The Seoul Drama Awards Organizing Committee (Chairman Moon-shin Bang) announced the winners of the Seoul International Drama Awards 2025, marking its 20th anniversary. Out of 276 submissions from 50 countries/regions and 409 individual nominees, the honors were presented to only seven titles and sixteen individuals across the International Competition, K-Drama Competition and International Invitation categories.
The awards’ highest accolade, Golden Bird Prize, went to Ben Stiller, director of Apple TV+ "Severance S2", which won Two Awards: Golden Bird Prize and Best Screenwriter. Apple TV+’s original series "Severance: Season 2" portrays the dystopian realities of modern workplace life through the unique concept of “memory separation surgery” and drew significant attention.
Netflix’s "Adolescence" won the Grand Prize, Best Director, and Best Actor in the International Competition — a remarkable three-prize sweep. The series tackles pressing social issues affecting today’s you unflinching portrayal of adolescent rage and confusion, delivered with immersive one-take cinematography. Philip Barantini received Best Director, and Owen Cooper was named Best Actor, affirming the series' strength in direction, storytelling, and performance.
Outstanding Korean Drama in the K-Drama Competition category went to Netflix’s "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" and "When Life Gives You Tangerines".
Outstanding Korean Actor and Actress honors were claimed by Ji-hoon Ju and IU for their standout performances.
The Outstanding Korean Drama O.S.T went to singer YOUNGTAK for his rendition of ‘Unpredictable Life’ in KBS 2TV’s weekend drama "For Eagle Brothers".
"Pachinko S2" secured two major honors this year, taking home the Best Miniseries and Best Actress for Minha Kim. Based on the novel by Korean-American author Min Jin Lee, Apple TV+’s "Pachinko" traces the generational experiences of a family from the Japanese colonial period to the present, exploring their migration journeys.
AY Yapim’s "The Good & The Bad" won Best Series. The title follows the story of a genius mathematician struggling to confront his father’s dangerous schemes.
CJ ENM's "The Son" won Best TV Movie. The title is part of tvN’s TV Movie series, telling the story of a self-centered man who takes on the role of a father protecting his son in virtual reality.
Hirokazu Kore-eda received the Best Director in the International Competition for "Asura"; the Best Actress in the International Competition was jointly awarded to Minha Kim for "Pachinko S2" and Cate Blanchett for "Disclaimer", and outstanding Asian star Seonho Kim was selected by Global Fans for his remarkable performance in "The Tyrant."
