On May 5, 2025, the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards lit up Seoul’s COEX Hall D, honoring the best in Korean film, television, and theater. Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines emerged as a major winner, clinching four awards, including Best Drama. Among the night’s highlights was actor Choi Dae Hoon, whose heartfelt and humorous speech for Best Supporting Actor captivated audiences. His role as Boo Sang Gil, the unforgettable “Mr. Hagssi Ahjussi,” earned him widespread love. The speech, blending gratitude and a viral “Hagssi!” moment, sparked massive buzz online.
When Life Gives You Tangerines tells the story of Oh Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, lifelong partners facing life’s challenges in Jeju Island. The series, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, won praise for its emotional storytelling. It secured nine nominations, dominating the awards. Choi’s character, Boo Sang Gil, became a fan favorite for his loud “Hagssi!” outbursts, meaning “How dare you!” in English. His performance blended humor and heart, making him a standout.
Choi’s speech began with disbelief at his win. He called the award the “best Children’s Day gift” he’d ever received. The actor admitted to feeling nervous about joining the project. He feared he might not do justice to the role. Yet, the joy of being part of the drama stayed with him.
Wow… This honestly feels like a prank. To the Baeksang organizers who prepared such a precious and honorable award, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Out of all the Children’s Day gifts I’ve ever received, this might be the best one yet.
I don’t think I’ve ever received many awards in my life… so to receive this now, I’m beyond grateful. Wow, I’m really shaking.
— Choi Dae Hoon
The actor shared how acting brought him joy from the start. He loved making people laugh and feel happy. Over time, he found comfort in his work, which fueled his emotional speech. Choi vowed to keep bringing positivity through his roles. He emphasized responsibility over seeking approval, a promise that resonated with fans.
Choi thanked key figures in his career, starting with director Han Myeong Hoon, who gave him his first break. He expressed deep gratitude to director Kim Won Seok and writer Lim Sang Choon for trusting him with Boo Sang Gil. The actor also acknowledged vice president Lim Jung Eun, who helped him see his own potential. He humorously noted their ongoing journey to discover if he’s truly a “gem.”
To Director Han Myeong Hoon, who gave me my first chance in this industry, thank you for letting me take that first step. To director Kim Won Seok and writer Lim Sang Choon, as well as everyone over the last 20+ years who trusted me with roles, thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.
To vice president Lim Jung Eun, I used to think I was just an average stone, but you hypnotized me into believing I was a gem. Let’s keep working together and polishing, and see whether I really am a gem or not.
— Choi Dae Hoon
The speech turned personal as Choi addressed his family. He sent love to his relatives in the U.S. and at home. To his wife, he dedicated the award as a 10th anniversary gift, thanking her for her unwavering belief. He also spoke to his daughter, Ji Yeon, promising to keep working hard. These words moved many in the audience, including co-stars IU and Kim Tae-yeon.
Lastly, to my family watching at home, I love you all so, so much. To all my family in the U.S. as well, I love you forever. And to my wife… You put your life in my hands and believed in me. I hope this makes a good 10th anniversary gift. And to our daughter, Ji Yeon, I love you so much.
— Choi Dae Hoon
The speech’s peak came when Choi channeled Boo Sang Gil’s iconic “Hagssi!” He urged everyone facing struggles to shout it out unapologetically. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the moment went viral online. Fans on X called it “satisfying” and praised his vocal power. Some saw the shout as a subtle nod to South Korea’s political unrest, referencing the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong.
And to everyone out there who’s tired or struggling in this tough, harsh world: Just look that way and shout, ‘HAGSSI!’
— Choi Dae HoonHagssi!!! Wow, that felt so satisfying, like I shouted it myself LOL. He’s built different LOLLLLL.
That vocal projection, though? LOL. If you heard that next to you, you’d probably jump.
This goes out to Seocho-dong… HAGSSI!
— Netizens on theqoo
Choi’s “Hagssi!” became a cultural phenomenon before the awards. A compilation of his character’s outbursts inspired a viral song, spreading across social media. Fans nicknamed him “Mr. Hagssi Ahjussi” for his loud, lovable role. His speech amplified this fame, with clips shared widely on X and YouTube. Posts on X hailed his humor and sincerity, with one user noting, “He and Yeom Hye-ran are just wonderful.”
When Life Gives You Tangerines also saw Yeom Hye-ran win Best Supporting Actress. The series’ Best Screenplay went to Im Sang Choon, though the writer was absent. Director Kim Won Seok accepted the award, sharing Im’s gratitude. The drama’s success underscored its emotional impact, often compared to Reply 1988 for its nostalgic warmth.
Choi’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. Starting in 2002 with the short film In The Jungle, he built a steady career. He appeared in The Terror Live, Bridal Mask, and Six Flying Dragons. His role in When Life Gives You Tangerines marked a peak, showcasing his versatility. On You Quiz on the Block in April 2025, he revealed his father inspired Boo Sang Gil’s loud demeanor.
The actor shared a personal story about his father’s influence. Wearing the character’s red shirt felt like seeing his father in the mirror. This connection deepened his performance, adding authenticity. Choi also discussed his struggles early in his career. When his daughter was born, he boldly asked for a raise, a first for him.
My father was 178 cm tall and 100 kgs, he had a big voice. When I put on the costume, with the big stomach and aged makeup, and put on that red shirt, I momentarily saw my father in the mirror.
— Choi Dae Hoon
The Baeksang Awards, hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, celebrated a vibrant year. Harbin won Best Film, while Culinary Class Wars took the television Grand Prize. Ju Ji Hoon and Kim Tae Ri claimed top acting honors. Yet, Choi’s speech stood out, blending humor, gratitude, and a bold “Hagssi!” that echoed beyond the hall.
Fans on X continued to rave about the moment. One post called him a “true acting chameleon” for elevating the story. Another highlighted the irony of his award being presented by his character’s almost-mother-in-law. The speech’s sincerity and energy made it a defining moment of the night. It connected with viewers feeling life’s pressures, offering a cathartic release.
When Life Gives You Tangerines has left a lasting mark. Its Jeju setting boosted tourism, with airlines adding flights. The series topped Gallup Korea’s favorite program list in March and April 2025. Choi’s win and speech cemented his place in its legacy. His call to shout “Hagssi!” became a rallying cry for resilience.
Also Read: 61st Baeksang Arts Awards Celebrate Top Talent in Film, TV, and Theater
The awards also highlighted the evolving media landscape. The television category, now “broadcast,” included streaming platforms like Netflix. This shift reflected changing viewing habits. When Life Gives You Tangerines thrived in this space, earning global praise. Even China’s Global Times lauded it, despite Netflix’s absence there.
Watch his full speech here:
Choi Dae Hoon’s speech was more than a victory lap. It was a celebration of perseverance, family, and the joy of acting. His “Hagssi!” shout, both funny and defiant, captured hearts worldwide. The moment will likely inspire fans for years, proving his impact as an actor and a person.
