Idol-Turned-Actress Tearfully Reveals Mother's Passing in Powerful Acceptance Speech at 2024 KBS Drama Awards

2025-01-13 11:18

Idol-Turned-Actress Wins Excellence Award at KBS Drama Awards and Remembers Late Mother

T-ara member and actress Hahm Eun-jung expressed her deep longing for her late mother during the KBS Drama Awards.

Hahm Eun-jung, Winner of the Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards; Yoon Da-hoon reacts. / KBS
Hahm Eun-jung, Winner of the Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards; Yoon Da-hoon reacts. / KBS

On January 11, during the ceremony hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min, Hahm Eun-jung received the Excellence Award for her role in the daily drama Suji and Uri. In her acceptance speech, she tearfully mentioned the sudden passing of her mother just a month prior.

After thanking the production team and her co-stars Oh Hyun-kyung, Yoon Da-hoon, and Baek Sung-hyun, she paused briefly before saying, “About a month ago, my mother passed away suddenly.” She shared that her mother had always been her greatest supporter, monitoring all her performances since her childhood acting days. Hahm added, “Suji and Uri was the only work where she didn’t give feedback on my acting or appearance—she simply enjoyed it so much.” Her heartfelt words moved several of her colleagues to tears.

Hahm Eun-jung, Winner of the Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards; Oh Hyun-kyung and Yoon Da-hoon watch. / KBS
Hahm Eun-jung, Winner of the Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards; Oh Hyun-kyung and Yoon Da-hoon watch. / KBS
Hahm Eun-jung delivers a moving speech for Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards, as Baek Sung-hyun applauds. / KBS
Hahm Eun-jung delivers a moving speech for Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards, as Baek Sung-hyun applauds. / KBS

Hahm continued, “This drama holds special meaning for me, and this award feels even more significant because of it. I promise to deliver sincere performances that resonate with viewers’ joys and sorrows.”

The night was especially poignant as Hahm received the award one day before the conclusion of her mother’s 49th-day memorial rituals. She also won the Best Couple Award, achieving double honors.

Hahm Eun-jung accepts Excellence Award at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. / KBS Drama YouTube

On January 12, Hahm posted on social media, “In my mom’s phone gallery, there were pictures and videos of me every time I attended an awards show. I wish she could’ve been here to see it, but I’m sure she was watching over me.”

Expressing her gratitude, she wrote, “I’m thankful I could share this joyful news with her the day before her final memorial. Winning the Excellence and Best Couple awards was only possible thanks to everyone who supported me.”

She extended heartfelt thanks to the team behind the drama, saying, “To the 'Suji and Uri' team who always made me shine, my company who has been my steadfast support, and my mentors, senior actors, and co-stars, thank you so much.”

Hahm also shared a sunny landscape photo with a moving message: “On the last day of Mom’s 49th-day memorial :) I believe she’s gone to a good place. Mom, you’ll excel wherever you are. I’ll protect you from here, so you keep watching over me from there!”

Hahm Eun-jung Expresses Heartfelt Longing for Her Late Mother. / Hahm Eun-jung Instagram
Hahm Eun-jung Expresses Heartfelt Longing for Her Late Mother. / Hahm Eun-jung Instagram

Meanwhile, the 2024 KBS Drama Awards aired on January 11, after being recorded on December 31. The live broadcast initially planned for December 29 was canceled to mourn the victims of the Jeju Air flight tragedy at Muan Airport.

In the daily drama category, Hahm Eun-jung shared the Excellence Award honor with Park Ha-na (My Merry Marriage), Baek Sung-hyun (Suji and Uri), and Oh Chang-seok (The Two Sisters). The prestigious Grand Prize went to 90-year-old veteran actor Lee Soon-jae.

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