Anticipation Builds for 2024 SBS Drama Awards: Who Will Take Home the Grand Prize?

The '2024 SBS Drama Awards' is just two weeks away, and as the first of the major broadcasting networks to hold its ceremony this year, all eyes are on who will take home the grand prize. With a slew of hit dramas in the latter half of the year, the competition is fierce, but the risk of diminishing the award's prestige with joint winners looms large.

The SBS Drama Awards will take place on December 21 at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam. Shin Dong-yup will host for the eighth consecutive year, joined by newcomers Kim Hye-yoon and Kim Ji-yeon, who will star in upcoming SBS dramas 'Starting Today, I'm Human' and 'Royal Palace,' respectively.

Traditionally held on the last day of the year, SBS has moved the ceremony to December 21, an unusual choice, starting at 8:35 PM, making it the earliest among the three major networks' drama and entertainment awards. On the same day, the 'KBS Entertainment Awards' will begin at 9:20 PM.

SBS has seen a string of successful dramas this year, starting with 'Connection,' followed by 'Good Partner,' 'Judge from Hell,' and 'The Fiery Priest 2,' all surpassing 10% viewership ratings. This success adds to the anticipation of who will win the coveted trophy.

Among the many contenders, Ji Sung, Jang Na-ra, and Park Shin-hye are considered strong candidates. Jang Na-ra's 'Good Partner' stands out with a peak rating of 17.7%, making it the highest-rated SBS drama of the year and a hot topic. However, while the drama was a hit, Jang Na-ra's performance may not be deemed exceptional enough for the grand prize.

In terms of acting prowess, Ji Sung's portrayal of a drug-addicted detective in 'Connection' is highly praised. The drama was a turning point for SBS, reviving its drama lineup. Although it may not have matched others in ratings or buzz, Ji Sung's acting is widely acknowledged.

'Judge from Hell' also garnered high ratings and popularity, with Park Shin-hye leading the show as the sole protagonist. Her transformation into a demonic character was well-received. Kim Nam-gil from 'The Fiery Priest 2' is also a contender, but the sequel's lower ratings and buzz compared to the first season are seen as drawbacks. The focus on skits and parodies has been criticized for weakening the storyline.

There are concerns about the ceremony's credibility, as SBS has been criticized for frequently awarding joint winners, which diminishes the awards' prestige. Last year, the grand prize was shared between Lee Je-hoon and Kim Tae-ri. The Best Actor and Actress awards were divided into multiple categories, and seven newcomers received the Rookie Award. While the intention to honor attending actors is understandable, such practices undermine the awards' significance. This year, many hope for a single grand prize winner.

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr