Joking or Feuding? “No Other Choice” Director and Cast’s Contentious Baeksang Remarks Stir Controversy
Shin Se Kyung is facing controversy after winning “Best Supporting Actress” at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards.
On May 8, 2026 (KST), Shin Se Kyung took home the award for her role in Humint. She was up against strong nominees like Shin Hyun Bin (The Ugly), Yeom Hye Ran (No Other Choice), Jang Hye Jin (The World of Love), and Jeon Mi Do (The King’s Warden).
The controversy began immediately. Many Korean netizens questioned if Shin Se Kyung’s performance really stood out, especially since Humint didn’t have huge box office success. Some felt Shin Se Kyung didn’t deserve the award.
The drama got bigger after members of the No Other Choice team made awkward comments on stage repeatedly bringing up Yeom Hye Ran’s loss.
During his “Best Supporting Actor” acceptance speech, lead actor Lee Sung Min joked about being nervous because Yeom Hye Ran was nominated and said he “cursed to himself” when she lost.
“When they were announcing the winners for the category which Hye Ran was nominated, I was so nervous. I even cursed because she lost. And then it became my turn… Thank you. Since filming last year, then through the release and promotions, I had many new experiences while working with Director Park Chan Wook. I’m so grateful to him.”
— Lee Sung Min
Yeom Hye Ran herself later joked on stage introducing herself as “Yeom Hye Ran, who just lost.”
When director Park Chan Wook accepted “Best Film” for No Other Choice, he thanked judges and tried to smooth things over:
“Yeom Hye Ran may not agree, but please understand. Shin Se Kyung did well, too.”
— Park Chan Wook
Many viewers found these repeated mentions uncomfortable, saying it put Shin Se Kyung in an awkward spot. Critics slammed the No Other Choice team for bringing up Yeom Hye Ran’s loss publicly after winners were announced.
Some comments from netizens:
- “The fact that they’re talking about ‘fair judging’ is what makes it twisted. They’re obviously being salty. LOL.”
- “It’s not a joke if you’re making someone feel uncomfortable.”
- “What, did they think Yeom Hye Ran was a guaranteed win? Why would they even discuss that on stage…? And No Other Choice wasn’t all that good TBH.”
- “During the awards ceremony, the No Other Choice team’s comments felt unpleasant and uncomfortable. I was disappointed in Lee Sung Min too. It’s honestly giving bullies???? Like they were drunk on Park Chan Wook’s fame and acting like such snobs…”
- “No, I get that Park Chan Wook’s intention was probably to joke around, but why would he publicly mention a specific actress who had nothing to do with the work and make that joke there? And it wasn’t just one person. The whole team acted like that, so at that point, it’s no longer a joke. It’s ridicule…”
- “How is this a joke…? The person sitting right in front of them is getting hurt, but it’s okay as long as they’re the ones having fun?”
- “Why is the whole team acting like that…? Acting all tough when they’re obviously so butthurt. How snobbish…”
Some fans defended the No Other Choice team, saying their remarks were clearly jokes and viewers were reading too much into it. Others said Park Chan Wook’s comment was just trying to ease tension while still complimenting Shin Se Kyung.
Right now, the debate splits two ways: Did Shin Se Kyung deserve the award? And were the repeated mentions of Yeom Hye Ran’s loss on stage funny or just awkward and unnecessary?
Either way, Shin Se Kyung’s Baeksang win has become one of this year’s biggest post-awards controversies.
Shin Se Kyung | @sjkuksee/Instagram
