MANILA, Philippines — Powerhouse names like Anne Curtis and Dingdong Dantes lead the Filipino contingent for this year’s Seoul International Drama Awards.
Organizers shared that this year’s ceremony saw 352 submissions — 229 from Asia alone — from 46 countries and regions, breaking the 346 count set two years ago.
There are 23 Filipino actors competing for the Philippine category of the Outstanding Asian Star award, won last year by Daniel Padilla for “Incognito.”
Dingdong, a past recipient of the award, is being considered for his role in “The Master Cutter,” while Anne is recognized for the Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.” Her co-stars, Carlo Aquino and Joshua Garcia, are also in the running for the award.
Joshua is cited for his work in his newest drama “Love Is Never Gone” with his leading lady and fellow entrant Ivana Alawi, while Dantes’ co-star, Max Collins, is in contention too.
Four actors from “What Lies Beneath” (Charlie Dizon, Kaila Estrada, JM De Guzman, and Jake Cuenca) and three from “Kamao” (Anton and Roi Vinzon, Katrina Halili) are also in contention.
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Shows with dual contestants were “The Alibi” (Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu), “Ghosting” (JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith), and “The Silent Noise” (Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo).
Kim was the Outstanding Asian Star recipient before Daniel, with other Filipino award winners, including Dennis Trillo, Gabby Concepcion, Alden Richards, Belle Mariano, and Kathryn Bernardo.
“Blood vs Duty” star Bela Padilla and “Sins of the Father” actress Shaina Magdayao are in the running, as well as Gerald Anderson, who headlines both shows. Rounding out the Filipino contingent is Amy Austia for “The First Vote.”
Outside PH
The Outstanding Asian Star contest for other countries is proving to be just as intense, especially in host country Korea.
“Tempest” stars Gang Dong-won and Gianna Jun, “Can This Love Be Translated?” stars Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, “The Manipulated” stars Ji Chang-wook and Doh Kyung-soo or EXO’s D.O., and “Genie, Make a Wish” leads Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy are among the K-drama tandems in contention.
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A few solo representatives are Yoona from “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” Park Bo-young from “Gold Land,” Park Ji-hoon from “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” and Jisoo from “Boyfriend on Demand,” which was partially shot in the Philippines.
Notable names elsewhere are Thai stars Win Metawin and Rebecca Armstrong, Chinese actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Linghe, and Japanese thespian Shun Oguri.
This year’s ceremony marks the first-ever submissions from three African countries — Togo’s “Ahoe,” Algeria’s “Fatma,” and Rwanda’s “Hurts Harder.”
Western projects are also expected to make a splash, such as “Beef,” “Slow Horses,” and “Pluribus.”
The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards will take place at Korea’s KBS Hall on October 8. Public programs and fan events will be held the next two days around Seoul.
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