2025 APAN Star Awards: IU Makes History as Cha Eun Woo and Lee Jun Ho Sweep Multiple Wins

Korean drama’s biggest night delivered unforgettable moments as the 2025 APAN Star Awards celebrated excellence across all streaming platforms. From IU’s historic Grand Prize win to Lee Jun Ho’s triple victory sweep, the ceremony at Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza proved why K-dramas continue captivating global audiences.

2025 APAN Star Awards Major Winners at a Glance

IU’s Historic Grand Prize Victory

IU became only the third actress ever to win the coveted Daesang at APAN Star Awards, joining legends Song Hye Kyo and Kim Tae Ri. Her performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines—a heartfelt Netflix period drama—captivated audiences with emotional depth and nuanced storytelling.

The singer-actress stunned on the red carpet in a breathtaking white dress with rose-like lace appliques, resembling falling petals. Her whimsical elegance set the tone for what would become her historic night.

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Lee Jun Ho’s Triple Crown

2PM’s Lee Jun Ho emerged as the ceremony’s most decorated star, taking home three prestigious awards: Male Top Excellence Award for Typhoon Family, Actor Popularity Award, and Global Star Award. His commanding performance in the family drama showcased his evolution from idol to serious actor.

Previous winner Ji Chang Wook presented the Top Excellence Award, passing the torch to his fellow leading man in a touching moment of industry camaraderie.

Cha Eun Woo’s Global Recognition

ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo secured the Global Star Award (shared with Lee Jun Ho), cementing his status as one of Korea’s most internationally recognized faces. The actor-idol continues breaking boundaries between K-pop and K-drama, proving versatility across entertainment mediums.

Rising Stars Shine Bright

Lee Chae Min won Best New Actor for his breakout role in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, expressing gratitude to director Jang Tae Yoo and co-star YoonA during his acceptance speech. His chemistry with the cast earned widespread acclaim.

Ha Young claimed Best New Actress for The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, while Kang You Seok also received New Actor recognition, highlighting the ceremony’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent.

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When Life Gives You Tangerines Dominates

IU’s Netflix drama swept six awards total, including Best Director (Kim Won Seok) and Best Drama. Supporting actors Lee Jun Young and Kim Tae Yeon also earned Excellence Awards, proving the show’s strength across its entire cast.

The period drama’s consistent awards-season success reflects both critical acclaim and emotional resonance with viewers worldwide.

Other Notable Winners

Best Couple Award: Hyeri & Chung Su Bin (Friendly Rivalry)
Best Original Soundtrack: Lim Young Woong – “More Beautiful Than Heaven” (Heavenly Ever After)
Best Writer: Jang Hyun (Typhoon Family)
Top Excellence (Long-Form Drama): Uhm Ji Won & Ahn Jae Wook (For Eagle Brothers)

What Makes APAN Special

The APAN Star Awards remains South Korea’s only integrated drama awards ceremony, honoring content across all platforms—broadcast networks, cable, OTT services like Netflix, and web dramas. This inclusive approach ensures smaller productions receive recognition alongside major network shows.

Dramas aired between November 2024 and October 2025 qualified for consideration, with 19 total categories spanning directing, writing, and acting excellence.

Star-Studded Red Carpet

Hosts Kim Seung Woo and Park Sun Young welcomed an A-list lineup including Shin Ye Eun, Jung Jin Young, Kang You Seok, Cha Joo Young, Han Ji Eun, Park Ha Sun, Oh Nara, and Jung Eun Chae—all bringing glamour and excitement to the ceremony.

The Future of K-Drama

This year’s winners reflect K-drama’s continued global expansion. With streaming platforms investing heavily in Korean content and international audiences demanding more, ceremonies like APAN Star Awards validate the industry’s artistic achievements while celebrating commercial success.

IU’s Grand Prize, in particular, signals recognition for Netflix originals competing alongside traditional network productions—a shift that’s reshaping Korean entertainment’s power dynamics.

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