The 20th Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) wrapped up in style on October 2, 2025, celebrating two decades of honoring the best in global television drama. Held at KBS Hall in Yeouido, this year’s ceremony once again proved why the SDA has become one of the most respected platforms for international storytelling.
With 276 entries from 50 countries, the competition was tougher than ever. The jury honored seven outstanding works and 16 individuals across three major categories: International Competition, K-Drama Competition, and International Invitation.
The biggest winners of the night were Ben Stiller’s “Severance Season 2” (Apple TV+, USA), which took home the Golden Bird Prize, and the British Netflix drama “Adolescence”, which was awarded the Grand Prize.
Other SDA 2025 winners included IU, Ju Ji Hoon, When Life Gives You Tangerines, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, Jisoo, and more.
The event was hosted by comedian Jang Do Yeon and actor-singer Ok Taecyeon, who kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. Performances from ILLIT, Urban Zakapa, and legendary vocalist Jang Sa Ik made it as much a celebration as an award show.
For those who missed it live, the full ceremony will be broadcast on SBS TV on October 3rd.
20th Seoul International Drama Awards Winners
Here is a complete list of Seoul International Drama Awards winners
Golden Bird Prize
- Ben Stiller (Severance Season 2)
Grand Prize
- Adolescence (UK)
International Competition
Best Actor
- Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
Best Actress
- Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer)
- Minha Kim (Pachinko Season 2)
Best Series
- The Good & The Bad (Turkiye)
Best Miniseries
- Pachinko Season 2
Best TV Movie
- The Son (South Korea)
Best Director
- Hirokazu Kore-eda (Asura)
- Phillip Barantini (Adolescence)
Best Screenwriter
- Dan Erickson (Severance)
Korean Competition
Outstanding Korean Drama
- When Life Gives You Tangerines
- The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Outstanding Korean Drama Actress
- IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
Outstanding Korean Drama Actor
- Ju Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
Outstanding Korean Drama OST
- Unpredictable Life by Young Tak (For Eagle Brothers)
Outstanding Asian Stars (South Korea)
- Kim Seon Ho (The Tyrant)
- Jisoo of BLACKPINK (Newtopia)
International Invitation
Outstanding Asian Stars (Japan)
- Kentaro Sakaguchi (Beyond Goodbye)
Outstanding Asian Stars (China)
- Bai Yu (Bank On Me)
Outstanding Asian Stars (Philippines)
- Daniel Padilla (Incognito)
Outstanding Asian Stars (Thailand)
- Film Rachanun Mahawan (Pluto)
Outstanding Asian Stars (Malaysia)
- Anna Jobling (Dear Love)
Congratulations to all the Winners!
