21 years after his acting debut, When the Phone Rings star Yoo Yeon Seok wins Rookie Award at 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards

Yoo Yeon Seok's acting career has seen a major boost since he starred in When the Phone Rings. After his breakout role in the MBC K-drama, he's been on a roll, sweeping the Best Actor category in several awards shows. But in a surprising turn of events, he recently received a rookie award, a whopping 21 years after his debut in the entertainment industry.

Yoo Yeon Seok wins Rookie Award at 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards

The 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards was a star-studded event, with big winners including Yoo Jae Suk, who took home his 20th Daesang award, and Kim Joon Ho, who received the Honorary Employee Award. But it's Yoo Yeon Seok's Rookie Award that has everyone talking.

At the event, held on January 29 at the SBS Prism Tower in Seoul, the Hospital Playlist star won the Rookie Award in the Talk & Reality category for his variety show Whenever Possible. As he stepped up to the microphone, he poked fun at himself, introducing himself with a smile as "rookie MC Yoo Yeon Seok.".

He reflected on his experience with Whenever Possible, saying, "I feel fortunate to have had the chance to connect with the public and hear their stories through this show. As an actor, it was a valuable experience that I'll always treasure." He expressed his surprise and delight at receiving the award, stating, "I'm thankful for this honor, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this project."

Yoo Yeon-seok also opened up about the challenges he faced when transitioning into the MC role. He admitted, "As an actor, I'm used to working with scripts, so hosting without one was a bit daunting at first. And, of course, working alongside the legendary Yoo Jae-suk was a bit intimidating." However, he credited the production team for making the experience enjoyable and helping him to grow as an MC.

In a lighthearted moment, the WTPR actor turned to Yoo Jae Suk, a veteran MC, and joked, "He's like a mother to me in the MC world, so can I call him my 'M-mom'?" evoking laughter in the room.

Yoo Yeonseok took home the Rookie of the Year Award in the Variety Show category of the SBS Entertainment Awards '24 for Whenever Possible.

He¡¯s looking better than ever and ready to reach new heights.#YooYeonSeok #WheneverPossible pic.twitter.com/sQ8PSbgrFo

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About Yoo Yeon Seok's career

Yoo Yeon Seok has been active in Hallyuwood since 2003, debuting with a small role in the TV series MBC Best Theater and continuing to work in television with supporting roles in various dramas. He gained recognition with his breakthrough role in Old Boy (2009) and further solidified his position with roles in popular dramas like Dream High (2011), Reply 1994 (2013), Dr. Romantic (2016), and Priest (2018).

With over two decades of experience, Yoo has established himself as a versatile and talented actor, contributing to films like The Royal Tailor (2014) and Love, Lies (2016). He recently ventured into variety shows, including Whenever Possible, showcasing his versatility.

Additionally, his starring role in When the Phone Rings has catapulted him to new heights, establishing him as one of the most sought-after actors of recent times.

Up next, he will star in Park Chan Wook's upcoming movie No Other Choice and the SBS drama God and Law Firm. He is also rumoured to make a special appearance in the forthcoming drama Your Taste.

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