The Seoul International Drama Awards Organizing Committee officially announced the nominees for the International Competition Category on August 20, 2026. Narrowed down from 352 submissions across 46 countries, the final shortlist highlights 30 titles and 34 individuals competing for top honors ahead of the ceremony on October 8.
Global Scope Meets Heavyweight Contenders in Seoul
Out of a staggering 352 submissions spanning 46 countries and regions, an international panel of judges sifted through hours of global content to curate a razor-thin final selection.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Nominee Slate
In the miniseries division, titles like My Royal Nemesis, The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, We Are All Trying Here, and You and Everything Else have secured coveted spots. Meanwhile, Our Golden Days grabbed a major nod in the series category, and My Baby Daddy is My Best Friend leads the short-form race.
Kim Go Eun earned a Best Actress nod for You and Everything Else, facing off against Jung In Sun, who is nominated alongside her Our Golden Days co-star Jung Il Woo. Meanwhile, Go Youn Jung pulled off an impressive feat by earning a double nomination across two separate dramas. In the Best Actor race, heavy hitters Ryu Seung Ryong and Kim Seon Ho join Koo Kyo Hwan and Jung Il Woo. On the writing side, Lee Byeong Heon (My Baby Daddy is My Best Friend) and Park Hae Young (We Are All Trying Here) secured nominations for Best Screenwriter.
| Category | Prominent Nominees | Associated Works |
|---|---|---|
| Miniseries | Selection of 4 titles | My Royal Nemesis, The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, We Are All Trying Here, You and Everything Else |
| Series | Selection of 1 title | Our Golden Days |
| Short Form | Selection of 1 title | My Baby Daddy is My Best Friend |
| Best Actor | Jung Il Woo, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Seon Ho, Ryu Seung Ryong | Various |
| Best Actress | Kim Go Eun, Jung In Sun, Go Youn Jung | You and Everything Else, Our Golden Days |
| Best Screenwriter | Lee Byeong Heon, Park Hae Young | My Baby Daddy is My Best Friend, We Are All Trying Here |
The Road to the October Ceremony
With the nominees now out in the open, the international television community turns its attention toward the final stretch. According to the organizing committee, the ultimate winners will be revealed in September, building anticipation for the live broadcast. Fans and industry insiders won’t have to miss a moment of the action when the official ceremony airs live on October 8 at 4:55 p.m. KST on MBC, alongside a simultaneous livestream on the awards’ official YouTube channel.
Which of these nominated series or standout actors do you think will ultimately take home the trophy in October?
