The Korean drama Chief Detective 1958 has captured widespread attention after winning the Drama of the Year award at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards, beating strong contenders like When the Phone Rings and Doubt.
Hosted by Kim Sung-joo and Chae Soo-bin, the awards ceremony was recorded at MBC Media Center in Sangam and aired on January 5, following a delay out of respect for the victims of the December 29 Muan Airport Jeju Air crash.
Actors Seo Kang-joon and Jin Ki-joo presented the Drama of the Year award. Announcing the winner, Jin Ki-joo said, “The Drama of the Year award goes to Chief Detective 1958. Congratulations!”
The cast of Chief Detective 1958, visibly stunned by the win, was captured on camera, with lead actor Lee Je-hoon even covering his mouth in disbelief.
Jin Ki-joo explained the win, saying, “Chief Detective 1958 is a prequel to MBC’s legendary series Detective Squad, blending a compelling storyline, vivid direction, and unique characters to deliver unmatched detail and craftsmanship. It has won immense love from audiences.”
Accepting the award, executive producer Jang Jae-hoon acknowledged the tragedy of the recent air crash and offered words of condolence. He expressed gratitude for the show's success, explaining, “Chief Detective 1958 was MBC’s first attempt to reinterpret its classic IP, Detective Squad. Thanks to the viewers’ love, we’ve received this incredible honor.”
He extended thanks to the production team, cast members including Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and industry veteran Choi Bool-am, who also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jang concluded with a teaser, saying, “We’re currently planning the next installment in the Detective Squad series. We aim to deliver an even better drama that surpasses Chief Detective 1958. Thank you to all viewers who continue to support MBC dramas.”
Chief Detective 1958, which aired as a 10-episode series from April to May last year, reached a peak viewership rating of 10.8% (Nielsen Korea). Starring Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and Kim Min-jae, the drama is set in 1958, following Detective Park Young-han and his quirky team as they confront corruption and redefine justice for the people.
Meanwhile, the night’s Grand Prize went to Han Seok-kyu for his performance in Doubt. During his acceptance speech, Han expressed humility and respect for the victims of the recent tragedy, saying, “As actors, we must reflect deeply on how our work can genuinely resonate with audiences. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by this tragedy.”
Key Winners of the 2024 MBC Drama Awards:
▲ Grand Prize: Han Seok-kyu (Doubt)
▲ Drama of the Year: Chief Detective 1958
▲ Best Actor in a Miniseries (Male): Yoo Yeon-seok (When the Phone Rings), Lee Je-hoon (Chief Detective 1958)
▲ Best Actor in a Miniseries (Female): Lee Ha-nee (Knight Flower)
▲ Best Couple: Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin (When the Phone Rings)
▲ Lifetime Achievement Award: Choi Bool-am
▲ Special Appreciation Award: Late Kim Soo-mi
▲ Best Supporting Actor (Male): Jo Jae-yoon (Knight Flower, Death to Snow White – Black Out)
▲ Best Supporting Actor (Female): Kim Mi-kyung (Knight Flower, Death to Snow White – Black Out)
▲ Rookie of the Year (Male): Lee Ga-sub (Death to Snow White – Black Out), Heo Nam-joon (When the Phone Rings)
▲ Rookie of the Year (Female): Chae Won-bin (Doubt)