Major broadcasters wrapped up the year with awards ceremonies.
Veteran actress Han Hye-sook, who starred in the SBS drama "Love in Heaven", grabbed the top prize for acting at the network's ceremony Sunday.
The popular soap opera invited both criticism and high ratings for its twisted story.
The story revolved around a middle-aged woman who introduces her handsome news anchor son to her abandoned daughter, who had led a miserable life because of a cruel stepmother.
It triggered controversy when the woman was revealed as the girl's biological mother.
After receiving the prize, Han said, "Old soldiers never die". Han has been acting for 36 years.
On Sunday, the KBS best acting award went to actress Ha Ji-won, who performed in "Hwangjin-i".
The recent boom of kisaeng-themed entertainment _ musicals, dramas, films, even cartoons _ has been attributed to the show. Kisaeng are female entertainers similar to Japan's geisha.
The drama focuses on the life of a renowned kisaeng, Hwang Jin-i, during the Choson Kingdom (1392-1910). It traces the hardships associated with her social status in the social hierarchy.
The drama drew attention for the flamboyant and sensual traditional costumes, dances and music.
"I cannot believe this is happening. Actually, I feel ashamed of receiving the award because there are many wonderful veteran actors and actresses better than me in the drama. I think this prize is for all the staff and actors and actresses who lived a 24-hour day as if it were a 48-hour day for the last 100 days, not just me", she said.
Ha acted with veteran actresses Kim Yeong-ae and Kim Bo-yeon in the show, and the shooting schedule was difficult, sometimes continuing for seven consecutive days.
MBC honored actor Song Il-gook, who acted in the 60-episode drama "Jumong", in the awards ceremony held Saturday.
The popular show depicts the founding myth of the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668).
"It is very good that the drama has given many viewers interest in Korean ancient history", he said.
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