The Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2025 has once again showcased the incredible talent and diverse storytelling that marks the global TV drama scene. Celebrated for recognizing excellence in television, the 20th edition of the awards held on October 2 at KBS Hall in Seoul was a glittering event filled with star-studded appearances, emotional acceptance speeches, and breathtaking performances. Here’s a comprehensive overview of who took home the major honors and what this means for the global drama industry.
Table of Contents
Seoul International: Top Winners at SDA 2025
| Award Category | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Bird Prize | Severance (Season 2) – Ben Stiller | USA |
| Grand Prize (Daesang) | Adolescence | UK |
| Best TV Movie | The Son | South Korea |
| Best Miniseries | Pachinko (Season 2) | United States |
| Best Series | The Good & The Bad | Turkey |
| Outstanding Korean Drama | The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call | South Korea |
| Outstanding Korean Actor | Ju Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code) | South Korea |
| Outstanding Korean Actress | IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines) | South Korea |
| Outstanding Asian Star | Kim Seon Ho (The Tyrant), Jisoo (Newtopia), Sakaguchi Kentaro | South Korea, Japan, China |
The night was a celebration of storytelling from around the world, with Korean dramas dominating the scene, especially in the Korean Drama category, reaffirming Korea’s influential role in global TV entertainment.
Special Highlights and Star Performances
- Host Celebrities: Comedian Jang Do-yeon and actor-singer OK Taec-yeon co-hosted the event with charm, making the evening lively and engaging.
- Music & Performances: Live performances by popular artists ILLIT, Urban Zakapa, and veteran singer Jang Sa-ik set a culturally rich tone.
- Star-Studded Red Carpet: Star appearances from all over the globe dressed in glamorous attires greeted fans and media, setting the perfect tone for the awards ceremony.
Why SDA 2025 Matters
- Global Platform for Drama: Celebrates outstanding achievements in TV from over 50 countries, fostering cultural exchange.
- Recognition of Diversity: From Severance’s innovative storytelling to Pachinko’s epic narrative, the awards bridge cultural gaps.
- Impact on Careers: Winners like IU and Ju Ji Hoon continue to solidify their status as international stars, gaining recognition beyond Korea.
FAQs
1. When and where was the SDA 2025 held?
The awards ceremony took place on October 2, 2025, at Seoul’s prestigious KBS Hall, broadcasted globally via SBS TV and YouTube, with a pre-event red carpet from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM KST.
2. Which dramas and actors won the biggest awards at SDA 2025?
Severance Season 2 won the prestigious Golden Bird Prize, while Adolescence received the Grand Prize. In Korean dramas, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call took top Korean drama honors, with Ju Ji Hoon and IU recognized as outstanding actors and actresses respectively.
