He received it for playing Jung Hae-seong, an NIS (National Intelligence Service) agent, in "Undercover High School," his first project after mandatory military service.
The ceremony took place at the MBC Media Center in Sangam-dong, and the series also won Drama of the Year.
This victory represents a comeback, career continuity, and a renewed urgency toward his craft.
Seo Kang-joon: The Return of an Actor?
Overview
He stepped onstage.On December 30, 2025, at the MBC Drama Awards ceremony, Seo Kang-joon's name was announced as the winner of the Grand Prize.
In "Undercover High School" he balanced action and romance while playing Jung Hae-seong. The series peaked at an 8.3% viewership rating.
The show was hosted by Kim Sung-ju and Lee Sun-bin, and the ceremony gathered works and actors across genres to close the year.
"I don't want to be replaceable. I will study more urgently and act."
Seo Kang-joon spoke openly about the weight of returning to set after military service.
He showed surprise and joy at once, while emphasizing persistent study and reflection about his craft.
Meanwhile, the series' win for Drama of the Year highlighted both critical and audience attention.
History and Context
It is an end-of-year tradition.The MBC Drama Awards have been held each December since the 1990s, and they serve as a yearly review of the broadcaster's drama work (MBC is one of South Korea's major TV networks).
The Grand Prize is seen as more than a popularity trophy; it reflects acting skill and a performer’s overall contribution to a work.
On that night, the stage became a moment where a performer’s years, choices, practice, and public and critical response intersected.
Because the ceremony rests on practices and expectations built since the 1990s, winning the Grand Prize can shape an actor’s identity and future role choices.
This year's lineup ranged from fantasy historicals to black comedies, reflecting the year's trends.
Meaning and Impact
It is a significant turning point.Seo Kang-joon's win is symbolic because it is a first major award for a project after completing military service.
His performance was praised for weaving action and emotional beats naturally, which some interpret as evidence of a decade-plus of on-screen experience.
The Grand Prize signals not only a successful return but also the possibility of reshaping the actor ecosystem.
At the same time, the award recognizes the collaborative work of the cast and crew.
That "Undercover High School" also took Drama of the Year suggests the judges valued the show's overall craft and pull.
On a practical level, award outcomes can instantly affect investments by networks and producers, casting opportunities, and advertising exposure both short- and long-term.
Arguments in Favor
It is defensible.Supporters argue the win fairly recognizes his acting.
First, Seo Kang-joon expanded his range by mixing internal conflict with physical action.
Second, given this was his first project after military service, the level of polish in a short time points to focused preparation.
Third, awards should weigh acting and overall production quality beyond raw ratings.
Moreover, the win can remind younger actors about career planning and the value of steady craft development.
Acting is repetitive learning and long-term skill building (like training for any craft), and his case shows steady work leads to trust from audiences and peers.
Furthermore, this recognition can boost job stability by creating opportunities for larger productions, shifting resources across the actor market.
From this view, the Grand Prize functions as support for an actor's career plan rather than just a trophy.
Arguments Against
It deserves reexamination.Critics say the decision is not beyond question.
First, the series' peak 8.3% rating does not stand out dramatically compared with similar shows, raising doubts about broad audience backing.
Second, year-end awards can be influenced by internal broadcaster concerns, timing, or marketing effects, which complicates claims of objectivity.
Third, some point to possible soft influences like an actor's image, popularity, or agency activity affecting judgment. In other words, praising the win solely on acting may oversimplify the decision.
Fourth, for young actors, such a high-profile win can create unrealistic expectations. On the one hand it may narrow future choices; on the other hand it can lock an actor into certain genres for branding reasons.
Finally, while the award is symbolically powerful for an individual, it also raises questions about whether other works and performers were given equal consideration. Critics call for clearer transparency around judging to strengthen the ceremony's credibility.
These critiques can be the first step toward internal review to preserve the awards' authority.
Ripple Effects and Outlook
It signals change.In the short term, Seo Kang-joon's next role choices, endorsement deals, and media visibility will likely shift. Producers and networks may reassess his market value.
Over the medium term, the win may affect how companies plan returns after military service, making acting ability and character research more central in early-stage project development.
Meanwhile, the mixed reactions around the awards show the competing roles of public opinion, critics, and institutional trust.
From an industry perspective, observers should connect a trophy's commercial effects to project sustainability, accounting for production budgets, ad revenue, and platform distribution strategies.
Conclusion
The meaning is clear but layered.Seo Kang-joon's Grand Prize is a symbol of a successful comeback and a team effort behind a finished work. However, it also invites discussion about ratings, judging transparency, and industry context.
Ultimately, the clearest message is a reaffirmation of dedication to craft and continuous learning. Acting requires lifelong study, and the award highlights the need for career stability and ongoing training.
How do you evaluate this win?
