Seoul International Drama Awards Celebrate 20 Years with Record Entries
The Seoul International Drama Awards is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a remarkable milestone. For this year’s event, a record-breaking 276 entries from 50 countries and regions have been submitted, all competing for six prestigious trophies. This surge in participation highlights the festival’s growing global influence and appeal.
The Seoul International Drama Awards Organizing Committee, chaired by Bang Mun-shin, shared, “In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we’ve received 276 outstanding submissions from 50 countries and regions. With entries from every continent for the second year in a row, the festival continues to solidify its position as a premier global awards ceremony.” The exact 4-word keyphrase “Seoul International Drama Awards” reflects the event’s expanding international reach.
International Competition Features Diverse and Acclaimed Dramas
Among the 264 dramas competing in the International Competition Category, many come from major global OTT platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+. Additionally, notable studios like ZDF Studios GmbH, STUDIOCANAL, and TBS have submitted entries. Several of these dramas have earned recognition at major award events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys.
Highlighting some key submissions:
– “Severance” Season 2 (Apple TV+), directed by Ben Stiller, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its inventive storytelling and unexpected twists.
– “Adolescence” (Netflix) dives into complex themes involving incel culture and youth-related social media crimes, sparking global conversations.
– “Asura” (Netflix), the second TV series by Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda, adds cinematic prestige to the lineup.
– “The Newsreader” season 3 (Werner Film Projects) has won multiple awards and gained critical acclaim in Australia.
– “Senna” (Netflix) tells the compelling story of Brazilian Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna.
– “Recipes for Love and Murder” season 2 (Both Worlds Pictures) is set against the scenic backdrop of South Africa’s Karoo region, following a first season that aired in over 100 countries.
K-Drama Competition Draws Wide Attention
The K-Drama Competition Category features notable entries such as “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” from Netflix, “Light Shop” from Disney+, and “The Tale of Lady Ok” from JTBC. Other submissions include “Friendly Rivalry” (LG UPLUS), “The Judge From Hell” (Studio S), “Doubt” (MBC), and “What Comes After Love” (Coupang Play), a Korea-Japan collaboration.
Interestingly, many K-Drama entries also compete in the International Category, underscoring their widespread appeal beyond domestic audiences.
Philippine Entries Highlight Local Talent
From the Philippines, six dramas have been submitted: “Mga Batang Riles” and “Pulang Araw” from GMA Network; “Ang Mutya ng Section E” from Viva Communications; and “Lavender Fields,” “Saving Grace,” and “Incognito” from ABS-CBN Studios. These entries represent the country’s growing presence on the international drama stage.
Star Power in Individual Categories
The individual awards feature celebrated actors such as IU and Park Bo-gum from “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Lee Hye-ri from “Friendly Rivalry,” Kentaro Sakaguchi from “What Comes After Love/Beyond Goodbye,” and Heo Kwang-han from “GG Precinct.”
International stars like Gary Oldman in “Slow Horses” season 4, Cate Blanchett in “Disclaimer,” Owen Cooper in “Adolescence,” and Anna Torv in “The Newsreader” season 3 are also in contention.
New Participants and Upcoming Events
This year marks Azerbaijan’s debut at the Seoul International Drama Awards, with the drama “Citizen A” recognized for addressing vital civic issues and women’s rights. This inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to global diversity.
The awards ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on October 2, with live broadcasts on major networks and online platforms. Following the ceremony, public events including drama talk concerts, OST performances, interactive zones, and a drama street festival will be held at Banpo Hangang Park and Songpa Naru Park from October 3 to 4.
The Seoul International Drama Awards is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and leading Korean broadcasters.
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