The 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards, held on July 31 KST at Paradise City in Incheon, became a stage not just for recognizing outstanding talent but also for showcasing the beautiful bond between longtime friends and K-Arts classmates, Kim Go Eun and Lee Sang Yi. Their genuine friendship warmed fans’ hearts throughout the evening, becoming one of the ceremony’s most talked-about highlights.
Lee Sang Yi’s Surprise Performance and Kim Go Eun’s Amused Reaction
Lee Sang Yi, who earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his special appearance in the TVING series ‘The Legend of Kitchen Soldier’, brought an unexpected burst of energy to the ceremony. He surprised the audience by joining the celebratory performance of “My Flavor,” dazzling everyone with his impressive dance moves while impeccably dressed in a tuxedo. As Lee Sang Yi confidently danced on stage, cameras captured his close friend, Kim Go Eun, in the audience. Her expression—a delightful mix of amusement and slight awkwardness—quickly drew laughter from viewers online and became a trending topic, showcasing their relatable and genuine dynamic.
A Daesang Win and a Friend’s Unforgettable Joy
However, the most touching and unforgettable moment of the night arrived later in the evening when Kim Go Eun was announced as the highly coveted Daesang (Grand Prize) winner. The sheer joy and shock on Lee Sang Yi’s face were palpable. He immediately stood up from his seat, his eyes widening in pure celebration of his longtime friend’s incredible achievement. Before taking the stage to accept her prestigious award, Kim Go Eun was enveloped in warm congratulations from her co-stars, including Park Ji Hyun from ‘You and Everything Else’ and Kim Jae Won from ‘Yumi’s Cells 3’. Amidst the flurry of well-wishes, Lee Sang Yi also shared a heartfelt smile with her and warmly held her hand, a gesture that spoke volumes about their unwavering support for each other.
Kim Go Eun’s Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
During her emotional acceptance speech, Kim Go Eun took a moment to reflect on her journey as an actress, offering heartfelt words that resonated deeply with the audience. She expressed profound gratitude and a grounded perspective, stating, “I’ve never taken the opportunity to work on a project for granted. That’s why I’ve always tried to approach every role sincerely, desperately, and with a strong sense of responsibility.” She then vowed to continue pushing her boundaries and evolving as an artist, adding, “I want to continue discovering new sides of myself as an actress and remain someone who sparks curiosity. I hope I’ll continue to receive opportunities, and I’ll work even harder.” Her sincerity left a lasting impression, promising even greater things from the celebrated actress.
A Friendship Forged in Art
Born in 1991, Kim Go Eun and Lee Sang Yi began their acting dreams together, entering the Korea National University of Arts’ School of Drama in 2010. Their enduring friendship, forged during their formative university years, was previously highlighted on the 2024 web variety show ‘Pinggyego’, where they shared endearing stories from their university days. Their deep, supportive bond continues to be a heartwarming example of true friendship within the often competitive K-Pop and K-Drama industry.
