The third Blue Dragon Series Awards had not even begun when Zhang Hao, a member of ZEROBASEONE, became the first and only fifth-generation K-pop idol to win the OST Popularity Award on Friday, July 19, 2024. Despite his absence from the event, the Chinese singer, based in South Korea, received a flood of congratulatory messages from his fans online. This accolade also makes Hao the first-ever non-Korean artist to achieve victory at the Blue Dragon Series Awards.
Key Points
A Historic Win for Zhang Hao
Zhang Hao’s triumph is notable not only because of his idol status but also due to the song that earned him the award: “I Wanna Know” from Exchange Season 3. His win signifies a broader acceptance and recognition of diverse talents in the K-pop industry and beyond, highlighting the global appeal of K-pop music and its artists.
The Blue Dragon Series Awards: A Prestigious Event
The Blue Dragon Series Awards, established in 2022, celebrate excellence in OTT (Over-The-Top) television. This year’s ceremony, held at Paradise City in Incheon, South Korea, featured the return of the iconic hosting duo, Im Yoon Ah (YoonA) and Jun Hyun Moo. Their dynamic presence has become a staple of the event, raising the standards and adding glamour to the annual awards series.
Nominees and Red Carpet Glamour
In June 2024, Blue Dragon Series officials announced the nominees for over ten award categories. The star-studded event welcomed beloved actors and creatives on the red carpet at 6:30 pm KST, with the main ceremony commencing two hours later. Notable attendees included Song Hye Kyo, Jo Bo Ah, Park Bo Young, Park Ji Hoon, Choi Hyun Wook, and Im Siwan.
Disney Plus’ “Moving” dominated the nominations with seven nods, followed by SNL Korea Season 5 with five. The event was broadcast live on KBS 2TV in South Korea, with live streams of the red carpet available on the official YouTube channels KBS Kpop and KBS Entertain.
Highlights and Winners
The 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards recognized exceptional talent in various categories. The complete list of winners includes:
- OST Popularity Award: Zhang Hao for “I Wanna Know” (Exchange Season 3)
- Best New Actor: Lee Jung Ha for Moving
- Best New Actress: Go Youn Jung for Moving
- Best Supporting Actor: Ahn Jae Hong for Mask Girl
- Best Supporting Actress: Geum Hae Na for A Shop for Killers
- Best New Entertainer (Male): Kwak Joon Bin for The Devil’s Plan
- Best New Entertainer (Female): Yoon Ga I for SNL Korea Season 5
- Best Male Entertainer: Shin Dong Yeop for SNL Korea Season 5
- Best Female Entertainer: Jang Do Yeon for High School Mystery Club Season 3
- Why Not Award: An Yu Jin for Crime Scene Returns
- TIRTIR Popularity Star Award:
- Choi Woo Sik for A Killer Paradox
- Park Ji Yoon for Crime Scene Returns
- (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon for My Sibling’s Romance
- DEX for Zombieverse
Zhang Hao: A Rising Star
Zhang Hao’s award marks a significant milestone in his career. As a non-Korean artist, his recognition at such a prestigious event underscores the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. Fans celebrated his victory with overwhelming enthusiasm, flooding social media with supportive messages and congratulations.
The Impact of Zhang Hao’s Win
Zhang Hao’s success story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and talent crossing cultural boundaries. His achievement not only boosts his career but also sets a precedent for other international artists in the K-pop industry. It highlights the increasing diversity and global reach of K-pop, showing that talent and hard work can indeed overcome cultural and geographical barriers.
Looking Ahead
As the Blue Dragon Series Awards continue to unfold, anticipation builds for the remaining categories, including Best Entertainment Program, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Drama, and the coveted Grand Prize (Daesang). The event promises to deliver more surprises and celebrate the best in OTT television.
Conclusion
The 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards have already made headlines with Zhang Hao’s historic win. As the ceremony continues, it’s clear that this year’s event will be remembered for its celebration of diverse talent and groundbreaking achievements. Stay tuned for more updates as the night progresses and more winners are announced.
Share Your Thoughts
What did you think of Zhang Hao’s win at the Blue Dragon Series Awards? Do you believe this sets a new trend for international artists in K-pop? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about this exciting and groundbreaking event.
