Singer-actress IU scored Best Actress, while Yeom Hye-ran won Best Supporting Actress.
It’s been four months since When Life Gives You Tangerines aired its final episode, but honestly? No one’s moved on. The love story of Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) and Ae-sun (IU) has lived rent-free in our hearts ever since, and now, it’s officially earned its place in K-drama history.
The hit drama just scored Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, the biggest honor of the night—and that’s just the beginning. With a total of four wins, When Life Gives You Tangerines emerged as the most awarded show of the evening, proving its lasting impact on both fans and critics across Asia and beyond.
A Love Letter to Youth, Family, and Nostalgia
More than just a love story, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautiful tribute to the bittersweetness of youth, the quiet strength of family, and the messy, magical journey of growing up. From a mother’s first love and a father’s hidden past to a rebellious grandma with secrets of her own, the series wove together generations of stories with warmth, humor, and emotional depth.
It’s no surprise that the show still resonates so deeply. It felt like flipping through an old family album—one filled with joy, pain, awkward moments, and unforgettable memories. And the rest of the world clearly felt it, too.
Here’s the Complete List of Winners of the Blue Dragon Series Awards 2025
Held on July 18 at Paradise City, Incheon, the Blue Dragon Series Awards celebrated the best in Korean streaming and television content. Hosted by Girls’ Generation’s Yoona and broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo, the event honored top talents in K-dramas, OTT content, and variety shows.
When Life Gives You Tangerines and the comedy-medical hit The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call were the evening’s biggest winners. Park Bo-gum, who played the young adult version of Gwan-sik, gave a heartfelt speech thanking the entire cast and crew. He also gave a special shoutout to both the child actor and veteran actor Park Hae-joon, who portrayed Gwan-sik at different stages of life.
IU, receiving her first-ever Best Actress award, moved the audience with her emotional acceptance speech: “This will likely remain the proudest work of my life. It made me feel more alive and expressive than ever. To all the Aesoons who lived their lives vividly in a world that told us to stay blurry, and to every Geummyeong who planted their dreams with boldness, I dedicate my respect and gratitude.”
On the variety side, Kian’s Bizarre B&B also had a strong showing, winning three awards. The show, featuring BTS’s Jin, Ji Ye-eun, and Kian84, has become a fan-favorite for its chaotic charm and unlikely housemate dynamic.
Here’s the full winner list from the 2025 Blue Dragon Series Awards:
- Daesang (Grand Prize): When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Best Drama: The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
- Best Actress: IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Supporting Actress: Yeom Hye Ran (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Best Actor: Ju Ji Hoon (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kwang Soo (Karma)
- Best Rookie Actress: Kim Min Ha (Way Back Love)
- Best Rookie Actor: Choo Young Woo (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call)
- Best Variety Program: Culinary Class Wars
- Best Female Entertainer: Lee Soo Ji (SNL Korea Seasons 6, 7)
- Best Male Entertainer: Kian84 (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
- Best Rookie Female Entertainer: OH MY GIRL’s Mimi (Kian is CEO)
- Best Rookie Male Entertainer: Moon Sang Hoon (The Blank Menu for You)
- Upbeat Popular Star Award: Hyeri, IU, Lee Jun Hyuk, Park Bo Gum
- OST Popularity Award: TXT’s Yeonjun (Cinderella at 2AM)
- LG U+ Good Influence Award: Ji Ye Eun (Kian’s Bizarre B&B)
