Hey there, K-drama lovers! Let’s talk about one of the most anticipated events of the year, the 2024 SBS Drama Awards. Held on December 21 at the SBS Prism Tower in Seoul, this star-studded ceremony celebrated the outstanding talents and productions of the year. Whether you’re a fan of intense thrillers like The Fiery Priest 2 or heartwarming dramas like Good Partner, there was something for everyone. So, grab a snack, and let me take you through the night’s biggest moments, winners, and unforgettable highlights.
2024 Korea Drama Awards
Honoring Excellence in Korean Dramas
If you’ve been following South Korean dramas, you know they’ve been killing it this year. From the drama of the year, Connection, to the hit Judge From Hell, SBS has given us stories that kept us glued to our screens. The 2024 SBS Drama Awards wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a celebration of the dramas that made us laugh, cry, and binge-watch until 3 a.m.
Now, let’s dive into the winners list and find out who stole the show!
The Grand Prize: A Historic Win for Jang Nara
The Grand Prize (Daesang) of the night was awarded to none other than Jang Nara for her incredible performance in Good Partner. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? This drama showcased her versatility, and her portrayal of a compassionate and determined lawyer left a lasting impression.
This win was extra special because Jang Nara made history as the first entertainer to receive grand prizes in both singing and acting. Can you believe it? Watching her emotional speech made me tear up, it was such a heartfelt moment!
Drama of the Year: Connection
The Drama of the Year award went to Connection, a gripping series that tackled themes of trust and betrayal. If you’re into intense storylines and jaw-dropping twists, this one’s a must-watch. The drama truly deserved this honor, standing out among the many amazing productions of the year.
Best Couple: A Fan-Favorite Duo
How could we not talk about Park Shin-Hye and Kim Jae Young’s chemistry in The Judge From Hell? Their sizzling on-screen romance earned them the Best Couple award. Honestly, I was rooting for them, and I know many of you were too. Seeing them accept the award together was such a sweet moment, it felt like the entire fandom was collectively cheering.
Director’s Award: A Nod to Park Shin-Hye
Park Shin-Hye didn’t stop at Best Couple. She also took home the Director’s Award for her role in The Judge From Hell. Her portrayal of a conflicted prosecutor was both powerful and emotional. It’s clear that her hard work and dedication to her craft have paid off.
Celebrating New Talent
This year, the Best New Actor/Actress awards spotlighted some incredible rising stars. Kang Sang Jun and Kim Shin Bi from Flex X Cop were among the winners, along with Seo Bum June (The Fiery Priest 2), Kim Min Ju (Connection), and Yuju (The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection). These fresh faces brought their A-game and left us excited for what’s next.
The Best Young Actor awards went to Moon Woo Jin (The Fiery Priest 2) and Yuna (Good Partner). Let’s be real, these kids are insanely talented and already shining in roles that many seasoned actors would find challenging.
Top Excellence Awards: Shining in Every Genre
SBS dramas in 2024 covered a wide range of genres, and the Top Excellence Awards highlighted this diversity:
- Specialized Genre or Action Miniseries: Ahn Bo Hyun (Flex X Cop) and Jeon Mi Do (Connection) took home the honors.
- Multi-Season Series: Kim Nam Gil and Lee Ha Nee (The Fiery Priest 2) absolutely deserved their wins.
- Human or Fantasy Miniseries: Kim Jae Young (The Judge From Hell) and Nam Ji Hyun (Good Partner) delivered unforgettable performances.
These winners truly showcased the range and depth of Korean drama storytelling.
A Red Carpet to Remember
Can we take a moment to appreciate the red carpet looks? From the elegant gowns to the sharp tuxedos, our favorite stars brought their fashion A-game. Park Shin-Hye stunned in a floor-length gown, while Kim Nam Gil looked effortlessly cool in his tailored suit. And don’t even get me started on WJSN’s Bona, absolute perfection!
The event’s hosts, Shin Dong Yup, Kim Hye Yoon, and Bona, kept the energy high and the audience entertained. Their witty banter and smooth transitions made the ceremony a joy to watch.
Special Moments and Tributes
One of the most touching moments of the night was when Kim Young Ok received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her contributions to the industry over the years have been nothing short of legendary, and this recognition was well-deserved.
The cast of Good Partner won the Best Teamwork Award, and their camaraderie on stage was so heartwarming. Meanwhile, Lee Kyu Han (The Judge From Hell) and Han Jae Yi (Good Partner) took home the Best Performance Awards.
Why This Year Was Special
The 2024 SBS Drama Awards felt like more than just an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of the stories and performances that have become a part of our lives. Whether it was cheering for Jang Nara’s historic win or swooning over Park Shin-Hye and Kim Jae Young’s chemistry, the night reminded us why we love Korean dramas so much.
Looking Ahead
As we head into 2025, I can’t wait to see what’s next for SBS dramas. This year’s lineup has set the bar high, but I have no doubt that upcoming productions will be just as incredible.
So, what did you think of the 2024 SBS Drama Awards? Were there any surprises or moments that stood out to you? And if you haven’t caught up on some of these award-winning dramas, now’s the perfect time to start.
Here’s to another year of amazing K-dramas!