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The 20th edition of the Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) lit up the KBS Hall on a crisp autumn evening, bringing together an illustrious lineup of global stars, award-winning creators, and drama enthusiasts from around the world. Since its inception in 2006, the SDA has grown into a premier global platform celebrating the art of storytelling on screen, and this milestone ceremony proved once again why it remains at the heart of the international drama landscape.

In his opening remarks, Moon-shin Bang, Chairman of the Seoul Drama Awards Organizing Committee and the Korean Broadcasters Association, emphasized the event’s far-reaching impact.“Launched in 2006 as the world’s first awards ceremony dedicated solely to drama, the Seoul International Drama Awards has grown into a global platform for drama exchange, with this year’s participation including 276 works from 50 countries and regions,” said Bang. “It is all the more meaningful that Korean dramas stand at the very center of this achievement.”

This year’s competition spotlighted the growing diversity of television narratives, with submissions spanning genres, cultures, and languages from across the globe.
The awards ceremony, co-hosted by Jang Doyoun and Ok Taecyeon, featured a star-studded red carpet, unforgettable live performances, and powerful acceptance speeches that touched audiences both in the venue and worldwide.

Two of Korea’s most beloved stars, IU and Ju Ji-hoon, captivated viewers with their heartfelt words. Ju Ji-hoon, recognized as Outstanding Korean Actor for The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, paid tribute to real-life trauma center workers:“I extend my deepest appreciation to the medical staff who save lives every day. I worked hard to bring action, wit, and sincerity to my role, and I’m grateful to Director Lee Do-yoon for his unwavering commitment to the project.”

IU, who won Outstanding Korean Actress for her role in When Life Gives You Tangerines, expressed deep gratitude to her creative team and co-stars:“Thank you to writer Lim Sang-choon, director Kim Won-seok, and all the staff. It was an honor to work with such esteemed actors as Kim Yong-rim, Na Moon-hee, and Yeom Hye-ran. This project will remain a great source of pride in my life.”

One of the night’s most prestigious accolades, the Golden Bird Prize, was awarded to American actor and director Ben Stiller. Accepting remotely due to filming obligations, Stiller praised Korea's influence on global storytelling:“It is a great honor to be recognized in Korea, a country whose dramas have long inspired me. I admire the creators who continue to tell humanistic and aesthetically refined stories.”

The Outstanding Asian Star Awards, chosen by Hallyu fans worldwide, were presented to:

Kentaro Sakaguchi (Beyond Goodbye, Japan)

Film Rachanun Mahawan (Thailand)

Daniel Padilla (Philippines)

Anna Jobling (Malaysia)

As the awards concluded, celebrations continued with the Seoul International Drama Awards 2025 “Drama Festa”, held October 3–4 at Banpo Hangang Park and Seokchon Lake West (Songpa Naru Park). This open-air festival includes: