Veteran actress Han Hye-sook, who starred in the SBS drama ``To Heaven,???? grabbed the top prize for acting at the network??s ceremony Sunday.

The popular soap opera invited both criticism and high ratings for its twisted story.

The story revolved around a middle-aged woman who introduces her handsome news anchor son to her abandoned daughter, who had led a miserable life because of a cruel stepmother.

It triggered controversy when the woman was revealed as the girl??s biological mother.

After receiving the prize, Han said, ``Old soldiers never die.???? Han has been acting for 36 years.

The recent boom of kisaeng-themed entertainment _ musicals, dramas, films, even cartoons _ has been attributed to the show. Kisaeng are female entertainers similar to Japan??s geisha.

The drama focuses on the life of a renowned kisaeng, Hwang Jin-i, during the Choson Kingdom (1392-1910). It traces the hardships associated with her social status in the social hierarchy.

``I cannot believe this is happening. Actually, I feel ashamed of receiving the award because there are many wonderful veteran actors and actresses better than me in the drama. I think this prize is for all the staff and actors and actresses who lived a 24-hour day as if it were a 48-hour day for the last 100 days, not just me,???? she said.

Ha acted with veteran actresses Kim Young-ae and Kim Bo-yon in the show, and the shooting schedule was difficult, sometimes continuing for seven consecutive days.

MBC honored actor Song Il-guk, who acted in the 60-episode drama ``Chumong,???? in the awards ceremony held Saturday.

The popular show depicts the founding myth of the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668).