4 min readNew DelhiJul 19, 2025 05:13 AM IST
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards took place on July 18 at Paradise City Hotel in Jung-gu, Incheon. Jun Hyun Moo and YoonA returned as hosts for the fourth year in a row. This year’s Daesang, the grand prize, went straight to Netflix’s original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, with IU clinching a big win in the actor category. The star-studded night saw appearances by A-listers including Park Bo Gum, Cha Tae Hyun, Lee Joon Young, Hyeri, Park Eun Bin, and more. The competition was fierce this year, with South Korea’s OTT culture finally striking a chord, most major releases now skip local broadcasters and head straight to global platforms.
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Blue Dragon Series Awards 2025 winners
IU, aka Lee Ji Eun won Best Actor for When Life Gives You Tangerines, alongside Yeom Hye Ran, who bagged Best Supporting Actor, the night’s two most prestigious honours. While accepting the award, the Korean soloist said, “This will likely remain the proudest work of my life,” she said. “It made me feel more alive and expressive than ever.” IU added, “To all the Aesoons who lived their lives vividly in a world that told us to stay blurry, and to every Geummyeong who planted their dreams with boldness, I dedicate my respect and gratitude.” Meanwhile, Yeom, who played Gwang Rye in the show, said, “I’ve never received this much support and praise in my life. It’s overwhelming,” she shared. “I thank the writer and director for giving me a once-in-a-lifetime project.”
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Park Bo Gum, who had a limited yet one of the most impactful roles in the series, accepted the award for the K-drama winning Best Show. While on stage, he said, “I sincerely thank the crew who worked hard through all four seasons. It was an honour to portray Gwan Sik. This was made possible thanks to the child actors and senior actor Park Hae Joon.”
Another Netflix original, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, also scored big, taking home Best Drama. Ju Ji-hoon was named Best Actor for his role, while Choo Young-woo won Best New Actor for playing Dr. Yang. Accepting the award, Ju Ji-hoon said, “Bringing a comic book to life is no easy feat,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who helped make it realistic, especially my comrade, Director Lee Do Yoon.”
So Ji Sub’s Karma also clinched a win, though the actor himself was snubbed, with Lee Kwang Soo walking away with Best Supporting Actor. While accepting the award, he recalled a hilarious run-in with D.O., adding, “D.O. told me he dreamt I died from an infection after getting a hair transplant. He cursed me out but said it was a lucky dream. Thanks, D.O.!”
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Check out the full winners list
- Grand Prize (Daesang): When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix)
- Best Drama: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix)
- Best Variety Show: Culinary Class Wars (Netflix)
- Best Actress: IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Actor: Ju Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo Ji (SNL Korea)
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84 (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
- Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye Ran (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang Soo (Karma)
- Best OST Popularity Award: TXT’s Yeonjun (Cinderella at 2 AM)
- Upbit Popularity Stars: Park Bo Gum, Hyeri, Lee Jun Hyuk, IU
- LG U+ Good Influence Award: Ji Ye Eun (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
- Best New Actress: Kim Min Ha (Way Back Love)
- Best New Actor: Choo Young Woo (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best New Female Entertainer: Mimi (Kian is CEO)
- Best New Male Entertainer: Moon Sang Hoon (The Blank Menu for You)
Blue Dragon Series Awards Full Winners List