At the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, actors Lee Jun Young and Lee Jun Hyuk became the center of attention after a mix-up involving their similar-sounding names. The incident happened when Lee Jun Hyuk was announced as the winner of the UPbit Popularity Award, but Lee Jun Young mistakenly went on stage, thinking his name was called.
The awards ceremony took place on July 18, 2025, at Paradise City Hotel in Incheon. The event was hosted by Jun Hyun Moo and YoonA, who have been the MCs for the past four years. The Popularity Award winners included Park Bo Gum, IU, Hyeri, and Lee Jun Hyuk, but the funny moment stole the show.
The Award Mix-Up That Made Everyone Laugh
When the hosts announced Lee Jun Hyuk as the winner, Lee Jun Young stood up and walked to the stage, believing he had won. The confusion happened because their names sound very similar in Korean. Host Jun Hyun Moo quickly corrected the mistake, saying:
“Of course, Lee Jun Young is also a popular star, but todayโs winner is actor Lee Jun Hyuk. I apologize for my mispronunciation.”
Realizing the error, Lee Jun Young immediately handed the trophy to Lee Jun Hyuk, who hugged him warmly. During his acceptance speech, Lee Jun Hyuk joked:
“I always tell people that Iโm a funny person, but they never believe me. I was hoping to crack a funny joke today, and luckily, something funny happened. Thank you, Jun Young.”
A Similar Incident Happened Before
This was not the first time the two actors had a mix-up at an awards show. In 2023, during the Asia Artist Awards, Lee Jun Young won the Best Acting Performance Award for his role in Netflixโs ‘Mask Girl’. However, Lee Jun Hyuk initially thought he had won and started walking toward the stage before realizing his mistake.
Fans found the situation amusing, especially since both actors handled it with humor and kindness.
Lee Jun Youngโs Apology and Lee Jun Hyukโs Response
After the incident, Lee Jun Young posted an apology on his Instagram Story, saying:
“Because I could not hear very well, I made an unimaginable mistake. I would like to take this opportunity to once again apologize to Lee Jun Hyuk sunbaenim and to his fans. Congratulations on your award!”
Lee Jun Hyuk responded with a lighthearted message, reposting Lee Jun Youngโs apology and adding:
“Jun Young, we all had a big laugh thanks to you. Donโt worry about it. Remember I made the same mistake at AAA? It must be fate. Letโs grab a meal some time.”
Lee Jun Young then replied:
“I think I can go to sleep now because of hyungโs generosity. Iโll be in touch, hyung.”
Fans and Netizens React to the Incident
While many fans found the moment funny, some criticized the MCs for how they handled the situation. A few netizens felt the hosts made Lee Jun Young feel embarrassed. Comments on social media included:
“This is so disrespectful to both the actors. The MC shouldโve been more careful while announcing the name.”
“Omg Jun Young, it’s okay. MCs are supposed to lead the show smoothly and make everyone feel safe, not mock someone who clearly misunderstood.”
“I donโt find it funny. Knowing Jun Youngโs personality, heโs an introvert, so making this kind of mistake is really embarrassing for him.”
Despite the mixed reactions, most fans appreciated how both actors handled the situation with grace.
Other Winners at the Blue Dragon Series Awards
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards celebrated many stars and shows. The Grand Prize (Daesang) went to Netflixโs ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’, starring Park Bo Gum and IU. IU also won Best Actress, while Ju Ji Hoon took home Best Actor for ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’.
Other winners included:
- Best Drama: ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’
- Best Variety Show: ‘Culinary Class Wars’
- Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye Ran (‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’)
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang Soo (‘Karma’)
- Best New Actor: Choo Young Woo (‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’)
Why the Mix-Up Was So Memorable
The Lee Jun Young and Lee Jun Hyuk moment became one of the most talked-about incidents of the night because:
- It was unexpected โ Awards shows are usually very formal, so a lighthearted mistake stood out.
- Both actors reacted well โ Instead of getting upset, they laughed it off and showed mutual respect.
- It happened before โ The fact that a similar mix-up occurred in 2023 made it even funnier.
Also read: The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards Honors Top K-Dramas and Stars Including IU and Ju Ji-hoon
This incident proves that even at big award ceremonies, unexpected and funny moments can happen, making the event more memorable for fans.
