Seoul’s star-studded event of the year, the SBS Drama Awards, was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a hint of suspense as the prestigious Best Couple award faced an unexpected whirlwind of controversy. Held on December 29 at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, the ceremony celebrated the zenith of Korean drama talent, ultimately crowning “My Demon” stars Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang as the ultimate duo post-debate.
The drama kingdom buzzed with speculation as the fan-favorite pair faced an uneasy journey to their victory. Nominated alongside formidable pairings from “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” and “Dr. Romantic 3,” Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung’s on-screen chemistry in “My Demon” had set social media aflame, tipping the scales in their favor during the initial stages of the awards race. Their chemistry not only mesmerized audiences but also surged ahead in the official online voting held from December 18 to 27, as the pairing garnered a staggering number of votes, nearly tripling that of their nearest competitors.
However, as the online voting concluded, SBS stirred the pot with a hasty announcement. The network declared that the final decision for the Best Couple award would transcend mere numbers, incorporating several unspecified criteria into the decision-making process. This cryptic statement shook the very foundations of fan trust and sparked rumors that the network might be sidelining Song Kang due to reports of his expected absence from the awards night. Whisperings of irregularities and last-minute rule changes haunted the days leading up to the ceremony.
In a swift rebuttal, SBS clarified earlier in the week that Song Kang was simply ensnared in scheduling commitments, fuelling hope that he might grace the ceremony with his presence. Still, the damage was done, and the rumor mill continued to churn unabated. Defying the odds and silencing the skeptics, on the night it mattered the most, SBS stood firm on its word and dismissed any suspicions of foul play. Song Kang, albeit noticeably absent, and Kim Yoo Jung emerged as the undeniable Best Couple, a victory sweetened as they also clinched the Top Excellence Award (Romance or Rom-Com Miniseries) title.
Amidst the pairs’ shared triumph, the solitary figure of Kim Yoo Jung graced the stage to claim the shared trophy, an homage to her absent co-star and testament to their collective on-screen allure.
The night continued with its grandeur, with Lee Je Hoon and Kim Tae Ri being jointly honored with the Daesang (Grand Prize) for their outstanding roles in “Taxi Driver 2” and “Revenant,” respectively. The critical darling “Dr. Romantic 3” saw its leads Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Sung Kyung bestowed with the Top Excellence Award (Multi-Season Series), cementing their status as powerhouses of acting brilliance.
Further nods included “Taxi Driver 2” racing away with the Netizen’s Best 2023 SBS Drama accolade, while “Revenant’s” Jin Sun Kyu secured the Best Performance Award, solidifying the production’s critical acclaim. A poignant note resonated through the venue as the ‘Payback: Money and Power’ team chose to abstain from the festivities, a mark of respect for the recently deceased Lee Sun-kyun, celebrated for his role in the international hit “Parasite.” Singer Hwasa paid her own tribute to the fallen star, modifying her scheduled SBS Drama Awards performance in his honor, embedding the night with an emotive homage.
The camera flashes have dimmed, the applause has subsided, but the night’s events will continue to resonate through the annals of Korean drama history. Controversy and celebration intermingled, underscoring the vibrant heart of an industry that thrives amidst passion, talent, and, most unmistakably, love.
