What Is 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards

Overview

The 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards marked the first major South Korean award show dedicated exclusively to content released on streaming platforms. Organized by Sports Chosun, a subsidiary of the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, it aimed to spotlight high-quality productions from services like Netflix, Disney+, and local platforms such as TVING and Wavve.

This new ceremony filled a gap in Korea’s entertainment awards landscape by focusing on digital-first content, which had gained massive global traction. The event celebrated both Korean dramas and variety shows, emphasizing innovation and artistic achievement in the evolving media ecosystem.

• July 19, 2022: The inaugural ceremony was held at the Incheon Paradise Hotel, marking a new chapter in Korean entertainment recognition.
• 11 award categories: Included Best Series, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Variety Show, among others.
• Squid Game: Won the prestigious Best Series award, cementing its status as a global phenomenon after its 2021 release.
• The Red Sleeve: Won Best Director (Kim Seong-yoon), recognized for its historical storytelling and visual craftsmanship.
• Strong international presence: Nominees and winners included content distributed globally by Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+.

How It Works

The Blue Dragon Series Awards evaluates content based on artistic merit, audience impact, and cultural significance, with voting conducted by a panel of critics and industry professionals. Unlike traditional TV awards, it focuses solely on series released on OTT (over-the-top) platforms within the eligibility window.

• Eligibility Period: Content released between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022, was considered for the inaugural awards. This ensured recent productions were recognized.
• Voting Panel: A jury of 30 entertainment journalists from Sports Chosun evaluated nominees, with supplementary input from industry experts and public sentiment.
• Best Series: Awarded to the most outstanding Korean drama or variety series based on storytelling, production quality, and global reach.
• Genre Categories: Separate awards for drama and variety content ensured fair competition across different formats and creative styles.
• Platform Inclusivity: Any Korean-produced series on Netflix, Disney+, TVING, Wavve, or Apple TV+ was eligible, regardless of distribution model.
• Award Statuette: Winners received a custom-designed trophy symbolizing creativity and excellence in digital storytelling, crafted by a renowned Korean artist.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards compares to other major Korean award shows:

The Blue Dragon Series Awards stands out by being the only major ceremony exclusively for streaming content. While others include digital platforms, this award was created in direct response to the rise of OTT services and their dominance in Korean entertainment consumption.

Why It Matters

The launch of the Blue Dragon Series Awards reflects the transformative shift in how audiences consume Korean content, with global streaming platforms now rivaling traditional broadcasters. It validates the creative risks taken by producers and platforms investing in high-budget, innovative series.

• Global Recognition: The awards highlight Korean content’s international appeal, with winners like Squid Game reaching over 111 million households on Netflix.
• Industry Validation: Winning a Blue Dragon award boosts prestige for actors, directors, and production companies in a competitive market.
• Streaming Growth: The ceremony underscores the commercial success of OTT platforms, which saw Korean content revenue grow by 37% in 2021–2022.
• Youth Engagement: Digital-native audiences are the primary viewers, making this award a barometer for trends in younger demographics.
• Cultural Export: Recognizing K-dramas and K-variety helps promote Hallyu (Korean Wave) content worldwide through media coverage and awards buzz.
• Future Expansion: The 2022 success paved the way for future editions, with plans to add international categories by 2024.

As streaming continues to dominate entertainment, the Blue Dragon Series Awards is positioned to become a cornerstone of Korea’s cultural calendar, celebrating the digital era’s most impactful stories.