Seoul Int'l Drama Awards 2025: Ben Stiller Wins Golden Bird Award, 'Iron Kids' Nabs Grand Prize with 3 Wins
The 20th Seoul International Drama Awards 2025 announced its winners on the 16th. Out of 276 submissions from 50 countries and 409 nominees, 7 works and 16 individuals received awards across the International Competition, K-Drama, and International Invitation categories.
Director Ben Stiller took home the highest honor, the Golden Bird Award, for his Apple TV+ series <The Severance: Season 2>. Recognized for its unique premise and insightful portrayal of modern corporate dystopia, the show had previously swept 8 awards at the 77th Emmy Awards. The organizing committee cited Stiller's direction as being most aligned with the awards' ethos.
Netflix's <Iron Kids> was a major winner, securing the Grand Prize in the International Competition, along with the awards for Best Director and Best Actor, totaling three wins. The drama was lauded for tackling pressing social issues like juvenile delinquency, gender conflict, and cyberbullying with compelling storytelling and performances. Owen Cooper, who won Best Actor, is gaining international attention as a rising star, following his record as the youngest male acting winner at the Emmys.
In the K-Drama category, Netflix productions <Trauma Center> and <When You Wish Upon a Star> shared the Best Drama award. Ji Chang-wook (<Trauma Center>) and IU (<When You Wish Upon a Star>) won Best Actor and Best Actress respectively, marking a double win for each series. <Trauma Center>, a webtoon adaptation, impressed with its gripping plot and action, while <When You Wish Upon a Star> resonated with its heartwarming story of youth set against the backdrop of Jeju Island.
International Competition's Best Actress award was a tie between Cate Blanchett for <Disclaimer> and Kim Min-ha for <Pachinko Season 2>. <Pachinko Season 2> also won Best Miniseries, making it a two-time winner. The Best Director award was shared by Philippe Barantini for <Iron Kids> and the acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda for <Like a Dragon>.
Singer Young Tak received the OST Award for his rendition of 'Unknown Life' from KBS2's <Take Care of the Eagle Five Brothers>. Seven stars, including Kim Seon-ho and Jisoo, were honored with the Asia Star Award in the International Invitation category.
The 20th Seoul International Drama Awards ceremony will be held on October 2nd at the KBS Hall, and will be broadcast worldwide on October 3rd via SBS TV and its official YouTube channel.
Ben Stiller is a multi-talented Hollywood figure, renowned as an actor, director, and producer. He is particularly celebrated for his contributions to comedy but has recently garnered critical acclaim for directing dramas that explore profound themes. His directorial works often feature unique concepts and sharp social commentary, earning him a dedicated fanbase.