The SBS Drama Awards 2025 took place on the evening of December 31, celebrating a year full of remarkable achievements in Korean television. The event honored outstanding contributions from individuals and productions aired on SBS over the past year, attracting top actors such as Lee Je Hoon, Jang Ki Yong, Ahn Eun Jin, Kim Ji Yeon, Yook Sung Jae, Han Ji Min, Park Hyung Sik, Choi Woo Sik, and Jung So Min.
The most coveted honor, the Daesang (Grand Prize), was awarded to Lee Je Hoon for his remarkable portrayal of Kim Do Gi in Taxi Driver 3. Lee Je Hoon has elevated his character with nuanced restraint while retaining the character’s signature spirited personality. His compelling presence on SBS’s screen solidified his well-deserved victory in the Daesang category.
As expected, Taxi Driver 3 won the Best Drama Award. Since its premiere in mid-October, the series has proven to be SBS’s strategic masterpiece, featuring a tight script that tackles pressing issues of crime and justice. The drama balances suspenseful content with light, comedic moments mainly delivered by Lee Je Hoon, making it accessible and highly entertaining for a wide audience.
Kim Ji Yeon (Bona) earned the Best Actress Award for her role as Yeori in The Haunted Palace. Her portrayal captured the complex inner struggles between normal life and the supernatural, requiring careful emotional control and intensity. Her performance elevated the show’s profile in the fantasy genre and marked an important step forward in her acting career.
Her co-star, Yook Sung Jae, won Best Actor for his role in the same series. Demonstrating clear growth, Yook Sung Jae successfully conveyed the internal battles between logic, emotion, and supernatural phenomena, further distinguishing himself from his usual idol identity.
Choi Woo Sik also received acclaim, winning Best Actor for his role in Would You Marry Me. As Kim Woo Joo, an heir to a historic bakery, he skillfully portrayed a charming and emotionally deep character, seamlessly moving from comedic to romantic scenes, which captivated viewers.
In the Best Actress category for the same drama, Jung So Min was honored. The chemistry between her and Choi Woo Sik contributed significantly to its soaring ratings and popularity both domestically and internationally.
Early 2025’s SBS standout Love Scout saw both leads winning in their respective acting categories. Lee Jun Hyuk was recognized for his warm and dedicated portrayal of Yoo Eun Ho, a loyal secretary whose genuine care for CEO Kang Ji Yoon (played by Han Ji Min) added emotional depth to the story. Han Ji Min’s transformation into a talented yet emotionally guarded CEO earned her the Best Actress Award, reflecting her ability to portray complex psychological moments with authenticity.
Jang Ki Yong claimed the Best Actor Award for his performance in Dynamite Kiss, where he reinvented the typical chaebol (conglomerate heir) archetype as the ideal husband figure, blending charm with subtlety.
Matching Jang Ki Yong’s success, Ahn Eun Jin won Best Actress for her role as Da Rim. Their dynamic duo created a lively, affectionate interaction that quickly became a social media sensation, well-deserved recognition for both.
Other notable awards included:
- Best New Actors: Kim Dan, Kim Mu Jun, Cha Woo Min, Ha Yoo Joon
- Best New Actresses: Kim Eun Bi, Park Jung Yeon, Woo Da Vi, Hong Hwa Yeon
- Best Supporting Actors and Actresses: Go Geon Han, Lee Sung Wook, Lee Hae Young, Gil Hae Yeon, Han Dong Hee, Seo Bum June, Lee Sang Hee, Shin Seul Ki
- Best Guest Actors and Actresses: Yoon Shi Yoon, Seo Hye Won
- Best Acting Award: Kim Eui Sung
- Best Ensemble: Hanyang High School Rugby Team
- Best On-Screen Couple: Jang Ki Yong and Ahn Eun Jin
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lee Soon Jae
Multiple actors received accolades for Best Actor in a Leading Role including Lee Jun Hyuk, Choi Woo Sik, Park Hyung Sik, and Yook Sung Jae. Similarly, Han Ji Min, Jung So Min, Go Yoon Jung, and Kim Ji Yeon shared the Best Actress in a Leading Role honors.
The 2025 SBS Drama Awards not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underscored SBS’s power in delivering quality, diverse storytelling that appeals widely, with Taxi Driver 3 standing out as the year’s definitive hit.
For more details, visit the SBS Drama Awards 2025 official coverage.
Sources: K14, Soompi, Naver
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