“If they call my name today? I’m not getting up. Not until everyone says, ‘You won the award.’ ” Actor Lee Jun-hyuk joked as he recalled the name mix-up that unintentionally created an enduring connection between him and fellow actor Lee Jun-young.
What started as a simple case of similar-sounding names turned into one of the most memorable award-show mishaps in recent years. At the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards on July 18, Lee Jun-young mistakenly heard his name called and went on stage to receive a trophy meant for Lee Jun-hyuk. Realizing the error later, he apologized on social media, explaining that he had misheard the announcement at the venue.
Lee Jun-hyuk responded warmly at the time, saying, “Jun-young, it was funny thanks to you. Don’t worry about it. I also made the same mistake at ‘*AAA.’ I guess it’s destiny. Let’s grab a meal sometime.”* His comment referenced the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, where he himself almost walked onstage after mishearing Lee Jun-young’s name during the call.
The two actors reunited this year at the 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025 (AAA 2025). Reflecting on the earlier incident, Lee Jun-hyuk admitted, “Honestly, it was tough in the moment. Hyun-jin told me backstage that I had won an award, so I went out. But when I saw Jun-young already standing there, I got embarrassed and walked back. Then they told me to go out again,” he said, laughing at the memory.
He added, “I understood exactly how Jun-young must’ve felt. It’s something that could happen to anyone. At one point, I even wondered, ‘Did my presence cause unnecessary discomfort for him?’ Even though I told him it was fine, I kept thinking about it afterward.”
Though he had suggested they meet for a meal, Lee Jun-hyuk admitted he hesitated to follow up. “I’m the senior, and Jun-young is younger — I didn’t want to pressure him. He’s busy too, so reaching out first isn’t always easy. I hope he never feels burdened. I truly understand his intentions.”
Laughing, he added, “It shouldn’t happen again, of course. But if people enjoyed the incident as entertainment, I’m grateful.”
At AAA 2025, Lee Jun-hyuk stood at the center of the affectionately nicknamed “LJ Brothers” — Lee Jun-hyuk, Lee Jun-young, and Lee Jun-ho — creating a heartwarming dynamic that quickly became a talking point online.
Lee Jun-hyuk took home two trophies at the event: Best Artist Award and the prestigious AAA 10 Legendary Actor Award, marking a significant career achievement. The awards ceremony, held on December 6 at Kaohsiung National Stadium, once again demonstrated AAA’s status as a global No.1 integrated awards show, honoring both actors and musicians with star-studded performances and high-profile appearances.
Sources: Daum
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