(From left) Park Bo-gum, IU, Yeom Hye-ran and Kang You-seok. PHOTO: DLWLRMA/INSTAGRAM
The 4th annual Blue Dragon Series Awards took center stage on July 18th at Paradise City in Incheon, and the celebration of Korea’s streaming-first entertainment did not disappoint! Created by Sports Chosun in 2022, this award show spotlights dramas and variety shows from streaming platforms—and the competition keeps getting stronger every year. Original streaming content released from June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025 were considered in this year's lineup.
Hosted by fan-favorites YoonA (Girls’ Generation) and Jun Hyun Moo, the evening was packed with powerful wins, emotional speeches, and major fan buzz.
Daesang (Grand Prize): When Life Gives You Tangerines
This critically acclaimed drama dominated the night with a sweep of major acting awards:
- IU won Best Actress
- Yeom Hye Ran won Best Supporting Actress
- IU and Park Bo Gum also took home Popular Star Awards
If you love emotionally driven dramas with stellar acting and subtle social commentary, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a must-watch.
Best Drama: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
With its intense pacing and emotional weight, this medical drama was named Best Drama.
- Ju Ji Hoon was honored with Best Actor
- Choo Young Woo earned Best Rookie Actor for his breakout performance
More Drama Awards Highlights
- Lee Kwang Soo won Best Supporting Actor (Karma)
- Kim Min Ha was named Best Rookie Actress (Way Back Love)
Each role showcased emotional complexity and major character growth — something K-dramas do best.
Variety, Music & Fan Favorites
- Best Variety Program: Culinary Class Wars
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo Ji (SNL Korea Seasons 6, 7)
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84 (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
- Best Rookie Female Entertainer: OH MY GIRL’s Mimi (Kian is CEO)
- Best Rookie Male Entertainer: Moon Sang Hoon (The Blank Menu for You)
- OST Popularity Award: TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun (Cinderella at 2AM)
- LG U+ Good Influence Award: Ji Ye Eun (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
The Popular Star Awards went to four fan-loved actors: IU, Park Bo Gum, Hyeri, and Lee Jun Hyuk.
Watch Next: K-Drama Insider Picks
If these wins left you inspired (or curious), here are our “watch next” recommendations straight from the awards stage:
When Life Gives You Tangerines
A poetic and emotional story with incredible acting.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Edge-of-your-seat drama with emotional stakes and real heroism.
Way Back Love
Catch rising star Kim Min Ha in a breakout romantic role.
Culinary Class Wars
High-stakes cooking meets competitive chaos. A must for variety-show lovers.
Karma
See a new side of Lee Kwang Soo in this darker, more layered role.
Final Thoughts
With stunning performances, evolving storylines, and streaming powerhouses behind the scenes, the Blue Dragon Series Awards remind us why the Hallyu Wave continues to grow. Korean dramas are no longer niche—they're global, and this year's awards showcase just how much the industry has evolved.
Stay tuned to Korean Drama Insider for award coverage, drama breakdowns, actor spotlights, and K-culture insights you won’t want to miss.
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