Two years in a row as a nominee without winning has left Kim Won-hoon unable to forge a connection with the award. Amid Kim’s “that expression” becoming the “scene stealer” at the Baeksang Arts Awards for two consecutive years, attention turns to whether his “samgochorye” (three visits to persuade) will finally succeed.

Kim Won-hoon was named a nominee for the Men’s Entertainment Award at the “62nd Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci,” hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum at COEX Hall D in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 8th.

Photo] Kim Won-hoon at the Baeksang Awards - MK

Kim’s challenge for the Baeksang Arts Awards began last year. Nominated for the Men’s Entertainment Award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards for his performances on the YouTube channel “Short Box” and “SNL Korea,” Kim faced competition from Dex, Sung Si-kyung, Shin Dong-yup, and Yoo Jae-suk. Despite formidable rivals, Kim’s likelihood of winning was highly anticipated due to his dazzling performances.

However, Kim did not secure the award. Shin Dong-yup was announced as the winner, and while Kim clapped joyfully, the expression captured on his face as Shin delivered his acceptance speech was the same “that expression” frequently seen on “SNL Korea.” Kim hastily smiled, but the expression had already spread online, becoming a topic of discussion.

Shin Dong-yup seemed to take notice, as a year later, during the announcement of the Men’s Entertainment Award winner, he appeared to acknowledge Kim. Kim faced off against Kwak Beom, Kian84, Lee Seo-jin, and Choo Sung-hoon. Rising as a key figure on “SNL Korea,” it seemed Kim’s connection with the award was finally within reach—but he fell short against Kian84, who had excelled in “I Live Alone” and “Extreme 84.” Kim, whose face alternated between anticipation and tension as he awaited the result, froze when Kian84’s name was called.

Yet Kim handled the situation with humor. He shook hands with Kian84 with a blank expression filled with regret and, when Kian84 gave his speech, mirrored his expression from a year prior—first expressionless, then bursting into a bright smile, making everyone laugh. Kwak Beom also playfully expressed his disappointment at not winning by tilting his glasses, creating a lighthearted awards ceremony.

Kim, left with regret after two consecutive nominations, has yet to claim victory. Just as the saying “samgochorye” goes, it remains to be seen whether Kim will finally embrace the glory of winning and share his joy next year. /[email protected]