(OSEN)

Hundreds of celebrities from 48 countries gathered at Seoul’s Sangam Culture Plaza for the 10th Seoul International Drama Awards Thursday evening.

Iconic hallyu star Lee Min-ho was the recipient of two prestigious awards -? the achievement award and popularity award -? which honored his contribution to promoting the hallyu wave. The star, who shot to fame with phenomenal hit TV rom-coms “Boys over Flowers” and “The Heirs,” is slated for a silver screen return with multinational action flick “Bounty Hunters.”

“It’s been more than two years since I appeared in a TV drama,” said Lee Min-ho. “I hope I will be onstage next year with my own drama.” Lee Young-ae was also awarded alongside Lee Min-ho, for her contribution for K-dramas.

Lee Joon-gi, who made hearts aflutter with recent MBC soap “Scholar Who Walks the Night,” received the hallyu drama actor award for his performance in the KBS2 series “Gunman in Joseon.” “Gunman in Joseon” was also recognized with the Hallyu Best Drama award along with the popular series, “Pinocchio.”

“It’s a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I feel a great deal of responsibility as a hallyu star,” said Lee Joon-gi, extending his thanks to the fans and the staff. “I feel blessed at the same time, to be loved by so many fans around the world.”

“Kill Me, Heal Me,” a medical drama starring Hwang Jung-eum and Ji Sung, won the top prize in the K-drama section. Hwang Jung-eum, who played a lead role in the drama, was acknowledged for her performance and received the Hallyu Drama Actress Award.

German TV series “Naked among Wolves” received the top prize at the 10th Seoul Drama Awards, while Korea’s “Misaeng” starring Yim Si-wan and Kang So-ra won Best Picture alongside Portugal’s “Open Your Eyes” and Canada’s “The Good Sister.” Singer Taeyeon from K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation was also honored with K-drama best soundtrack award.

The Seoul International Drama Awards is a festival that brings together professionals across the field of TV drama production and media industry.

By Ko Ji-seon (jiseonko@heraldcorp.com)