Seo Kang-joon Wins Grand Prize at 2025 MBC Drama Awards

The prestigious Grand Prize at the '2025 MBC Drama Awards' was awarded to actor Seo Kang-joon, who debuted in 2013. Although Jung Kyung-ho was also a strong contender, the final trophy went to Seo Kang-joon. Meanwhile, 'Mary Kills People,' starring Lee Bo-young, ended up empty-handed despite its 1% viewership ratings.

The awards ceremony 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.

Seo Kang-joon received the Grand Prize for his role in 'Undercover High School.' Upon receiving the trophy, he expressed, "I am more bewildered than happy. It's so surprising and overwhelming, but I want to thank those who supported me."

He extended his gratitude to the director, producer, writer, and staff of 'Undercover High School,' saying, "To my agency's CEO, who is my most precious friend and best business partner, let's go together for life. Thank you to all the agency staff. Above all, I sincerely thank my co-stars Jin Ki-joo, Kim Shin-rok, and Jeon Bae-soo." He added, "To my family, mom and dad, stay healthy and I love you. Congratulations to my sister on her marriage, live well. Congratulations to my brother-in-law for becoming part of the family."

Seo Kang-joon shared, "This drama was my first project after returning from the military. I missed this scene so much." He continued, "After acting for over ten years, I always promised myself to be grateful and cherish it, but I think I forgot that. Spending endless time in the military made me miss this scene, and receiving such a heavy award through 'Undercover High School' is even more bewildering and surprising."

He further revealed, "While filming, I often thought I could be replaced at any time. I try to act with my own thoughts and concerns, but there are many around me who work harder and are more excellent. I question why I'm standing here holding this award, why I'm occupying a spot on set, and I can only think it's because of luck." He concluded, "I don't know how long I'll be doing this, but I don't want to be replaced until the end. I will research and ponder more earnestly and act with passion."

In the Best Actor in a Miniseries category, nominees included Kang Tae-oh ('The Moon Flows Over the River'), Seo Kang-joon ('Undercover High School'), Lee Min-ki ('Mary Kills People'), and Jung Kyung-ho ('Labor Attorney No Moo-jin'). After fierce competition, the trophy went to Kang Tae-oh, who also won the 'Best Couple Award,' making him a double awardee.

In the female category, nominees were Kim Se-jeong ('The Moon Flows Over the River'), Lee Bo-young ('Mary Kills People'), Lee Se-young ('Motel California'), and Jin Ki-joo ('Undercover High School'). Jin Ki-joo and Kim Se-jeong shared the honor of a joint award. Kim Se-jeong also won the 'Best Couple Award,' making her a double awardee alongside Kang Tae-oh.

In the Excellence Award for Miniseries category, presenters Lee Jong-won and Chae Soo-bin announced the male nominees: Kim Young-dae ('To the Moon'), Na In-woo ('Motel California'), Jin Goo ('The Moon Flows Over the River'), and Cha Hak-yeon ('Labor Attorney No Moo-jin'). The award went to Na In-woo. In the female category, nominees were Roh Jeong-eui ('Bunny and the Brothers'), Ra Mi-ran ('To the Moon'), Seol In-ah ('Labor Attorney No Moo-jin'), and Lee Sun-bin ('To the Moon'), with Lee Sun-bin taking home the trophy.

Lee Sun-bin expressed, "Honestly, I didn't expect this at all, so I didn't prepare anything. I was actually preparing the script for my next project. I don't know if I deserve to be standing here." She continued, "Receiving this award eight years after winning the Rookie Award for 'Missing Nine' is overwhelming. 'To the Moon' was the most physically challenging project of my life, but it was also one where I shared a lot of emotions, especially with Mi-ran unnie and all the actors."

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2025 MBC Drama Awards Winners List

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Grand Prize: Seo Kang-joon ('Undercover High School')

Drama of the Year: 'Undercover High School'

Best Actor in a Miniseries (Female): Jin Ki-joo ('Undercover High School'), Kim Se-jeong ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Best Actor in a Miniseries (Male): Kang Tae-oh ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Best Actor in a Daily/One-Act Drama (Female): Jang Shin-young ('The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun')

Best Actor in a Daily/One-Act Drama (Male): Song Chang-eui ('Kind Seon-joo')

Lifetime Achievement Award: Late Lee Soon-jae

Best Actor Award: Lee Se-young ('Motel California'), Jung Kyung-ho ('Labor Attorney No Moo-jin')

Best Couple Award: Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Best Character Award: Jin Goo ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Excellence Award in a Miniseries (Female): Lee Sun-bin ('To the Moon')

Excellence Award in a Miniseries (Male): Na In-woo ('Motel California')

Excellence Award in a Daily/One-Act Drama (Female): Yoon Ah-jung ('The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun')

Excellence Award in a Daily/One-Act Drama (Male): Oh Chang-seok ('The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun')

Best Supporting Actress: Kim Shin-rok ('Undercover High School')

Best Supporting Actor: Kim Nam-hee ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Rookie Award (Female): Jo Ah-ram ('To the Moon'), Hong Soo-joo ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

Rookie Award (Male): Lee Chae-min ('Bunny and the Brothers'), Lee Shin-young ('The Moon Flows Over the River')

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