Actor Seo Kang-joon has taken home the Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Drama Awards.
Seo, who starred as the lead in this year’s drama Undercover High School, received the top honor at the awards ceremony held on December 30 at the MBC Media Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul.
In Undercover High School, Seo Kang-joon portrayed Jung Hae-seong, a National Intelligence Service agent who goes undercover as a high school student to recover gold bars once belonging to Emperor Gojong. Throughout the series, he delivered what was described as a “one-man show,” captivating viewers with his presence.
From his voice and facial expressions to his gaze and overall atmosphere, Seo demonstrated meticulous and detailed acting that heightened the appeal of the character and proved his limitless range. He showcased a wide spectrum of performances spanning action, comedy, human drama, and thriller genres, freely unfolding the narrative with commanding acting that marked a new career-defining work.
Thanks to Seo Kang-joon’s performance, Undercover High School recorded the highest viewership rating among MBC dramas aired this year, reaching 8.3 percent nationwide according to Nielsen Korea.
Accepting the award, Seo said, “I would like to thank the drama’s production team who trusted me with this project, as well as all the staff members who guided me so well,” adding that he did not forget to express his gratitude to his family.
He continued, “For more than ten years of acting, I have always told myself to cherish every moment, yet there were many days when I unknowingly forgot that resolve. When I went to the military, I truly missed being on set. Undercover High School was the first project I filmed after completing my service.” He added, “I am surprised to receive such a heavy award through this work. I believed I was acting with a lot of thought, but when I look around, there are so many people who work harder than I do. I can only think that I was simply lucky. I do not know how long I will be able to act, but until the day I conclude this journey, I do not want to be replaceable. That is why I will act and study with even greater earnestness. Thank you.”
Seo Kang-joon has built a strong presence across television and film, appearing in dramas such as Cunning Single Lady, Hwajeong, Cheese in the Trap, Entourage, Are You Human Too?, WATCHER, and Grid, as well as films including The Beauty Inside, Sorry, I Love You, Thank You, and A Year-End Medley, establishing himself as a trusted and popular actor.
With his solid performance in Undercover High School, in which he constantly crossed the extreme boundaries between a National Intelligence Service agent and a high school student, Seo delivered a deep emotional resonance, drawing attention to his future acting endeavors.
Meanwhile, having further solidified his brand through Undercover High School, Seo Kang-joon is set to make a special appearance in Netflix’s upcoming drama Monthly Boyfriend, heightening anticipation among global fans.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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