The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards lit up Paradise City Hotel in Incheon on July 18, delivering big wins, emotional speeches, and a few unexpected laughs. With star power shining and surprises around every corner, this year’s ceremony felt like a celebration not just of the industry’s best, but of bold storytelling that’s reshaping K-drama and entertainment culture.

🍊 When Life Gives You Tangerines Takes the Throne

The night belonged to When Life Gives You Tangerines , the sweeping Netflix drama that clinched the Grand Prize (Daesang) and left a deep emotional impact on both the audience and its cast.

Park Bo Gum, who won the top honor for his portrayal of Gwan Sik, gave a heartfelt thanks:

“This was made possible thanks to the child actors and senior actor Park Hae Joon. It was an honor to portray Gwan Sik.”

But it was IU who brought the house down with her first-ever Best Actress win. Fighting back tears, she declared:

“This will likely remain the proudest work of my life. It made me feel more alive and expressive than ever.”

She also delivered one of the most poetic moments of the night:

“To all the Aesoons who lived vividly in a world that told us to stay blurry, and every Geummyeong who dared to dream — I dedicate my gratitude.”

Yeom Hye Ran, who played the fiery Gwang Rye in the same drama, won Best Supporting Actress and summed it up best:

“I've never received this much praise in my life. It’s overwhelming.”

🩺 The Trauma Code Heals Its Way to Victory

Netflix’s The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call wasn’t far behind in buzz, grabbing Best Drama and two major acting awards.

Ju Ji Hoon earned Best Actor, praising the crew’s passion and his director:

“Bringing a comic book to life isn’t easy. But Director Lee Do Yoon helped turn chaos into clarity.”

Choo Young Woo was awarded Best New Actor, and his speech struck a chord:

“Thank you for helping me evolve from Choo Young Woo the person to Choo Young Woo the actor.”

🍳 Variety Vibes & Viral Dreams

On the variety front, Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars cooked up a win for Best Entertainment Program. Director Kim Hak Min stole the spotlight with a hilarious revelation:

“I once dreamed Natalie Portman commented on the show. That dream kind of came true!”

He teased Season 2 with promises of next-level dishes and more culinary chaos.

Lee Soo Ji of SNL Korea and Kian84 of Kian’s Bizarre B&B took home Best Female and Male Entertainer, respectively. Kian84’s speech? Pure comedy gold:

“D.O. said he dreamt I died after a hair transplant. He cursed me out, but called it a lucky dream. Thanks, D.O.!”

💥 A Bit of Chaos and a Lot of Love

A brief mix-up saw Lee Jun Young mistakenly take the stage for a popularity award that went to Lee Jun Hyuk, adding a laugh to an otherwise heartfelt evening.

The Upbit Popularity Awards, voted by fans, were a who's who of beloved stars: Park Bo Gum, IU, Hyeri, and Lee Jun Hyuk.

And a special shoutout to TXT's Yeonjun, who won Best OST Popularity Award for “Cinderella at 2 AM” ... proving K-pop and K-drama still reign hand-in-hand.

🏅 Full Winner's List:

• Grand Prize (Daesang): When Life Gives You Tangerines

• Best Drama: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

• Best Variety Show: Culinary Class Wars

• Best Actress: IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines)

• Best Actor: Ju Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code)

• Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye Ran (Tangerines)

• Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang Soo (Karma)

• Best New Actor: Choo Young Woo (The Trauma Code)

• Best New Actress: Kim Min Ha (Way Back Love)

• Best Male Entertainer: Kian84 (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)

• Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo Ji (SNL Korea)

• Upbit Popularity Stars: IU, Park Bo Gum, Hyeri, Lee Jun Hyuk

• Best OST: TXT's Yeonjun (“Cinderella at 2 AM”)

• LG U+ Good Influence Award: Ji Ye Eun

• Best New Male Entertainer: Moon Sang Hoon (The Blank Menu for You)

• Best New Female Entertainer: Mimi (Kian is CEO)