On December 28, 2024, the prestigious APAN Star Awards took place at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, celebrating the best in South Korean television. As South Korea's only integrated drama awards ceremony, the event showcased outstanding performances from dramas aired between November 2023 and October 2024 across multiple platforms including public broadcast, cable, OTT, and web dramas.

This year's biggest honor, the Daesang (Grand Prize), was awarded to the talented Kim Tae Ri for her captivating role in the hit drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born,” which also clinched the title of Best Drama. This recognition marks a significant milestone in her career, further solidifying her position as one of the leading actresses in the industry.

In addition to Kim Tae Ri’s win, the Top Excellence Awards celebrated remarkable performances by Ji Chang Wook for “Welcome to Samdalri” and Lee Ha Nee for “Knight Flower.” Notably, the talented duo from “Beauty and Mr. Romantic,” Ji Hyun Woo and Im Soo Hyang, also took home the Top Excellence Awards in their respective categories.

Audience favorites Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, stars of “Lovely Runner,” not only swept the Popularity Awards but also snagged the Best Couple title. Byeon Woo Seok further expanded his accolades by winning the Global Star Award, reflecting his rising international fame. His drama’s Original Soundtrack (OST) “Sudden Shower,” performed by his band Eclipse, was celebrated with the Best Original Soundtrack award, demonstrating the show's phenomenal popularity.

Excitingly, the breakout success of “Doubt” was recognized with best rookie awards for three of its rising stars: Chae Won Bin, Roh Jae Won, and Kim Jung Jin. This trio's impressive performances helped catapult them into the spotlight as some of the most promising new talents of the year.

Here’s a complete list of the awardees:

- **Daesang (Grand Prize)**: Kim Tae Ri (“Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born”) - **Best Drama**: “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born” - **Best Director**: Lee Myung Woo (“Boyhood”) - **Best Writer**: Choi Yoo Na (“Good Partner”) - **Male Top Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama)**: Ji Chang Wook (“Welcome to Samdalri”) - **Female Top Excellence Award (Mid-Length Drama)**: Lee Ha Nee (“Knight Flower”) - **Best Couple Award**: Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon (“Lovely Runner”) - **Best Original Soundtrack Award**: Eclipse – “Sudden Shower” (“Lovely Runner”) - **Best New Actor**: Kim Jung Jin, Roh Jae Won (“Doubt”) - **Best New Actress**: Chae Won Bin (“Doubt”) - **Achievement Award**: Kim Young Ok - **Idol Champ Best Entertainer**: Kang Daniel - **Korea Creative Award**: RalRal

With a dazzling array of talent recognized and celebrated, the 2024 APAN Star Awards continued to illuminate the vibrant storytelling and artistic prowess flourishing in the South Korean entertainment industry. Congratulations to all the winners! Stay tuned for more exciting dramas and performances as the new year unfolds!