2025 MBC Drama Awards: Newcomer Awards Shared by Jo Ah-ram and Hong Soo-joo

MBC made headlines by deciding to award the Newcomer Award to both male and female categories as joint winners at the '2025 MBC Drama Awards'. The Newcomer Award was the first category announced at the ceremony.

The '2025 MBC Drama Awards' took place on the evening of the 30th at the MBC Media Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by broadcaster Kim Sung-joo and actress Lee Sun-bin.

Nominees for the Female Newcomer Award included Jo Ah-ram from 'To the Moon', Choi Hee-jin from 'Motel California', Hong Soo-joo from 'The Moon Flows Over the River', and Hong Seung-hee from 'To the Moon'. Jo Ah-ram and Hong Soo-joo were honored with the joint award.

Jo Ah-ram expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm thankful just to be invited to such a wonderful event, and I'm even more grateful to receive such a significant award." She continued, "While preparing for the role, I often questioned myself rather than being confident. I want to thank Mi-ran and Sun-bin for helping me not feel isolated during those times."

She also thanked the director, writer, and staff who showed her much love on set, as well as her agency's CEO and colleagues. "I also want to thank the staff and teachers who helped create my character beautifully," she added. Jo Ah-ram expressed her gratitude to the viewers and fans who loved the drama and conveyed her heartfelt thanks and love to her parents for raising her. She concluded by saying, "I love you, brother, and I'll work hard to make you proud."

Hong Soo-joo, who faced some criticism for her acting skills, said with a smile, "I didn't expect to win, so I'm not sure if I can thank everyone properly." She expressed her gratitude to the drama team, director, writer, agency colleagues, and CEO. She also wanted to convey her love to her parents and sibling.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr