Mark your calendars, K-drama fans! Korea’s most comprehensive drama awards ceremony has officially announced its return, promising a star-studded evening that celebrates the best of broadcast, cable, OTT, and web dramas from the past year.
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2025 APAN Star Awards Quick Facts
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Venue | Art Hall 1, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul |
| Eligibility Period | November 2024 – October 2025 |
| Selection Process | Expert panel of directors, writers, journalists, critics |
| Unique Feature | South Korea’s only comprehensive drama awards |
| Previous Grand Prize | Kim Tae Ri (2024) |
| Platforms Covered | Broadcast, Cable, OTT, Web Dramas |
What Makes APAN Star Awards Special?
The APAN Star Awards stands as South Korea’s only comprehensive drama awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across every domestic platform. Unlike awards that focus solely on broadcast networks, APAN embraces the entire Korean entertainment ecosystem—from traditional KBS, MBC, and SBS broadcasts to cable powerhouses like tvN and JTBC, plus streaming giants and web drama platforms.
Organized by the Korea Entertainment Management Association (KEMA), these awards have evolved significantly since their 2012 debut as the “K-Drama Star Awards.” The ceremony has weathered industry changes, expanding categories to reflect the streaming revolution transforming Korean entertainment.
The Iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza Venue
Returning to Art Hall 1 at Seoul’s architectural marvel, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the 2025 ceremony continues the tradition established in recent years. The 2024 edition also took place at this stunning venue, which has become synonymous with major Korean entertainment events.
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the futuristic DDP building provides a fittingly dramatic backdrop for an awards show celebrating Korea’s most innovative storytelling. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure both in-person attendees and global streaming audiences experience the spectacle in full glory.
A Year of Exceptional K-Dramas
The eligibility window covers dramas broadcast from November 2024 through October 2025—a period that delivered numerous critically acclaimed and internationally beloved series. From romantic comedies that dominated social media to historical epics that pushed production boundaries, this year’s nominees promise fierce competition.
Award winners are carefully chosen by a panel of experts, including directors, writers, journalists, and pop culture critics, ensuring that technical excellence and artistic merit receive equal weight alongside popularity.
For those tracking which series might dominate, check our comprehensive 2025 K-drama rankings analyzing potential frontrunners across categories.
Last Year’s Historic Winner
Kim Tae Ri won the Grand Prize at the 2024 APAN Star Awards, cementing her status as one of Korea’s most versatile actresses. Her performance in “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” earned her the prestigious Daesang while the drama itself was awarded Best Drama of the Year.
Kim Tae Ri’s trajectory showcases the awards’ credibility—she’s delivered consistently powerful performances in projects like “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and the sci-fi film “Alienoid: Return to the Future.” Her Grand Prize win reflected both critical consensus and audience adoration.
The Evolution of K-Drama Recognition
The OTT award category was introduced in 2022 from the 8th edition of awards, acknowledging how platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Tving have transformed the industry. This forward-thinking approach keeps APAN relevant as viewing habits evolve and international co-productions become increasingly common.
The awards have adapted to industry realities while maintaining artistic standards—a balance that’s earned respect from both entertainment professionals and devoted fans worldwide.
What to Expect This December
With top K-drama stars expected to gather and compete across multiple categories, December 29th promises red carpet glamour, emotional acceptance speeches, and perhaps a few surprises. The ceremony typically broadcasts on tvN and streams internationally, ensuring global fans can participate in real-time.
Categories typically include Grand Prize (Daesang), Best New Actor/Actress, Top Excellence awards across drama types, Best Couple, Best OST, and increasingly, recognition for behind-the-scenes talent like directors and screenwriters who craft these compelling narratives.
Why Global Fans Should Care
APAN Star Awards serves as a bellwether for Korean entertainment trends. Winners often see career momentum that translates to bigger projects, international opportunities, and increased global recognition. For fans wanting to discover quality content, APAN nominees and winners provide an excellent curated watchlist.
The ceremony also celebrates the Korean Wave’s continuing global influence, honoring dramas that transcend language barriers and cultural boundaries to connect with audiences from Seoul to São Paulo.
Get the latest K-drama news, award show coverage, and entertainment updates at Technosports—your gateway to Korean pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can international fans watch the 2025 APAN Star Awards live?
The ceremony typically broadcasts on tvN in Korea and streams internationally through various platforms. Viki has previously offered streaming options with multilingual subtitles, though official international broadcast details for 2025 haven’t been announced yet. Check the official APAN Star Awards social media channels closer to December 29th for confirmed streaming information. Time zone differences mean many international fans watch through delayed streams or highlights, which typically become available within 24 hours of the live event.
Q: What’s the difference between APAN Star Awards and other Korean drama awards like Baeksang Arts Awards?
While both celebrate Korean entertainment excellence, APAN Star Awards exclusively focuses on dramas across all platforms, making it the most comprehensive drama-specific ceremony. The Baeksang Arts Awards covers film, television, and theater. APAN’s eligibility period runs November to October, while Baeksang typically considers work from the previous calendar year. APAN’s expert panel selection process also differs from awards that incorporate viewer voting. Each ceremony has unique prestige—a Baeksang win is considered Korea’s equivalent to an Emmy, while APAN Grand Prize specifically recognizes drama performance excellence.
