Park Eun-bin relives ‘Daesang’ moment with Filipino ‘bingos’

One thing Park Eun-bin learned from her mother is to treat every day as a “blessing.” “Don’t wait for your birthday,” she was told, “just think that every day is your birthday.”

As such, the acclaimed South Korean actress believes that each moment is to be cherished, even something as simple as talking to show biz reporters at a press conference organized by Wilbros Live and the wellness brand Wide International.

But if she were to pick one career highlight, it would be none other than winning the “Daesang” (Grand Prize) for television at this year’s prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, which recognizes excellence in film, television and theater.

“I have always dreamed of winning a Daesang, that grand prize … so I’m very happy I was able to achieve my goal,” said Eun-bin, who captured people’s hearts all over the globe with her performance in the series, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”

The 30-year-old star played Woo Young-woo, a rookie autistic lawyer, who, despite being perceived as odd and awkward, turns out to be competent, intelligent and creative in her approach to cases.

“The show became popular not just in Korea, but all over the world so I was so shocked. Despite our different languages, emotions and cultures, people appreciated the show … We were able to share the same thoughts,” she told reporters through an interpreter.

Big deal

The Daesang is one of the highest honors for television work in South Korea, and can be given to either an individual or a program. To put the magnitude of Eun-bin’s win into context, last year’s grand prize went to the international hit “Squid Game.” This time, it was the actress—not the show—that was recognized.

“I have learned that the grand prize typically goes to the project itself. But I received it as Park Eun-bin and that’s why it’s a big deal for me,” she told reporters through an interpreter.

An achievement of such magnitude can come with pressure or expectations. Some people have been asking what her next goals are, but she doesn’t want to think too far ahead.

“I’m still so happy that I can’t think of one right now. I simply want to enjoy this happy moment. After that, I will look for new projects and set future plans,” said the former child actress, who started out in the industry at just five years old.

Winning moment

Reading and watching the fans’ social media reaction videos to her win was touching and a source of “energy.” She got another dose of that during her recent fan meet at the New Frontier Theater, where she relived her winning moment with her Filipino fans.

On the big screen onstage, a clip of that special night was displayed. And as the presenters called out her name, Eun-bin mimicked her reaction, albeit lightheartedly, twirling around with her hand on her mouth. The event’s host, Denise Laurel, then urged the fans, or the Bingos, to give Eun-bin a standing ovation—as if they were at the awards ceremony.

“Salamat po!” she said, bowing her head to the crowd. “Oh my God! Thank you!”

Also at the fan meet, Eun-bin fielded questions from fans, played games and showed off her skills in different craftwork, like flower arranging. She signed and paint-designed tote bags, which she gave to people celebrating their birthday.

Emotional

The actress took selfies with fans, whom she serenaded with the songs “Especially for You” and “Cupid” by Fifty Fifty. She playfully danced to Blackpink’s “Shut Down.” Toward the end of the show, she turned emotional watching heartfelt video messages and greetings from fans.While playing Attorney Woo will always be a part of her, Eun-bin is already looking forward to her upcoming series, “Diva of the Deserted Island,” where she will play an aspiring singer who gets stranded on a desert island for 15 years.

“I love all my characters … I give each of them the same love. All of those characters are [brought to life by] my acting,” said Eun-bin, who also starred in “Hello, My Twenties!,” “Hot Stove League,” “Do You Like Brahms?” and “The King’s Affection.”

She hopes that fans give her new show the same love and support they had for Attorney Woo. “There are still a lot of characters I haven’t done yet. That’s why I will choose my projects carefully, so I can receive the same support and energy Filipino fans showed me,” she said.