MBC drama “Doubt“ has won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 52nd Korea Broadcasting Prizes, marking the first time in two decades that an MBC drama has received this top honor. The psychological thriller triumphed over 244 competing entries from 56 broadcasters, capturing attention for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. The series also reached peak viewership ratings of 9.6% for its finale, solidifying its popularity and critical acclaim.
🏆 Award Ceremony Highlights
The 52nd Korea Broadcasting Prizes ceremony was held on September 3, 2025, at the SBS Prism Tower in Seoul and was broadcast live on SBS TV. Organized by the Korea Broadcasters Association, the event celebrated excellence in terrestrial television and radio programming. The winners were announced on August 3, 2025, though the Grand Prize was kept secret until the ceremony. Categories like Best Actor, Best Entertainer, and Best Singer involved a combination of audience votes (30%) and judges’ evaluations (70%).
Other notable winners included BTS’s j-hope for Best Singer, Park Bo-gum for Best Entertainer, and Lee Joon-hyuk for Best Actor. The ceremony also recognized behind-the-scenes contributors, such as producers and sound engineers, highlighting the collaborative effort behind successful broadcasts.
📺 About “Doubt”
“Doubt,” also known by its Korean title “Itorok Chinmilhan Baesinja” (Such a Close Traitor), is a 10-episode psychological thriller that aired on MBC from October 11 to November 15, 2024. The series stars Han Suk-kyu as Jang Tae-su, a top criminal profiler whose life unravels when he discovers his daughter, played by Chae Won-bin, is linked to a murder case. The show explores themes of trust, betrayal, and family dynamics, blending crime suspense with emotional depth.
The drama was directed by Song Yeon-hwa and written by Han Ah-young, with a production budget of ₩9.6 billion. It was praised for its tight scripting, atmospheric direction, and standout performances, particularly by Han Suk-kyu and Chae Won-bin.
🌟 Critical and Popular Reception
“Doubt” achieved its highest viewership rating of 9.6% for its finale episode on November 15, 2024, a significant jump from its premiere rating of 5.6%. The series was lauded for its intense narrative and character development, earning a place on Cine21’s “Best Series of 2024” list. Director Song Yeon-hwa, Han Suk-kyu, and Chae Won-bin were also recognized as “Figures of the Year” for their contributions to the drama.
The show’s success extended beyond domestic acclaim. It received an invitation to the non-competitive section of the 8th Cannes International Series Festival and won awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the MBC Drama Awards. Han Suk-kyu won the Grand Prize at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards for his role, while Chae Won-bin took home the Best New Actress award.
🎬 Impact and Legacy
The Grand Prize win at the Korea Broadcasting Prizes is especially significant as it marks MBC’s first Daesang in 20 years since the historical drama “Jewel in the Palace” won in 2004. This achievement underscores the network’s resurgence in producing high-quality content that resonates with both audiences and critics.
“I took on this project to highlight the importance of family, and I realized that family has always been the central theme of my work,” said Han Suk-kyu during his acceptance speech at the MBC Drama Awards.
The drama’s success has also boosted the careers of its cast and crew. Chae Won-bin, in particular, has been hailed as a rising star for her portrayal of the complex and manipulative Jang Ha-bin.
📅 Where to Watch
For those who haven’t seen it yet, “the drama” is available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Coupang Play, and Wavve, making it accessible to global audiences.
Also Read: New Drama “Doubt” Starring Han Suk Kyu and Chae Won Bin: All You Need to Know
Credits: Daum
