Actor Ahn Hyo-seop took home the New Artist Award at the 15th Beautiful Artist Awards.
His agency, The Present Company, said on the 24th that Ahn will donate the award’s entire 20 million won cash prize to charity.
Hosted by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, chaired by screen icon Ahn Sung-ki, the ceremony was held Oct. 23 at Stage 28 in Seoul’s Gangdong District. Launched in 2011, the Beautiful Artist Awards honor artists who elevate film and theater and make a positive social impact across categories including film, theater, achievement, philanthropy, and new artist.
Ahn has previously shared in an international interview that “beautiful” is his favorite Korean word because it speaks to being true to oneself. This win feels like a nod to that authentic journey―and donating the full prize only deepens the moment’s meaning.
According to the jury, Ahn has steadily honed his craft through TV dramas and earned strong notices with his big-screen debut in "Omniscient Reader," leading as Kim Dok-ja with a layered, precision performance that resonated with both audiences and critics. He also drew global attention voicing JINU in Netflix’s animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," emerging as a fresh face representing Korean content on the world stage.
In his acceptance, Ahn reflected, “'Omniscient Reader' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' tell very different stories, but I felt they’re connected by the same language―sincerity. I’m still learning, but acting, to me, is a way to understand the world: to live, as honestly as possible, through someone else’s pain, joy, and countless emotions. When that intention is genuine, it reaches beyond language. This award feels like a warm pat on the back that encourages me to keep going.”
He added his thanks to the directors, crew, and everyone who supported his journey, saying he hopes to keep learning with humility and grow into a truly “beautiful” artist.
Ahn recently showcased his range across live action and animation―from the fantasy world of 'KPop Demon Hunters' to the cinematic universe of 'Omniscient Reader.' He’s set to return to romantic comedy in 2026 with the forthcoming series “Sold Out Again Today” (working title).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
