IU’s Viral Acceptance Speech at Seoul Drama Awards 2025: A Heartfelt Tribute That Moved Co-Stars and Fans
By C.M. Ong | Oct. 2, 2025
Source: THE K-POP
The 20th Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2025, held on October 2 at KBS Hall in Seoul, was filled with glamorous red-carpet appearances and major victories, but one moment stood out above all: IU’s emotional acceptance speech after winning Outstanding Korean Actress for her performance in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines.
The moment was made especially poignant when Yeom Hye-ran, who played IU’s mother (Gwang-rye) in the drama, presented her with the award and shared a tearful, heartfelt embrace. Rather than delivering a standard thank-you, IU used the stage to honor the drama’s heart: its characters and the people who supported her.
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IU’s Words That Touched Millions
In her moving speech, IU shared her gratitude for the drama's impact:
“I am deeply grateful to the viewers who loved When Life Gives You Tangerines so much. I am also sincerely thankful to beloved writer Im Sang-chun, director Kim Won-seok, and all the production staff and crew who were on-site. It was an honor to work with senior actors Kim Yong-rim, Na Moon-hee, senior Yeom Hye-ran, and all the other colleagues present here.”
She concluded with a highly personal and touching tribute that referenced her character's journey:
“Lastly, to my Aesoon and my Geum-myeong, my beloved mother and my father who isn't exactly like Gwan-sik but is cute and lovable in his own way, our grandmother, my family, I love you so much. Being able to work on When Life Gives You Tangerines will always be a source of pride and honor for me. Thank you, everyone.”
By anchoring her gratitude in the fictional world that connected her to audiences and sharing a tender moment with her on-screen mother, IU created a moment of narrative intimacy rarely seen at award shows.
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Her Speech touched Souls
Fans across Twitter/X, Reddit, and Instagram quickly clipped and shared the moment, praising IU for her authenticity and the palpable emotion shared with Yeom Hye-ran. Many noted that her words and the presenter's reaction transcended typical celebrity speeches, offering instead a tribute to resilience, family, and human connection.
Within hours, hashtags like #IUatSDA2025 and #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines trended globally, with fans calling the speech “genuine,” “soulful,” and “the highlight of SDA 2025.”
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A Win Beyond the Trophy
IU’s award was already historic — her drama was one of two Netflix titles (When Life Gives You Tangerines and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call) that dominated the K-drama categories this year. But her speech elevated the moment into something bigger: a cultural event that reaffirmed her reputation as an artist who connects deeply with her audience.
Critics noted that this authenticity is exactly why IU remains a defining figure of Hallyu, bridging artistry, sincerity, and global influence.
Key Takeaway
The 20th SDA celebrated the best in international television, but IU’s speech reminded everyone why stories matter. It wasn’t just a thank-you — it was a powerful reminder of the deep, personal power of drama to inspire, heal, and connect people across the world.
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