Cha Chung-hwa shared a full-circle moment with host Shin Dong-yup onstage.
At the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, broadcast live from Seoul’s SBS Prism Tower on Dec. 31, Cha took home the Excellence Award (Female) in the Mini-Series Human Fantasy category.
The Haunted Palace star earned raves for her magnetic performance, and the big night brought an extra layer of meaning. “Twenty years ago, my very first management company was led by senior Shin Dong-yup,” she said. “It’s an honor to receive this award in front of him. It feels like recognition for running hard for two decades.”
Cha also reflected on returning to work after becoming a mother. “I was pregnant when the offer came in,” she recalled. “I wasn’t sure I could jump back in right after giving birth, but the director told me he couldn’t imagine anyone else in this role. That faith pushed me to work even harder and make my comeback.”
She thanked her castmates, sunbae and hoobae colleagues, and her agency team, and gave a special shout-out to viewers. “Thank you to everyone who tuned in live and to those who watched on streaming,” she said.
Closing out her speech with a promise to her family and fans, Cha added, “In the new year, I’ll be more flexible yet stronger as an actor.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)