The 15th Korea Drama Awards recently illuminated the night in Jinju, showcasing a dazzling array of stars who have captivated audiences over the past year. Held on October 12 at the Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center, this prestigious event, organized by the Korea Drama Festival Committee, celebrated outstanding achievements in Korean drama across multiple platforms, including terrestrial, cable, and OTT services.
Hosted by Lee SangMin from the group Roo’ra and announcer Oh JungYeon, the ceremony kicked off by honoring six categories voted entirely by fans, reflecting the immense popularity of this year’s nominees. Notably, Bae WooSeok of “The Queen of Tears” and Kim JiWon took home the ‘Hot Star Award’ in the male and female categories, respectively. The ‘Global Star Award’ was clinched by Kim SooHyun, also from “The Queen of Tears,” which further nabbed the ‘Best Couple Award’ for Kim SooHyun and Kim JiWon, and ‘Best OST Award’ for Kim TaeRae of ZERObaseONE with “I Couldn’t Ask for More.” JaeChan from DKZ was recognized with the ‘Hot Icon Award,’ highlighting the diverse talents celebrated at this event.
Special messages from Yoo InChon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Cho KyuIl, Mayor of Jinju, added a layer of significance to the awards. Minister Yoo praised the passion and dedication of all involved in the production of Korean dramas, emphasizing their role in establishing K-content as a leading global industry. Mayor Jo expressed his excitement about hosting the 2024 Korea Drama Festival in Jinju, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage.
The 15th Korea Drama Awards also announced the recipients of the prestigious main awards, including ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Actress,’ with Im SiWan from “The Boy Era” and Jung RyeoWon from “Graduation” earning top honors. Other notable winners included Lee YiKyung and Ji SeungHyun for ‘Excellence in Acting,’ Go MinSi for ‘Excellence in Acting Female,’ and rising stars Baek SeoHoo and Lee SiWoo for ‘Best New Actor,’ alongside Kang HyeWon for ‘Best New Actress.’
The event paid tribute to the late Byun HeeBong, who posthumously received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his extensive contributions to theater and television since his debut as a voice actor in 1965. An AI representation of Byun’s voice delivered an acceptance speech, marking a poignant moment of the evening.
The grand prize of the night, the ‘Grand Award,’ was bestowed upon Lee HaNee for her outstanding performance in “Flower Blooming at Night.” Lee, reflecting on her journey, shared her experiences of overcoming stereotypes associated with her height and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to portray diverse roles.
As the curtain closed on the 15th Korea Drama Awards, anticipation builds for the upcoming events of the 2024 Korea Drama Festival, which promises a rich lineup of programs, including the ‘KDF Concert,’ the ‘KDF Special Stage,’ and the ‘Short Form Drama Festival.’ Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jinju City, this festival aims to further propel the growth and development of the Korean drama industry on a global scale.
Stay tuned for more updates on the vibrant world of Korean entertainment as we continue to celebrate the creativity and talent that define this remarkable industry.
