IU (Lee Ji-eun), singer and actress, emerged as the Best Actress winner at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards with her performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Though she narrowly missed out on the Grand Prize during the heated competition within the drama’s team, IU still shone by taking home both Best Actress and the Popular Star Award.
Reflecting on the July 18 ceremony, IU recalled how overwhelming the moment was: “I was hoping our When Life Gives You Tangerines team would win the Grand Prize, so I was already imagining all of us walking on stage together. When my name was suddenly called for Best Actress, my expression showed how confused I was. My mind went blank as I went up, and I nearly cried, but I tripped on my dress, and the tears disappeared. It was the first time in my career that I was so nervous I almost felt stage fright.”
Fans who have followed IU for years were surprised to see her trembling so intensely. The nervousness was clear even through the cameras, yet her honesty drew applause. IU admitted she hasn’t watched her acceptance speech since: “I don’t think I’ll ever rewatch it. The thought alone makes me feel short of breath, as if I’ll relive the panic again. Even as a rookie, I never shook this much on stage.”
One of her most touching memories came from fellow actress Yeom Hye-ran, who embraced her warmly and encouraged her to head to the stage: “When I was overwhelmed and fumbling with my speech, I lifted my head and met her eyes. She smiled at me as if she was celebrating like Gwang-rye in the drama. Later she told me, ‘I really wanted to hear your speech,’ and I nearly cried from gratitude.”
The Grand Prize ultimately went to the When Life Gives You Tangerines team after a tense judging process that went into three rounds of discussion. IU reflected: “It was truly an honor. If I had won the Grand Prize individually, I might have been embarrassed in my dress. I believe the team’s victory was far more meaningful. We always wanted to receive a team award, and it gave us a chance to let When Life Gives You Tangerines go with pride.”
Even as she moves forward with new projects, IU admitted she still re-watches parts of the drama: “Sometimes, on nights when I can’t sleep, I re-watch an episode or two that I love. The character Ae-sun remains very dear to me. I even wonder if I’ll ever meet another role that I love as much. I gave her all my heart, and I genuinely hoped for her happiness alongside the viewers.”
For IU, the project was both a challenge and a gift, especially as she played dual roles: “This drama was so big and so demanding—it doesn’t make sense for such a gift to come often in one lifetime. Winning Best Actress feels like a huge turning point for me as an actor. It was my first time receiving such a major acting award, and it feels like I’ve already collected decades’ worth of recognition. I don’t feel greedy for more awards; this one alone feels like enough.”
As IU marks her 17th debut anniversary this year, the Blue Dragon trophy holds a special place in her career: “This was my first Blue Dragon trophy, and it feels different. The award process keeps the winners secret until the very end, so it was unforgettable. I don’t usually display my trophies, but this one will be placed at the center of the few I keep in my room as a reminder of such a meaningful day.”
Sources: nate
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