Drama awards in Korea

Key events include the year-end drama awards hosted by KBS, MBC and SBS, the Baeksang Arts Awards covering both TV and film, and the Blue Dragon Series Awards, which include streaming series. The Seoul International Drama Awards also feature programs from around the world. Each ceremony has its own eligibility and judging rules.

The KBS, MBC and SBS drama awards are usually held in late December, with dates such as 30 or 31 December varying by broadcaster and year. Each broadcaster honours dramas that aired on its own channel that year. Check each broadcaster's announcement for the exact date and whether it will be shown live. Many viewers watch them as part of their year-end festivities.

The daesang, or grand prize, is the highest honour at an awards ceremony, usually given to one actor for the year's most outstanding work. At broadcaster awards, many observers believe ratings and buzz are factored in alongside performance. The daesang winner typically dominates year-end entertainment news coverage.

The Baeksang Arts Awards began in 1965 and honour both television and film. Because they judge works regardless of which broadcaster or platform aired them, they are regarded as one of Korea's most prestigious ceremonies. They are usually held in spring, but the exact date is announced each year.

The best couple award is given at broadcaster drama awards to an on-screen pair that viewers loved. Some broadcasters use viewer or online voting, sometimes combined with judges' evaluations, so the method differs from channel to channel. The moment when both actors take the stage together to give their speech often becomes one of the most talked-about clips of the night.

Broadcaster awards partly aim to recognise actors across the channel's many dramas, so a single category sometimes has multiple winners. Critics argue this dilutes the value of the awards. Practices vary from ceremony to ceremony, though, so it is hard to generalise about every awards show.

Yes. Squid Game (2021) won Emmy Awards in the United States for directing and lead actor in a drama, drawing global attention. Other Korean series have been nominated for or won awards at events such as the International Emmy Awards. Official records from each ceremony are the best source for details.

Popularity awards are often decided by online votes from viewers and fans. Voting periods and methods differ by ceremony and are announced on official websites or apps. Because fan base size heavily affects the results, fandoms often campaign enthusiastically to rally votes for their favourite actor.

Some ceremonies offer public seating, but seats are limited and the application process differs for each event. Check the official website or the broadcaster's notices for audience applications. Most ceremonies are broadcast live, so watching on TV or through an official online stream is the usual way to enjoy them.

Before the ceremony, actors walk the red carpet, pose for photos and give brief interviews. Their outfits often become fashion news the next day. Fans tend to gather around the venue, so if you go, follow safety instructions and venue staff guidance to keep things orderly.

The best new actor or actress award goes to a newcomer who stood out that year, often someone in their first leading role or first drama. Each ceremony defines newcomer slightly differently. Many past winners went on to become major stars, so fans watch this category closely.

The Blue Dragon Series Awards honour dramas and variety shows, including series released on streaming platforms. They are organised by the same media company behind the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Launched relatively recently, they reflect how important streaming series have become in Korea.

The Seoul International Drama Awards are an international ceremony honouring dramas from many countries. Korean and foreign productions compete together. The event has also included categories dedicated to popular Korean dramas, recognising works that have resonated with audiences overseas. Check the ceremony's official materials for winner information.

Actors typically thank the writer, director, crew, co-stars, their agency, family and fans. Speeches that name individual crew members often move viewers. Many speeches become memorable clips, and you can rewatch them through the ceremony's official video channels after the event.

The Baeksang Arts Awards give separate grand prizes for television and film, and the winner can be a work or director as well as an actor. Unlike broadcaster awards, the Baeksang judges titles from all broadcasters and streaming services together, so the year's most talked-about works compete side by side.

Yes, on the night a year-end ceremony airs live, regular dramas may be skipped or moved to a different time. Broadcasters usually announce schedule changes in advance. If the ceremony runs long, programs that follow can start later than listed, so check official notices before tuning in.

Many ceremonies have categories for screenplay, directing and technical achievement to recognise writers and crew. Some broadcaster awards also include a writer's award. Categories can change from year to year, so check the official list of awards for a given ceremony.

Winners are quickly summarised in entertainment news during and after the live broadcast. Official websites and social media accounts also post the results. International fans can follow English-language entertainment outlets or the ceremony's official accounts to see the full list of winners.

Many observers note that at broadcaster awards, actors from highly rated and widely discussed dramas often take the major prizes. Ceremonies like the Baeksang are generally seen as placing more weight on artistic quality and performance. For precise criteria, refer to each ceremony's official announcements.

Some ceremonies run voting apps or websites that international fans can use. Others require identity verification that limits overseas participation. Rules differ by event and year, so check the official guidelines of each ceremony before trying to vote for your favourite actor or couple.