Ryu Seung-ryong wins top prize at Paeksang

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong won the grand prize at the 49th Paeksang Arts Awards on Thursday for his performance as the mentally disabled man with the mind of a 6-year-old child in this year’s box-office hit drama “Miracle in Cell No. 7.”

“‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ is a low-budget film with a number of flaws,” said Ryu after accepting the prize. “I think a lot of people liked the film, in spite of its shortcomings, because it stood by those who are marginalized in society.”

Meanwhile, actress Kim Min-hee took home the top acting award for her role as a bank clerk in a dysfunctional relationship with her coworker in “Very Ordinary Couple,” while actor Ha Jung-woo won for his performance as a North Korean agent in “The Berlin File.”

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong stars in “Miracle in Cell No. 7.” (NEW)

“I would like to thank my costar Lee Min-ki and director Roh Deok who helped me to shape my character Young on the screen,” Kim said during her acceptance speech upon receiving the honor.

Actor Ha thanked his crew and costars after receiving the prize. “Thank you, thank you very much,” he said. “I am grateful that a lot of people watched this film. I would like to thank my costars and crew members. I will continue making entertaining films.”

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)