2024 KBS Drama Awards Set to Air After National Mourning Period

The 2024 KBS Drama Awards, which were postponed due to a national mourning period following a tragic plane crash, will soon be broadcasted. Originally scheduled for December 31 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, the event was set to be hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Seo Hyun, and Moon Sang-min, and aired live on KBS2.

The postponement came after a serious incident on December 29, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, collided with the runway's outer wall during landing at Muan International Airport. This devastating accident resulted in the loss of 179 out of 181 passengers. In response, the government declared a national mourning period lasting until January 4 at midnight.

Due to the somber atmosphere, various year-end award ceremonies, including the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, the 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards, the 2024 MBC Drama Awards, and the 2024 MBC Music Festival, were canceled or postponed.

As the mourning period concludes, broadcasting networks are planning to reschedule the events that were affected. According to OSEN's reports, discussions are underway regarding the new dates for the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, with January 7 and 11 being considered. However, KBS has stated that no final decision has been made yet.

Nominees for the prestigious Grand Prize include Lee Soon-jae for '개소리' (Barking), Ji Hyun-woo and Lim Soo-hyang for '미녀와 순정남' (Beauty and the Beast), Kim Jung-hyun and Park Ji-young for '다리미 패밀리' (Iron Family), and Kim Ha-neul for '멱살 한번 잡힙시다' (Let’s Grab the Collar).

The opening show will be directed by Kinky, featuring performances from Kim Da-hyun, who sang the OST for '미녀와 순정남', and the Yuk Joong-wan Family, who performed for '다리미 패밀리'. Additionally, Ok Joo-hyun and Kim Sung-sik will present a duet from the musical 'Mata Hari'.

Notably, Seo Hyun, who is serving as one of the MCs, will be using a cane due to an injury sustained while filming the new KBS2 drama '남주의 첫날밤을 가져버렸다' (The Night of the Male Lead). Despite her injury, she is determined to fulfill her role as MC, earning admiration from fans as images of her using the cane circulate online.

Following the end of the national mourning period, other award shows will also return to the screen, with the 2024 MBC Drama Awards scheduled for January 5, and discussions ongoing for the rescheduling of the canceled 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards during the Lunar New Year holiday.