Kdrama Celebrities Attend Seoul International Drama Awards

The star-studded Seoul International Drama Awards took place yesterday and several kdrama actors were honored for their work at the National Theater of Korea.

Emcees for the event were Suzy Bae, who also won Best Actress Award for her role in "Gu Family Book," and her co-star in that drama, Lee Sung Jae.

Actresses Park Ha Sun and Kim So Hyun, singer No Min Woo, a.k.a. Icon, Japanese actress Fuji Mina, and 2PM's Junho were among the celebrities who attended the event. Kara, B.A.P. and 4Minute were among the performers.

Actor and JYJ singer Kim Jae Joong accepted an award for the song "Living Like A Dream," which he contributed to the "Dr. Jin" soundtrack. His acceptance speech was short and consisted simply of modestly thanking his fans. Dressed in a silver print suit, he humbly expressed his thanks while fans yelled out their congratulations.

TVXQ's Jung Yunho received a People's Choice Award for his role in the drama "Yawang" but his schedule prevented him from being present to accept it. He sent a video message.

In that message he said that it meant a lot to him to receive the award, as it was also an award that represents Korea.

"I present this award to the fans that supported the drama 'Yawang.' The drama staff and cast were like family to me, especially the senior actors Lee Duk Hwa and Kwon Sang Woo," said Yunho.

Lee Jun Ki received the award for Best Actor for his role in "Arang and The Magistrate" That drama also won "Best Picture Award," while the SBS drama "Yawang" won Outstanding Picture.

The Israeli drama "Prisoners of War 2" received the top award of the night, the Daesang.

Award winners were chosen by from over 200 international entries, originating in 48 different countries. To compete in the event, the shows had to be broadcast by a major company and have been exported to at least 15 countries.

The ABC show "Mistresses" was chosen as the most popular overseas drama. The series stars Kim Yun Jin, an actress who has appeared in kdramas and starred in the popular American television series "Lost."

Most of this year's big winners were fantasy historical dramas. Last year's Hallyu drama winners also strongly favored historical fantasy. Last year's excellence award went to  "Rooftop Prince," the drama about a time-traveling prince, with Park Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min winning best actor and actress.

The awards ceremony was available in 120 countries through MBC, Daum, UStream and YouTube.