Ji Chang-wook Receives Top Excellence Award in ‘Welcome to Samdalri’ at 2024 APAN Star Awards

Recap of the 2024 APAN Star Awards Ceremony

The 2024 APAN Star Awards were held on December 28 at the iconic Art Hall 1 within the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. This prestigious event continues to celebrate outstanding contributions in the television industry, showcasing talent across various platforms, including terrestrial, cable, and OTT channels.

Ji Chang-wook’s Victory

During the ceremony, Ji Chang-wook received the Male Top Excellence Award for Mid-Length Drama for his performance in ‘Welcome to Samdalri’. Expressing sincere gratitude, he remarked, “I am sincerely thankful. Seeing the list of nominees makes me appreciate even more the judges who made this decision.”

He reflected on the significance of the day amidst the many awards that occur at year-end, acknowledging the need to express gratitude more frequently in his life. Ji Chang-wook emphasized his appreciation for his colleagues and the show’s collaborators, stating, “To the Welcome to Samdalri team, my senior and junior colleagues, the residents of Samdal-ri who cooperated with us, and Director Cha Young-hoon, who worked tirelessly because of me, I sincerely thank you.”

His speech concluded with an optimistic pledge to continue his hard work, stating, “Please keep supporting me. Thank you, and Happy New Year!”

About the APAN Star Awards

This year’s ceremony recognized excellence across 19 award categories, specifically for dramas aired between November 2023 and October 2024. Organized by the Korea Entertainment Management Association alongside the Seoul Business Agency and Guardians Company, it honors exemplary talent and contributions in the Korean entertainment industry.

Complete List of Winners

Best New Actor: Kim Jung-jin, Noh Jae-won
Best New Actress : Chae Won-bin, Kang Mi-na
Male Acting Award : Jeon Bae-soo, Seo Hyun-chul
Female Acting Award: Kim Jung-nan, Jung Young-joo
Best Young Actor: Lee Joo-won
Best Young Actress: Park So-yi
Global Influencer Award (International) : Dasha Taran, Ayu Ting Ting, Wespie, Poonam Naruka
Global Influencer Award (Domestic): Shin Sama, Yuka
Idol Champ Popular Actor Award: Byeon Woo-seok
Idol Champ Popular Actress Award: Kim Hye-yoon
Idol Champ Best OST Award: Eclipse – “Sonagi”
Idol Champ Best Couple Award: Byeon Woo-seok & Kim Hye-yoon (Runaway with Seonjae, tvN)
Idol Champ Global Star Award: Byeon Woo-seok
Idol Champ Best Entertainer Award: Kang Daniel
Korea Celebrity Award: Lalal
Best Actor (Short/Web Drama): Lee Sang-woon
Best Actress (Short/Web Drama): Jung In-sun
Male Excellence Award (Long Drama): Kim Dong-jun
Female Excellence Award (Long Drama): Oh Hyun-kyung
Male Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama): Lee Yi-kyung
Female Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama): Jung Eun-chae
Best Writer Award: Choi Yoo-na
Best Director Award: Lee Myung-woo
Lifetime Achievement Award: Kim Young-ok
Male Top Excellence Award (Long Drama): Ji Hyun-woo
Female Top Excellence Award (Long Drama): Im Soo-hyang
Male Top Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama): Ji Chang-wook
Female Top Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama): Lee Honey
Best Drama Award: Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (tvN)
Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Tae-ri