The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards took place on July 18, 2025, at Paradise City in Incheon, celebrating the best Korean streaming dramas and variety shows. The big winner of the night was Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, which took home the Grand Prize (Daesang), Best Actress (IU), and Best Supporting Actress (Yeom Hye-ran).
Hosted by Jun Hyun-moo and Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, the event honored shows released between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. Other major winners included “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” (Best Drama, Best Actor for Ju Ji-hoon) and “Culinary Class Wars” (Best Variety Show).
Full List of Winners at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards
The awards covered drama, variety, and entertainment categories, with Netflix leading the wins. Here’s the complete list of winners:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix)
- Best Drama: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix)
- Best Variety Show: Culinary Class Wars (Netflix)
- Best Actress: IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Actor: Ju Ji-hoon (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye-ran (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang-soo (Karma)
- Best New Actress: Kim Min-ha (Way Back Love)
- Best New Actor: Choo Young-woo (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo-ji (SNL Korea)
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84 (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
- Best OST Popularity Award: Yeonjun (TXT) – Cinderella at 2 AM
- Upbit Popularity Stars: Park Bo-gum, IU, Lee Jun-hyuk, Hyeri
- LG U+ Good Influence Award: Ji Ye-eun (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
Highlights From the Award Ceremony
IU’s Best Actress win was a major moment. She played dual roles in When Life Gives You Tangerines, earning praise for her emotional depth.
“This will likely remain the proudest work of my life. It made me feel more alive and expressive than ever,” IU said in her acceptance speech.
Ju Ji-hoon, who won Best Actor, thanked his team for bringing The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call to life.
“Bringing a comic book to life is no easy feat. Thanks to everyone who helped make it realistic, especially my comrade, Director Lee Do Yoon,” he said.
Lee Kwang-soo brought humor to the stage after winning Best Supporting Actor for Karma.
“D.O. told me he dreamt I died from an infection after getting a hair transplant. He cursed me out but said it was a lucky dream. Thanks, D.O.!”
A funny mix-up happened when Lee Jun-young mistakenly went on stage for the Upbit Popularity Award, which actually went to Lee Jun-hyuk. The moment turned into a lighthearted highlight.
Why When Life Gives You Tangerines Won Big
The Netflix drama was praised for its storytelling, acting, and emotional impact. Yeom Hye-ran, who won Best Supporting Actress, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime project.”
“I’ve never received this much support and praise in my life. It’s overwhelming,” she said.
Park Bo-gum, who starred in the series, also won a Popularity Award and thanked fans for supporting the show’s four-season journey.
Other Notable Wins
- “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” won Best Drama, with its CEO Kwon Mi-kyung saying, “We’re grateful that so many people resonated with the importance of this show.”
- “Culinary Class Wars” director Kim Hak-min teased Season 2 after winning Best Variety Show.
- Kian84 and Lee Soo-ji took home awards for Best Male and Female Entertainers, respectively.
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards highlighted Netflix’s strong presence in Korean streaming content. With emotional speeches, funny moments, and well-deserved wins, the ceremony celebrated the best in K-dramas and variety shows.
Also read: Hyeri Earns Best Actress Nomination at Blue Dragon Series Awards for Bold Role in “Friendly Rivalry”
Credits: Information gathered from official award announcements and verified entertainment news sources.
