21st Seoul International Drama Awards Concludes Successfully… Norway's 'A Better Man' Wins Grand Prize

The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards was held on the 8th at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. This year, a record-breaking 352 works from 46 countries were submitted, solidifying its status as an international drama festival. Lee Seong-ju, the chairperson of the organizing committee, evaluated that "it proved that the whole world is communicating through the single language of drama, transcending borders and language barriers."

The Grand Prize in the International Competition category was won by the Norwegian drama 'A Better Man'. This work swept three awards, including the Grand Prize, Best Writer, and Best Actor. Among domestic works, 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' demonstrated its strength by winning three awards, while 'My Royal Nemesis' recorded two wins. The Golden Bird Award went to writer Kim Eun-sook. Kim expressed her thoughts, saying, "As South Korean dramas are loved worldwide, I feel a sense of responsibility," and added, "I will continue to present works that contain authenticity and the spirit of the times."

This awards ceremony served as a venue where creators from various countries gathered to share the value of drama. In particular, this event confirmed that K-dramas have established themselves as a medium that forms global consensus beyond simple content. Following the awards ceremony, the excitement of the festival continued with 'Drama Festa', a citizen-participation program including OST concerts and talk concerts held around Banpo Hangang Park and Seokchon Lake.

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