Despite being mired in controversy, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun’s latest drama Queen of Tears has achieved significant recognition. The series won the prestigious ‘K-Drama Series of the Year’ award at the 6th VP Choice Awards. This victory comes in the wake of serious allegations connecting Kim Soo Hyun to his former co-star, the late Kim Sae Ron. Accusations surfaced claiming the two were romantically involved when Kim Sae Ron was underage, sparked by photos and videos released by the Garosero Research Institute.
The speculated relationship and its timing, along with Kim Sae Ron’s unfortunate death earlier this year, added a layer of emotional intensity to the scandal. Despite this turbulence, Queen of Tears managed to earn public admiration and critical acclaim, cementing its place as a fan favorite. The award serves as proof of the show’s quality and widespread impact, particularly among viewers in the Philippines where the VP Choice Awards are fan-driven.
The drama beat out several strong competitors to claim the title. Among the nominated shows were Lovely Runner, Love in the Big City, Family by Choice, Judge From Hell, and Marry My Husband. This win highlights not only the show’s gripping narrative but also the audience’s deep emotional connection to it, even amid controversy surrounding its lead actor.
Further adding to the spotlight, Kim Soo Hyun and his Queen of Tears co-star Kim Ji Won were awarded ‘K-Drama Couple of the Year’. Their on-screen chemistry fueled real-life dating rumors, which were later debunked by their representatives. Nevertheless, the duo’s compelling performances resonated powerfully with viewers, outshining other popular on-screen pairs in the category.
Online fans were quick to celebrate the series’ victory. A user on Threads praised the award as a tribute to the show’s emotional depth and cultural influence, adding the hashtag #WeStandWithKimSooHyun. Supporters emphasized that this recognition was powered by loyal fans who stood by the actor throughout the recent scandal.
Another fan page posted jubilantly on social media, expressing excitement over the show’s win and congratulating both Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won. The tweet echoed the sentiments of many who felt vindicated by the show’s success, emphasizing the strength of its storytelling despite the controversy around it.
The 6th VP Choice Awards also recognized several other stars and shows across various categories. Linlang won the ‘TV Series of the Year (Primetime)’, while Ang Himala ni Niño took the honor for daytime programming. Notable individual winners included Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu for acting, and Vice Ganda as the top TV host. These awards reflect a wide spectrum of talent across Asian entertainment.
Despite facing public scrutiny and media speculation, Queen of Tears and its cast have emerged victorious, reaffirming the show’s emotional grip on its audience. The accolades demonstrate that in the realm of entertainment, powerful storytelling and fan loyalty often prevail—even in the face of controversy.
