The 15th edition of the Korea Drama Awards took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, as part of the prestigious Korea Drama Festival, which is being held from October 11 to 20 in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. The annual event, which celebrates the continued growth and global impact of the Korean drama industry, brought together an array of talented actors, K-pop artists, and industry professionals for a night of recognition and celebration.
A Night of Star-Studded Moments
Hosted by South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Sang Min of the group Roo'ra and announcer Oh Jung Yeon, the 2024 Korea Drama Awards featured a dazzling display of talent, both on stage and in the audience. With celebrities from across the Korean entertainment industry in attendance, the event was filled with excitement as fans and stars eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners.
Big Winners of the Night: Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner
The night's big winners were Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner, two popular K-dramas that continued their reign as fan favorites. Queen of Tears, starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, took home several prestigious awards, including Best Drama, while Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won were also crowned as the Best Couple for their on-screen chemistry.
Meanwhile, Lovely Runner, starring Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, was another standout. Byeon Woo Seok claimed the Hot Star Award (Male), and the drama itself earned multiple accolades, further cementing its success.
Fan-Voted Categories and Popularity Awards
Fan participation played a significant role in this year’s awards. A fan-voting competition was held from September 8 to 28, allowing viewers to choose their favorite stars. The winners of the fan-voted categories were announced in advance, adding to the excitement surrounding the live event.
- Hot Star Award (Male): Byeon Woo Seok (Lovely Runner)
- Hot Star Award (Female): Kim Ji Won (Queen of Tears)
- Global Star Award: Kim Soo Hyun (Queen of Tears)
- Best Couple: Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won
- Best OST: ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Tae Rae – “More Than Enough” (Queen of Tears)
- Hot Icon Award: DKZ’s Jaechan
Major Award Categories
The prestigious main categories were announced during the live broadcast, showcasing a range of performances that captivated audiences throughout the year. Some of the biggest names in the industry took home top honors.
- Best New Actor (Female): Kang Hye Won (Boyhood)
- Best New Actor (Male): Lee Si Woo (Boyhood)
- Best Scene Stealer (Female): Jung Young Joo (Lovely Runner)
- Top Excellence Award (Male): Im Siwan (Boyhood)
- Top Excellence Award (Female): Jung Ryeo Won (The Midnight Romance in Hagwon)
- Excellence Actor (Male): Ji Seung Hyun (Korea-Khitan War)
- Excellence Actor (Female): Go Min Si (Sweet Home 2)
- Villain Award: Lee Yi Kyung (Marry My Husband)
The Highest Honors
The most prestigious awards of the night went to some of the most acclaimed talents in the industry. Queen of Tears won the coveted Best Drama award, while the Grand Prize (Daesang) went to Lee Hanee for her remarkable performance in Knight Flower. This was one of the most anticipated moments of the night, and Lee Hanee’s win was met with applause and praise from both her peers and fans.
A Night to Remember
The 15th Korea Drama Awards not only celebrated the hard work and talent of South Korea's best actors, directors, and production teams but also highlighted the global appeal of K-dramas. With both Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner leading the way, it was a night of joy, recognition, and excitement. As the Korea Drama Festival continues in Jinju, fans can expect more celebrations of the growing influence of Korean entertainment worldwide.
Stay tuned as the festival continues until October 20, 2024, bringing more exciting events and moments for K-drama lovers everywhere