2024 MBC Drama Awards Highlights: Daesang Winner References Jeju Airplane Crash

Highlights from the 2024 MBC Drama Awards

The 2024 MBC Drama Awards were held on January 5, showcasing exceptional performances in K-dramas over the past year. This notable event highlighted the achievements of both new and seasoned actors, including a significant recognition for Han Suk-kyu, who won the prestigious Daesang for his role in the drama Doubt. This accolade symbolizes his remarkable return to MBC after a 30-year hiatus.

In a touching acceptance speech, Han reflected on the recent tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air, stating, “Like everyone here, I feel apologetic. Holding such an event makes me want to apologize to the viewers. What we actors do is for the audience, but such a heartbreaking event has occurred.” His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing a profound sense of responsibility towards their viewers.

Han elaborated on the significance of family in his work, saying, “Family has been a central theme in my career. Through Doubt, I wanted to convey the importance of family. Acting is about finding ways to sincerely communicate my emotions to the audience.”

Notable Winners and Their Messages

Actress Lee Ha-nee (Honey Lee) captured the Best Actress award in the Miniseries category for her performance in Knight Flower. Expressing her gratitude, she remarked, “I didn’t think I deserved such a grand award, but I was fortunate to work with wonderful people. Despite physical challenges, the support from viewers allowed me to stand here. I want to dedicate this award to those who continue to sacrifice for others.”

The Best Actor award in the Miniseries category was shared by Yoo Yeon-seok for When the Phone Rings and Lee Je-hoon for Chief Detective 1958. Yoo acknowledged the challenges faced in December, saying, “This month has been especially cold and filled with sorrow. I hope 2025 brings only joy.”

Lee Je-hoon commented on his dedication to the role, expressing, “Although I felt lacking in many ways while working on the project, I did my best to present a treasured piece of work. I believe it will be a memorable part of my life.” He also honored actor Choi Bul-am, whose legacy he sought to honor in his performance.

Award Winners in Detail

This year’s awards saw Black Out dominate the night, winning five awards, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Character, and Best New Actor. When The Phone Rings collected four awards, including Best Couple, while Chief Detective 1958 was celebrated as Drama of the Year, with Knight Flower also securing four wins.

In other recognitions, veteran actor Choi Bul-am was honored with the Lifetime Award, while the late Kim Soo-mi received a posthumous Special Plaque of Appreciation Award. Actress Seo Hyo-rim emotionally accepted the award on Kim Soo-mi’s behalf, reminiscing about her strong ties to MBC.

Looking Ahead: MBC’s 2025 Drama Lineup

The event also provided a glimpse into MBC’s drama offerings for 2025, featuring a diverse array of genres. Highlights include the romantic series Motel California, an undercover high school drama titled Undercover High School, the youthful romance Bunny and Her Boys, and a socially relevant drama, Labor Attorney Noh Moo-jin.

The 2024 MBC Drama Awards were notably pre-recorded in light of the Jeju Air tragedy, fostering a reflective and subdued atmosphere amongst the attendees.

Complete List of Award Winners

Grand Prize (Daesang): Han Suk-kyu ( Doubt )
Drama of the Year: Chief Detective 1958
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Lee Ha-nee (Honey Lee) (Knight Flower)
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Yoo Yeon-seok (When the Phone Rings), Lee Je-hoon (Chief Detective 1958)
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily/Short Drama: Uhm Hyun-kyung (The Brave Yong Su-jeong), Oh Seung-ah (The Third Marriage)
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Daily/Short Drama: Seo Joon-young (The Brave Yong Su-jeong)
Best Actress Award: Kim Nam-joo (Wonderful World)
Best Actor Award: Byun Yo-han (Black Out)
Best Couple: Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin (When the Phone Rings)
Best Character: Jung Sang-hoon (The Pork Cutlets), Kwon Hae-hyo (Bitter Sweet Hell, Black Out)
Lifetime Award: Choi Bul-am
Special Plaque of Appreciation Award: The late Kim Soo-mi
Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Chae Soo-bin (When the Phone Rings)
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Lee Dong-hwi (Chief Detective 1958), Lee Jong-won (Knight Flowers)
Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily/Short Drama: Oh Se-young (The Third Marriage)
Excellence Award, Actor in a Daily/Short Drama: Moon Ji-hoo (The Third Marriage)
Best Supporting Actress: Kim Mi-kyung (Knight Flowers, Black Out)
Best Supporting Actor: Jo Jae-yoon (Knight Flowers, Black Out)
Best New Actress: Chae Won-bin (Doubt)
Best New Actor: Lee Ga-seop (Black Out), Heo Nam-joon (When the Phone Rings)