The end-of-year awards season is a huge deal here in Korea, and the KBS Drama Awards is one of the biggest nights in television. Last night’s 2025 ceremony was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, celebrating the incredible K-dramas that kept us glued to our screens all year. The biggest news of the night? Two beloved veterans finally got their ultimate recognition!
First-Time Champions: Ahn Jae-wook & Uhm Ji-won
OMG, the moment everyone was waiting for! The ‘Daesang,’ or Grand Prize, is the highest honor an actor can receive, and this year it was shared by two incredible talents: Ahn Jae-wook and Uhm Ji-won! What makes this so special is that it’s the *first* Daesang for both of them, even after decades of amazing work. Ahn Jae-wook won for his powerful role in a weekend family drama that had the whole nation crying, while Uhm Ji-won was recognized for her intense performance in a chilling thriller series. Seeing their shocked and happy faces was just the best!
A Tribute to a True Legend
While we were celebrating the winners, the ceremony took a moment to honor a true giant of the Korean screen: the late Lee Soon-jae. For us, he’s like the nation’s grandfather, an actor who has been in countless iconic dramas and films. KBS put together a beautiful tribute video showcasing his legendary career, and you could see so many actors in the audience tearing up. It was a touching and fitting farewell that reminded everyone of his incredible impact on the industry. The whole night felt dedicated to his memory.
So, What’s a ‘Daesang’?
For my American friends, you might be wondering why this ‘Daesang’ is such a big deal. Think of it as a mix between an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor and an MVP award for the entire year. It’s not just for one performance; it recognizes an actor’s immense contribution and impact on the network’s programming for that year. Winning a Daesang solidifies your status as a top-tier star. It’s the ultimate dream for every actor here.
Other Big Moments
The night was packed with other great wins too! The ‘Best Couple’ award, always a fan favorite, went to the leads of a super popular historical romance. We also saw some amazing rookie actors get their ‘Best New Actor/Actress’ awards, so we already have a list of new faces to watch out for in 2026! It was a fantastic way to close out the year in K-drama. Congrats to all the winners!
