Kim Go-eun and Lee Sang-yi's True Friendship Shines at Blue Dragon Series Awards

At the 2026 Blue Dragon Series Awards, when Kim Go-eun received the Grand Prize, actor Lee Sang-yi's reaction from the audience garnered as much attention as the award winner herself. Upon hearing Kim Go-eun's name, Lee Sang-yi's eyes widened, and he sprang to his feet with a surprised expression, showcasing a true friend's demeanor. This moment was further highlighted and shared by actress Gong Hyo-jin on her social media, drawing significant public interest.

Kim Go-eun and Lee Sang-yi, both born in 1991, are classmates from the 2010 class of the Korea National University of Arts' School of Drama. This particular class is renowned as the 'legendary KNUA class of 2010' due to the large number of successful actors it produced, including Park So-dam, Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Sung-cheol, and Lee Yoo-young. Prior to Kim Go-eun's award, Lee Sang-yi performed a celebratory dance, and Kim Go-eun's playfully 'disgusted' expression watching him was also noted as a moment that revealed their long-standing close friendship.

Bloggers describe Kim Go-eun and Lee Sang-yi's relationship as embodying the 'conditions of a true friendship that shines brighter than romance,' highlighting their rare, wholesome, and healthy bond in the entertainment industry. Their unadorned and comfortable interactions, even in a formal setting like an awards ceremony, convey a genuine camaraderie that can only be shared by those who have navigated their challenging youth together.