's true. For me, what matters more right now is how our work should unfold rather than awards. In fact, expecting an award at this stage is too premature. It's just bad luck," eliciting laughter from the audience.

Regarding his chemistry with Ahn Eun-jin as a "ten-year couple," Seo Kang-jun expressed strong confidence. He said, "I had many conversations with (Ahn Eun-jin) and the director. Although the drama portrays us as a ten-year couple, I felt we should truly believe that we know everything about each other—what you're thinking right now, your emotions, all of it."

He further emphasized, "However, despite our preparations, whenever I looked into her eyes, my feelings naturally emerged. I felt that 'Ahn Eun-jin has fully become Mi-do; her emotional depth as Mi-do is incredibly profound.' It was such excellent chemistry that I felt I only needed to receive what this outstanding actress offers."

The first episode of "Love Beyond You" will air at 9:20 p.m. on the 12th.

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*This content was translated by AI.